This article about the upcoming Centennial History Book appeared in the inaugural issue of The Pearl and is a shorter version of an article published in the Spring 2009 issue of The Compass. To learn more about receiving The Compass, click here.
Living Our History
by Karen Rubican, ΑΣ
As a child, one of my favorite activities was to ‘go exploring.’ This consisted of several journeys to my parents’ attic to pore over the contents of boxes and trunks. The treasures I found were fascinating: faded black and white pictures of anonymous people and places; heavy dresses, hats and other unfamiliar items to wear; and papers, letters, postcards and magazines filled with the news of a time gone by.
I left those wonderful afternoons in the 
attic filled with a sense of nostalgia — feeling perhaps I had missed amazing happenings because of being born too late. But, I always looked forward to going back… I wanted to touch more, read more and learn more!
A Monumental Celebration is Coming
Today, that’s how I feel about our history — the past, present and future of Theta Phi Alpha. Our Centennial Book Project promises to be as exciting, inspiring and wonderful as those cherished afternoons in the attic. I cannot wait to touch more, read more and learn more about Theta Phi Alpha!
Theta Phi Alpha is celebrating…
- a century of sisterhood.
- a century of shared experiences.
- a century of hopes, dreams and newfound inspiration.
- 100 years of sisterhood in 2012!
The purpose and vision of the upcoming Centennial project are to gather as much information as we can about the women who founded and carried out the Ever Loyal, Ever Lasting traditions of Theta Phi Alpha. We will describe the journeys, in their words and ours, and will chronicle the past 100 years of our sisterhood. The National Archives are fascinating in their variety and scope, but we are hoping to add to our collection to encompass all of our chapters and alumnae associations and all of our experiences from 1912 through today.
As the Centennial project unfolds, we will gather more and more information to help us honor, remember and celebrate treasured moments of Theta Phi Alpha through the years!
Sharing Our Centennial History
by Karen Rubican, ΑΣ,
and Renée Gravois Lee, ΒΕ
Theta Phi Alpha has begun planning many exciting initiatives to pay tribute to our founders and to honor the milestones of our first 100 years. One of the most distinguished of these initiatives will be the publishing of the Centennial History Book to be available in 2012!
Can you imagine what it was like being a Theta Phi Alpha sister in 1912? How about in 1932 or 1952? Picture yourself at the first Theta Phi Alpha Convention! Discover special traditions started in your chapter that are still being carried out today. With the Centennial History Book, you can find out about these moments in time and more. The book will be filled with extraordinary moments for all of us to cherish, just as we cherish our Ever Loyal, Ever Lasting sisterhood.
In this keepsake book, you will . . .
- Journey to the birthplace of Theta Phi Alpha and retrace the founding of Theta Phi Alpha at the University of Michigan.
- Learn more about our founders and other early members, and discover how social issues, religion and changing campus culture impacted the history of our Fraternity.
- Celebrate ΘΦΑ traditions, chapters, conventions and sisters of note.
The book will chronicle 100 years of Theta Phi Alpha history, reflecting the purpose of our founders, the pride that continues in our organization today, and the decades of loyalty and service to the Fraternity that have made our success possible and paved the way for the next 100 years.
The Centennial History Project is one of Theta Phi Alpha’s biggest research projects ever and we need your help to make the book a success. Each Theta Phi Alpha chapter and alumnae association will have the unique opportunity to tell its inspiring story and be featured in the book. We’re counting on you to make the book the best it can be!
What is Your Story?
We need your help to chronicle 100 years of loyalty, service and pride in Theta Phi Alpha for generations of future sisters. We are dedicating pages in the book for your chapter or alumnae association to share what marks you’ve made in the lives of women through the years.
It’s time to dust off your chapter scrapbooks, hunt down the diary of a special member, or interview a founder of your chapter. Do you have a touching story of support for a sister or cause? What special traditions have been passed on to your generation and how have you made them your own? Start digging through your “attic” to see what ΘΦΑ treasures you would like to share with your Fraternity.
We need to hear from you! This endeavor is your opportunity to be the voice of generations of Theta Phi sisters. It’s time to make your mark. Be a voice and volunteer today to help your chapter or alumnae association plan its page(s) in the Centennial History Book. Click here to learn about how you can help and where to get started.
