Dear Theta Phi Alphas,
Happy 2024! I recently read an article about choosing a word of the year. This word is meant to guide and remind you of your focus and what is important to you. After thinking about this article, I chose the word “present” for my word of the year. I’m a planner and often worry about things that might happen in the future. Sometimes, I do not appreciate what I am experiencing at a particular moment. That is why I chose the word present - to help me remember to be grateful for each day and each experience, no matter what that may be. Here is the article I read that inspired me to choose a word for 2024.
The new year brings much excitement to me as your National President, as this means we are in a Convention year! Our convention body will gather in Baltimore, Maryland, to elect the leadership of our organization, debate and vote on the business of the Fraternity, and celebrate being a Theta Phi Alpha. Through the change management process to identify an ideal convention state, it was determined that Theta Phi Alpha would benefit from a Convention Standing Committee to coordinate all aspects of the convention. The committee uses feedback from our members and stakeholders, resulting in incremental, manageable changes to enhance the convention experience.
One purpose of the convention is to elect the leadership of Theta Phi Alpha for the 2024-2026 biennium. Information about the requirements to be elected to the Grand Council or the Board of Trustees can be found on the Elected Officers page on the national website. You will also find a recorded webinar, job descriptions, Consent to Serve, and National Officer Recommendation forms. Please complete the recommendation form if you have a member you believe would be a great candidate for a position. The Board of Trustees will then contact this member about the process.
Did you know that January 20th was Penguin Awareness Day? Theta Phi Alpha designates this day that honors our mascot for every member to connect with their big sister through our Theta Phi Forever campaign. Catch up with each other, share Theta Phi Alpha memories, and help us make sure your big sister’s contact information is up-to-date (name changes, mailing address, email, phone number) in our member portal at my.thetaphialpha.org. Don’t forget to check your contact information as well. Did you contact your big sister? It’s never too late! Below are pictures of me with my big sister, Pat Hoffman, Alpha Pi Chapter. Do you have a picture of you with your big sister you would like to share? Please submit it through our Photo and Video Submission form.
Yitbos,
Kristin Henkenius
National President