For the Love of Sisterhood

My travels as NPC chairman take me to different campuses, conferences and celebrations. Recently, I attended the 100th anniversary celebration for the Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic Association. This special event attracted more than 120 women who came together to share stories and celebrate friendship beyond badges. This is the beauty of sisterhood when we reach beyond the confines of our own member organizations and embrace the fact that we all share common values and ideals as women that inspire us to lead lives of high purpose. We can accomplish so much more when we pool our resources, our talent and our time as a unified coalition of sorority women.

In 1915, the Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic was the first organization in Florida to raise funds for scholarships that would benefit women. To put things into perspective, the Alumnae Panhellenic was fully functioning as a women’s-only organization before the 19th amendment was passed. These ambitious women sold tickets to literary plays and hosted rummage sales to raise money to give other women educational opportunities. Sorority alumnae in Jacksonville were driven to make a difference in the lives of others.

The efforts of the Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic continue today. At the anniversary event, a $3,500 scholarship was presented to a deserving young woman at a nearby university. The recipient thanked those in attendance, acknowledging how inspired she was to be in a room with such an impressive group of sorority women who supported her academic pursuits. This young woman’s life was enriched because of the shared commitment demonstrated by sorority women in the Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic.

Indeed our own lives are enriched by other women who serve as mentors or offer support in times of need. For the love of sisterhood, reach out to another sorority woman and tell her how she has enriched your life. 

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of my Panhellenic friends!

Awesome Alumnae Panhellenics

This past weekend I attended the centennial anniversary of the Cleveland Alumnae Panhellenic Association (CAPA). It was an honor to participate in this important celebration as this thriving Alumnae Panhellenic marked 100 years of scholarship, philanthropy and sisterhood. Held at the historic Silver Grille, the occasion included a parade of flags representing the 26 NPC member organizations. The highlight of the event was the presentation of $2,000 scholarships to 10 outstanding collegians. One of the recipients thanked CAPA for "the giant investment" in her college career. Another recipient said the scholarship made all the difference in being able to afford college tuition. I found out that CAPA started raising money in its first year of existence and awarding scholarships in 1914. These dedicated women have wrapped holiday gifts in downtown stores among other fundraisers over the years to raise money for scholarships. 

There are 196 Alumnae Panhellenics in North America and one in the United Kingdom. Many of these associations raise money for scholarships, just like CAPA. This spring, the Rochester Alumnae Panhellenic presented six $2,000 scholarships to deserving young women. The Alumnae Panhellenic in Huntington Beach, California awarded three $1,500 scholarships to women attending area colleges. There are countless other Panhellenic alumnae supporting young women in their academic pursuits. 

Scholarships matter. In 1982, I was the recipient of the Tulsa Area Alumnae Panhellenic (TAAP) Scholarship while attending The University of Tulsa. I returned to Tulsa two years ago to attend the TAAP kickoff luncheon and thanked the women who invested in me.

In addition to scholarships, Alumnae Panhellenics play an instrumental role in advocating for the sorority experience. NPC is developing a template to use for sorority recruitment information sessions to be held in communities. Look for this resource in the coming months.

Please join me in saluting our awesome Alumnae Panhellenics. Through their efforts, we impact lives -- for good.