Dear Theta Phi Alphas,
As National President, I recognize the Grand Council’s responsibility not only to steward Theta Phi Alpha today, but also to ensure our organization remains relevant, strong, and sustainable for generations to come. An important part of that responsibility is engaging beyond our own organization and participating in the broader fraternal community. Through this engagement, we gain valuable perspectives, share our own experiences, and contribute to conversations that help shape the future of the fraternal experience.
One organization we engage with is the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE). FFE champions the Amplifying Sorority Research and creates meaningful opportunities for education, collaboration, and connection among foundations, fraternities, and sororities. Its annual Seminar is the largest educational and networking conference for fraternity and sorority foundations. These spaces encourage us to broaden our perspectives, examine how we serve our members, and bring forward new ideas and insights that can strengthen our organizations and the future of the fraternal community.
I am proud of how Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity and Theta Phi Alpha Foundation showed up at Seminar 2026 to learn, share information, and celebrate. Here are the highlights.
- Jenn Jacob, Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Chair, Katie Hartmann, Theta Phi Alpha Executive Director, and Kristin Henkenius, Theta Phi Alpha National President, attended a preconference symposium that focused on executive leadership and working with the executive director.
- Jenn was a co-presenter at the From Moments to Momentum: Using Days of Giving to Build Sustainable Fraternal Fundraising workshop with Christian Wiggins of Lumen Leadership Strategies and shared how the Foundation built a successful National Daughters Day campaign.
- Our Foundation was recognized by FFE during the awards banquet:
- Honorable Mention for Following the Compass to Founders’ Day in the Best New Development Idea category
- Honorable Mention for National Daughters Day Campaign in the Best Development Effort in an Annual Campaign.
- Jenn Jacob received the 2026 Outstanding Foundation Volunteer Award
The recognition received at the FFE Seminar 2026 reflects the commitment of those who serve our Foundation. I want to specifically recognize Jenn Jacob for her individual honor. Her leadership is thoughtful, strategic, and deeply rooted in a belief in our members. The impact of her work extends far beyond the Foundation as it strengthens the experience and opportunities available to every member of Theta Phi Alpha.
Our involvement with organizations like the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence is essential to who we are and who we aspire to be. These partnerships ensure we are not operating in isolation and allow us to access current research, benchmark against best practices, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the evolving needs of today’s students and alumnae. For Theta Phi Alpha, this means ensuring that every decision we make is grounded not only in our values of justice, friendship, and truth, but also in a clear understanding of how we can best serve our members today.
I am grateful for leaders like Jenn, and for the many volunteers who represent Theta Phi Alpha with excellence. Because of their work, and because of our willingness to engage and learn, we will be better prepared to make informed decisions that position Theta Phi Alpha to remain a relevant, sustainable organization.
Please enjoy pictures from the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Seminar 2026!
Yours in the bonds of sisterhood,
Kristin Henkenius
National President
Jenn Jacob (Kappa), Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Chair, co-presenting at the From Moments to Momentum: Using Days of Giving to Build Sustainable Fraternal Fundraising workshop.
Sam Clark (Epsilon) National Vice President-Programming, Val Thomas (Alpha Nu) Foundation Director of Treasury, Jenn Jacob (Kappa) Foundation Chair, Kristin Henkenius (Alpha Pi), National President, Katie Hartmann (Gamma Iota) Executive Director, and Kitty Sweeney (Alpha Xi) Foundation Director of Scholarship and Programming, at the FFE Awards of Distinction Reception.
Jenn Jacob (Kappa), Foundation Chair, receives the Outstanding Foundation Volunteer award from Marsha Grady, President of the FFE board, at the FFE Awards of Distinction Dinner.
Jenn Jacob (Kappa), Foundation Chair, addresses attendees at the FFE Awards of Distinction Dinner.
Christian Wiggins of Lumen Leadership Strategies, Sam Clark (Epsilon) National Vice President-Programming, Val Thomas (Alpha Nu) Foundation Director of Treasury, Kristin Henkenius (Alpha Pi), National President, Karl Jacob (Jenn’s husband), Jen Jacob (Kappa) Foundation Chair, Katie Hartmann (Gamma Iota) Theta Phi Alpha Executive Director, and Kitty Sweeney (Alpha Xi) Foundation Director of Scholarship and Programming pose with awards received at the FFE Awards of Distinction Dinner.
Photo credits: FFE