Dear Theta Phi Alpha’s.
As I write my blog this month, I am still smiling about the 54th National Convention held in Baltimore, Maryland. Here are my top ten favorite moments of convention in no particular order.
Seeing and hugging members I hadn’t seen for 2 to 24 years!
Meeting and talking with collegians and alumnae and hearing their excitement for Theta Phi Alpha.
Welcoming four new wearers of the Guard of Honor.
Meeting our Siena Medalist Kristin Smedley and hearing her inspiring message.
Singing White Rose during Fraternity Night Banquet.
Seeing the excitement of the Theta Phi Alpha Foundation Mystery Boxes.
Unveiling the logo for our philanthropy rebrand Hunger and Homelessness.
Honoring the four members at Convention for 50 plus years of membership with the Sapphire Circle Ceremony.
Listening to our members talk passionately about Theta Phi Alpha and our rituals during the business sessions.
The dance party after the Fraternity Night Banquet!
As National President, you are entrusted with the gavel to guide the business session. The gavel was a gift to the Fraternity from the Epsilon Chapter (University of Cincinnati) in 1926. This gavel has been a part of our conventions and the discussions and decisions that have occurred during the business sessions for 98 years! At one time, the gavel was shiny and new. Now, it looks like it has seen and experienced much. Although the gavel has evolved in the way it looks, it still represents the life of Theta Phi Alpha and the decisions made by the convention body to ensure the Fraternity is a sustainable, relevant organization for our members. That is what I see as my role as National President - to guide the Grand Council to see the Theta Phi Alpha of the future to ensure that the Fraternity provides a place of belonging for our current and future members.
As I embark on another term as National President, I am filled with excitement and hope for the future of Theta Phi Alpha. I encourage you to watch the State of the Fraternity presentation from Convention. It provides valuable insights into the progress and challenges of the 2022-2024 biennium and offers a glimpse of what we can expect for the 2024-2026 biennium. Together, we can shape a bright future for our beloved Fraternity.
Please enjoy my pictures from Convention.
Yours in the Bonds of Sisterhood,
Kristin Henkenius
National President