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National President's Blog Publications

June 2025 President’s Blog

Dear Theta Phi Alphas,


As members of Theta Phi Alpha, we each bring something unique to our Fraternity. Whether you joined last semester or decades ago, your presence matters. As our chapters prepare for fall recruitment, and our alumnae associations issue invitations for involvement, it’s important to think about how we can share our story of why someone should join Theta Phi Alpha, and how the Fraternity will be there for all their lives. We welcome members from all backgrounds and focus on helping each other grow into the best versions of ourselves, both personally and professionally.


Justice, Friendship. Truth. These are more than just words in our creed—they are the foundation of everything we do as Theta Phi Alphas throughout our lives. Whether you want to build meaningful friendships, make a difference in your community, or be part of a national network of strong, supportive members, Theta Phi Alpha gives you the foundation to do all that and more through embracing justice, nurturing friendship, and valuing truth.


Our membership is rooted in a powerful vision. Theta Phi Alpha aims to create an experience for our members to live their individual truths, grow their self-awareness, and cultivate lifelong friendships. Theta Phi Alpha isn’t just an organization for your college years—it’s a lifelong journey shaped by enduring values and lasting connections.


Remember why you joined Theta Phi Alpha. It wasn’t just for the letters, it was for the friendships that feel like family, the sense of purpose in our philanthropy, and the chance to grow into the person you’re meant to be. At the heart of Theta Phi Alpha are our values of justice, friendship, and truth. Theta Phi Alpha is about lifting each other up, standing for what’s right, and being true to ourselves. You joined because you wanted to belong, and you do. Theta Phi Alpha is where you belong—then, now, always.


This is my “why” for Theta Phi Alpha—why I joined, why I remain involved and connected, and why the values of justice, friendship, and truth hold a place of importance in my personal, professional, and volunteer life. I didn’t join just for the letters; I joined for everything that comes with wearing the letters.


Have you thought about your “why” for joining Theta Phi Alpha lately? Have you thought about how the values of Theta Phi Alpha loudly and quietly guide your everyday life? Share your why by emailing Communications@ThetaPhiAlpha.org or submit a photo showing your why using our Photo and Video Submission form. Please enjoy some pictures of my why.

Yours in the Bonds of Sisterhood,

Kristin Henkenius

National President

My Theta Phi Alpha journey began with the Alpha Pi chapter at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. Can you feel the friendship radiating from the picture from 1986?
I met my husband Joe because of Theta Phi Alpha. Joe is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and we participated in many campus events with the TKEs. This is our first picture together in 1987.
Theta Phi Alpha gave me a role model and mentor in my Big Sister Pat Hoffman, a friendship I cherish to this day. This picture is from the 1989 Greek Olympics.
Joe and I were married in 1991. Having my Theta Phi Alpha sisters at our wedding to celebrate with us was so very special. This is a picture of me with all my Alpha Pi sisters who were at the reception. When I look at the faces in this picture, it’s amazing to me that most of us are still getting together in 2025!
One of my most special Theta Phi Alpha moments was when I had the opportunity to participate in my daughter Liz’s initiation into the Mu chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2012. After initiation, I led the Ritual Enrichment activity with the new initiates and the chapter. Seeing the connections between our ritual and our values is beautiful.
I spent my professional career as an educator for 32 years, 28 of those as a middle school counselor. Our values of justice, friendship, and truth were very important to my work with students, parents, and other educators. My experiences in Theta Phi Alpha made me a better educator. This picture is from my retirement from Fremont Public Schools in Fremont, NE, in 2022.
I had never heard the word philanthropy before joining Theta Phi Alpha. I find joy in giving back to others. Our rebranded philanthropy resonates with me, both in my personal life and as a Theta Phi Alpha.
Fremont Middle School has an Urban Tiger Room where students in need can get clothing, shoes, hygiene supplies, school supplies, and food. I enjoyed working with organizations to provide donations to the room and seeing a student's face light up when we were able to meet their needs. This picture from 2021 shows me accepting a check from the Coffee for a Cause event in the Fremont community.
I also coordinated our Free Garage Sale for our Fremont Middle School families for many years. Our staff and parents donated items that were free for our students and families.
Theta Phi Alpha taught me how to work with others to achieve a goal, listen to others' opinions, and believe in something greater than myself. These skills were utilized not only in my volunteer roles for Theta Phi Alpha but also in my roles as an educator, an advocate for students, a parent, a spouse, a daughter, and a friend. This picture is of the 2022-2024 Grand Council at the 2024 Convention in Baltimore. I learned a great deal from the members of this Grand Council and from the previous councils I served with.
Theta Phi Alpha has given me opportunities to serve in leadership roles for the past 35 years. Serving as National President allows me to draw from all my leadership experiences, not only in Theta Phi Alpha, but also from my professional life. Our values, especially justice and truth, are key to me being an effective leader. This picture is from the 2024 National Convention in Baltimore.
Theta Phi Alpha has given me friendships from North, South, East, and West, of all ages, and of those with different backgrounds and experiences from mine. These connections are very important to me, and I continue to learn from these relationships. This picture is from the 2024 National Convention in Baltimore.