February 2026 President’s Blog

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. 

As I reflect on this new tradition, I can’t help but wonder: isn’t every day Galentine’s Day in Theta Phi Alpha? 

When I think about the vision for our membership experience – Theta Phi Alpha aims to create an experience for our members to live their individual truths, grow their self-awareness, and cultivate lifelong friendships – the answer feels clear. Friendship, leadership opportunities, a sense of belonging, and the steady support of other women sound very much like the purpose of Galentine’s Day.

I can see it on our members’ faces as I look at pictures on social media. Not staged smiling faces posing for a picture. True love and happiness, and members who want to be with each other, all because Theta Phi Alpha has given them a place to belong. The longer you are a Theta Phi Alpha, the more you realize all the people who would not be in your life to celebrate Galentine’s Day with if Theta Phi hadn’t provided this place of belonging for you.

While February 13 may mark Galentine’s Day on the calendar, within Theta Phi Alpha, the celebration of friendship and sisterhood is not confined to a single day. It is woven into our everyday experiences, our shared memories, and the lifelong bonds that continue to grow long after graduation.

Do you have a picture of our members that shows what Galentine’s Day means? I invite you to share a picture through our Photo and Video Submission Form. Enjoy some pictures I found on social media.

Yours In the Bonds of Sisterhood,

Kristin Henkenius
National President