Dear Theta Phi Alphas,
It’s always a great day when you get to spend it with Theta Phi Alphas. It’s most special to me when I get to spend the day with those who knew me when I was a collegian. I became a new member in the fall of 1985 and was initiated on January 26, 1986, as the 29th member of Alpha Pi chapter. In April, I was able to go home to where my Theta Phi Alpha membership experience began – Alpha Pi chapter at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. My chapter was installed on February 2, 1985, and we celebrated our 40th birthday as a chapter this year! It was a fun and busy day.
The day started with lunch and a project for our national philanthropy, Hunger and Homelessness. The Northeastern Nebraska Alumnae Association purchased material for us to make tie blankets. One (the penguin one, of course) was donated to the chapter for their raffle drawings. The other four were given to the chapter to donate to Haven House (crisis intervention services for domestic violence and sexual assault) in Wayne and to a family recovering from a house fire.
The Founders’ Day ceremony started the evening activities. Roll call donations to the Theta Phi Alpha Foundation were designated to the now endowed Good Life fund. Alpha Pi’s 2025 Senior Service Award recipient was recognized. Alumnae presented scholarships to three collegian members from the Theta Phi Alpha scholarship through the Wayne State Foundation. The chapter recognized the Outstanding Alumna. We sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed cake. Music and dancing followed at the chapters’ White Rose Formal. Throughout the evening, we enjoyed a picture video presentation starting with our time as an emerging chapter in 1984 to the present.
Kathy Prokupek Miller, Alpha Pi charter member, addressed the group. “I never imagined that when Alpha Pi chapter was installed in 1985, I would be back in Wayne celebrating 40 years as a chapter. What we have is special. Every member of Alpha Pi chapter plays a part in today’s celebration. Thank you to the alumnae who kept the chapter strong while they were in college, and to those who continue to support the chapter today. Thank you to the current collegian for welcoming new members and giving the alumnae a place to come home to. Let’s sing Happy Birthday to us!”
Reflecting on my weekend with my chapter reminds me of our song My Sister, My Friend, especially these words – Scrapbook pages turning, year after year. Familiar faces each one held so dear. Memories of a lifetime, some sad, some sweet. All the friends we’ve known forever and the ones we’ve yet to meet. Friendship is a promise spoken only by the heart. North and South and East and West, we each do our part. A sisterhood that’s special, one you can’t explain. These words sum up my feelings about my time with my Alpha Pi sisters. (You can find this song in the Member Portal in the documents section under National Song Book)
Have you recently spent time with the special members who are a part of your Theta Phi Alpha experience? Please submit a photo using our Photo and Video Submission form. Please enjoy my pictures from Alpha Pi’s 40th birthday celebration!
Yours in the Bonds of Sisterhood,
Kristin Henkenius
National President
