National Hazing Prevention Week

Gamma Mu had a blast today taking over @kappa_alpha_theta snapchat to talk about #nhpw2016!

During National Hazing Prevention Week, we're excited to highlight several college chapters that have gone above and beyond in executing hazing prevention programs and creating supportive chapter environments. Chief Panhellenic Officer Kate Myers shares, "At Gamma Mu, we strive to support each other and develop our members into leaders within the University of Maryland community. We uphold expectations that both the Panhellenic Council and headquarters set for us as a chapter, and by abiding by them, we promote inclusion and safety." Kate said Gamma Mu began the fall semester with a showing of the movie "Haze," which tells the true story of fraternity member Gordie Bailey, who died from hazing-related alcohol poisoning. The chapter followed up the film with a discussion about the insidious roots of hazing and the often-downplayed risks of overconsumption.

This week, the chapter has partnered with several other Greek groups to discuss hazing facts and myths and is proudly displaying an anti-hazing banner. Great work, Gamma Mu! #LeadingWomenDontHaze#IBelieveinGreeks #NHPW2016

Scholarship Spotlight

Chase, Bridget, Haley, Sonali, and Maddy presented their practicum projects at the College Park Scholars Academic Showcase! They have been working on these capstone projects all semester, and we are so proud to call these smart ladies our sisters. 

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Theta Spotlight : Lauren Koenig

A huge congratulations to our sister, Lauren Koenig! ✨Lauren was elected PHA's Vice President of Accountability. As VP of Accountability, she will oversee all Judicial Board hearings and work with the IFC Chief Justice to select and train both the IFC and PHA Judicial Boards. Her responsibilities also include conducting New Member Education training, meeting individually with each chapter's standards chairs to monitor their internal programming, and developing council-wide programming for hazing prevention and values clarification workshops. Congratulations, Lauren! We know you will do great things ❤️

Theta Spotlight : Kate Burgess

Congratulations to our sister, Kate Burgess, on being selected as Greek Relations Chair on the executive board of UMD's Terp Thon! 🐢

As Greek Relations Chair, Kate is responsible for cultivating community-wide support for the patients and families of Children's National Health System in Washington, DC through year-long fundraising and cause-connection initiatives.

We are so proud of you and all your hard work! ❤#LeadingWomen

And a special shoutout to our other sister, Sarah Kelly, who served as an amazing Greek Relations Chair for this past year! #FTK

Theta's Annual Alumnae Brunch

This past weekend, Theta hosted our annual Alumnae Brunch. All alumnae Thetas were welcome to come and enjoy good food and great company while sharing memories and lessons learned from their time spent in Theta. The brunch was a huge success, with Thetas young and old alike mingling and talking about life both within and outside our chapter. President of the DC alumnae chapter, Chrystelle Zweidler, spoke about getting involved with Theta after graduation through alumnae chapters and networks. We are so thankful for the amazing support and involvement of Theta alumnae and know we can look to them as resources for our ventures both during our time in Theta and after.

Alumni Spotlight : Amanda Hamilton

Amanda is a local alumna and member of the Delta Phi chapter at Clemson University!
Current Occupation/Post-Grad Journey: 
Amanda received an internship with her hometown congressman Rep. Jerry Lewis after college. After working for him for four years, Amanda began working with Congressman Sam Johnson from Texas as his executive assistant. She is in charge of handling his schedule, office budget, and internships within her office. She also received her Masters from GW during this time.

How has Theta helped you succeed? 
"I went to college in South Carolina but I am from California.  Theta to me was my family away from home.  I knew that I could count on these girls for anything and that they would always be there for me. Post college, I still stay in touch with majority of them.  I've attended their weddings, celebrated the birth of their babies, and traveled to different parts of the US together.  When I moved to DC, my two roommates were also Theta's from other universities.  Knowing that I had that initial bond with them made moving here so much easier.  They are my best friends and partners in crime! Theta is my family--one that I am so lucky to be a part of!"

Her advice to current chapter members:
"Enjoy every moment of this special sisterhood.  We may only be in college and a 'member' for four years, but know that this sisterhood lasts a lifetime.  Once you become an alumnae, you still have a special bond with these girls."

To all the graduating seniors: 
"Follow your dreams! Nothing is impossible.  Know that no matter where you are in the US, there will be a Theta there.  Stay connected to your pledge class!"

Let's Get Together and Run for Love

The sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta are working together with the women of Alpha Chi Omega to create the 4th annual Run for Love on Sunday, April 13th. The run is in honor of Yeardley Love, the UVA Theta who tragically lost her life as a result of domestic violence. Please join us in raising money for the One Love foundation and House of Ruth and honor the memory of Yeardley. For more information on the run and how to donate, please visit the website http://umdrunforlove2014.wix.com/runforlove

Happy Theta Thursday!

Happy Theta Thursday to all of our wonderful sisters! Check out the video from the night we welcomed all our beautiful new sisters! TL

Alumna Spotlight : Chrystelle Zweidler Rowley

Chrystelle is a local alumna and member of the Alpha Phi chapter at Tulane University!                  

Current occupation/ Post-grad journey:

After graduating in 2006, she moved to D.C. to attend grad school at George Washington University. Chrystelle is now working as part-time research analyst while she looks for full-time employment in International Affairs. She also serves as President of the D.C. Theta Alumnae Chapter.

How you think Theta helped you succeed:

“Theta has helped me as it pushed me outside my comfort zone. In high school, I never thought I would take a leadership position, as I preferred helping behind the scenes. But my sisters gave me the confidence and trust to come out of my shell, first as service chair and then as VP Administration.”

Advice to current chapter members:

“My advice to current Thetas is to take advantage of all the opportunities Theta and your university has to give. It’s the best time to explore and challenge yourself. Find your greatest weakness and conquer it.”

To all the graduating seniors:

“You will be amazed by how wonderful the Theta Alumnae network is. Wherever you go after graduation, consider joining the alumnae chapter. It’s great to meet people who all already have something in common with you.”

They Went Theta!

Today's the day! After a vigorous recruitment, we are so excited to introduce to the world the newest members of the Gamma Mu chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta! We already love all of the girls that made the decision to go Theta and cannot wait to see all the wonderful things they will do for our chapter in the future! The countdown to Bid Day has ended and we have a new group of amazing sisters!

Theta Spotlight : Shannon Ridge

Name: Shannon Ridge
Year: Sophomore
This week's Theta Spotlight is on Shannon Ridge and her trip to China this past Winter break! Shannon traveled to Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai with a small group of students all part of the QUEST program at UMD. The program focuses on quality designs and systems. While in China, Shannon and her classmates studied business decisions and implications. They traveled to multiple corporations and industries to learn how they ensure the quality of the products they produce. They also visited with students at the City University of Hong Kong and Sun-Yet-Zen University. Her favorite part of the trip was traveling to the Great Wall of China in Beijing. Shannon says the experience was incredible and a major learning experience regarding business in a foreign country. What a cool way to spend break!