Author: Pascal Akue

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

Another school year has come to an end. This means that Theta Phi Alpha welcomes members to the third and longest phase of membership, the alumnae phase. Our chapters wished our soon-to-be alumnae members well with the Collegian Farewell Ceremony. Graduating seniors donned their caps and gowns. Some collegians transferred to a school without a Theta Phi Alpha chapter and became alumna. However you got there; welcome to the alumnae phase! Here is my advice to our new alumnae or any alumna who needs this information.

Visit the Welcome New Alumnae page on the national website at https://thetaphialpha.org/welcome-new-alumnae. This page links resources that will help you transition to alumnae life. Here are a few of the links you will find on this page:

● Share a photo of your graduation. We love to celebrate our new graduates! You can also tag Theta Phi Alpha on your social media posts; we can find it that way.
● Update your contact information in the Member Portal my.thetaphialpha.org. Updating your information means your chapter and the national organization can communicate with you. Associations and clubs in your area will also be able to
contact you.
● See if there is an association or club in your geographic area. Membership in Theta Phi Alpha doesn’t end when you leave college!
● Look for internship or job opportunities through the Scholars program.
● Apply for a volunteer position with Theta Phi Alpha.  

I’ve been an alumna for 34 years. I cherish the memories of my college days at Wayne State College and the Alpha Pi chapter. These sisters are many of my closest friends. As an alumna, I have had the opportunity to meet sisters from other chapters by being a member of an alumnae association and serving Theta Phi Alpha as a national officer. This involvement has resulted in close friends with whom I travel, exchange holiday cards, text, and share celebrations and sorrows. I can’t wait to hug you again when we are in the same place! I have purposely stayed in contact with the collegians of Alpha Pi chapter, and travel back to campus for events when I can. 

Congratulations to all our new alumnae! How do you want to continue your Theta Phi Alpha journey in the longest phase of membership? I’m excited for you and encourage you to stay in touch with your chapter, join an association or club, and get involved as a volunteer for Theta Phi Alpha. Don’t hesitate to contact me at KHenkenius@ThetaPhiAlpha.org if I can help you with your journey!  Enjoy some pictures from my college graduation!

Yours in the Bonds of Sisterhood,

Kristin Henkenius
National President

Dear Theta Phi Alpha’s.

As I write my blog this month, I am still smiling about the 54th National Convention held in Baltimore, Maryland. Here are my top ten favorite moments of convention in no particular order.

Seeing and hugging members I hadn’t seen for 2 to 24 years!
Meeting and talking with collegians and alumnae and hearing their excitement for Theta Phi Alpha.
Welcoming four new wearers of the Guard of Honor.
Meeting our Siena Medalist Kristin Smedley and hearing her inspiring message.
Singing White Rose during Fraternity Night Banquet.
Seeing the excitement of the Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Mystery Boxes.
Unveiling the logo for our philanthropy rebrand Hunger and Homelessness.
Honoring the four members at Convention for 50 plus years of membership with the Sapphire Circle Ceremony.
Listening to our members talk passionately about Theta Phi Alpha and our rituals during the business sessions.
The dance party after the Fraternity Night Banquet!

As National President, you are entrusted with the gavel to guide the business session. The gavel was a gift to the Fraternity from the Epsilon Chapter (University of Cincinnati) in 1926. This gavel has been a part of our conventions and the discussions and decisions that have occurred during the business sessions for 98 years!  At one time, the gavel was shiny and new. Now, it looks like it has seen and experienced much. Although the gavel has evolved in the way it looks, it still represents the life of Theta Phi Alpha and the decisions made by the convention body to ensure the Fraternity is a sustainable, relevant organization for our members. That is what I see as my role as National President – to guide the Grand Council to see the Theta Phi Alpha of the future to ensure that the Fraternity provides a place of belonging for our current and future members.

As I embark on another term as National President, I am filled with excitement and hope for the future of Theta Phi Alpha. I encourage you to watch the State of the Fraternity presentation from Convention. It provides valuable insights into the progress and challenges of the 2022-2024 biennium and offers a glimpse of what we can expect for the 2024-2026 biennium. Together, we can shape a bright future for our beloved Fraternity. 

Please enjoy my pictures from Convention.

Yours in the Bonds of Sisterhood,

Kristin Henkenius
National President