Author: Kristin Henkenius

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.

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

Happy Founding Day! On August 30, 1912, our Founders brought our beloved Theta Phi Alpha to life. I wonder if they thought Theta Phi Alpha would still be celebrating this day 114 years later. I am so thankful to Amelia, May, Otilia, Helen, Katrina, Camilla, Eva, Dorothy, Selma, and Mildred for founding Theta Phi Alpha and for setting our course through Justice, Friendship, and Truth.

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

As the 2026-2028 biennium starts, I am reflecting on our 55th National Convention in Pittsburgh. As the saying goes, my cup is filled through spending time with collegians and alumnae, seeing the passion our members have for our organization, and celebrating the accomplishments of the past two years.

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

It’s June, which means we are less than a month away from our 55th National Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the Omni William Penn Hotel. This will mark the seventh time Theta Phi Alpha has gathered for Convention in Pittsburgh, an incredible connection to a city that reflects strength, resilience, and tradition.

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

As the 2024–2026 biennium comes to a close, I want to use my blog to recognize the impactful work of the national committees and workgroups established over the past two years.

At the national level, our committees created meaningful volunteer opportunities for more than 50 collegiate and alumnae members. Committee members were selected based on national officer roles and through an application process open to all members. Each committee was led by a Chair and supported by a Grand Council Champion and a staff liaison, ensuring strong collaboration and guidance.

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

Happy Founders’ Day!  Theta Phi Alpha designates April 30th as the day we remember and honor Amelia, Dorothy, Katrina, Mildred, Selma, Otilia, Camilla, Helen, May, and Eva for founding Theta Phi Alpha. I hope you can attend a Founders’ Day celebration this spring to honor and celebrate our Founders. In 1931, our Founders chose Justice, Friendship, and Truth as the first motto of Theta Phi Alpha. I know they would be proud that we continue to embrace justice, nurture friendships, and value truth, the motto, and the values they envisioned for our organization in 1912. 

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

Our 55th National Convention will be held July 9-12, 2026, in Pittsburgh. Theta Phi Alpha Conventions are held biennially to conduct necessary activities in accordance with the Ritual, receive reports of the delegates and officers, elect officers, and transact necessary business. As preparations are finalized, I am filled with anticipation and excitement! I hope to see you there, ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Theta Phi Alpha and the enriching experiences that await us in July!

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

Did you celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 13th? Until a few years ago, I had never even heard of it. Then my then twenty-something daughter told me about a gathering she was hosting for her friends. Curious, I did a little research and discovered that Galentine’s Day originated in 2010 from the sitcom Parks and Recreation, when the show’s main character describes it as a holiday for “ladies celebrating ladies.” Since then, according to Wikipedia, Galentine’s Day has evolved into an American cultural holiday that celebrates women’s friendship, marked by typically all-female occasions that serve as a reminder for women to support and uplift one another.

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

Happy 2026! As we step into a new year, make a goal to recommit to the values that define us as Theta Phi Alphas. We embrace justice with wisdom and fairness, nurture friendship by showing up for one another with care and loyalty, and value truth by leading with honesty and integrity. Together, may this year strengthen our sisterhood and inspire us to make a meaningful impact—on each other and on the world around us.

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,

I hope this message finds you well! I’d like to share information on the continued work of the Future of the Board of Trustees special committee appointed by the Grand Council. If you have not read my August 2025 and October 2025 blogs, I encourage you to read them before this blog, as they provide information about the reasons for the appointment of the special committee, previous work completed, and clarification of why elections for the Board of Trustees must occur at the 2026 Convention.