Zeta Tau Alpha FRED (Fraternity Education)
The State of ZTA
April 2010:
ZTA
“Pennsylvania”
Note: Information regarding chapter histories is provided from The History of Zeta Tau Alpha
by Shirley Kreasan Strout, 1956 Edition, and its supplements.
Pennsylvania:
State Fun Facts:
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Nickname – The Keystone State
Capital – Harrisburg
Largest City – Philadelphia
Tourist Attractions – Pennsylvania has a rich
and amazing history, especially in regards to
formation of the United States of America.
The state is home to national treasures such
as the Liberty Bell, the nation’s first zoo, and
culinary delights such as the Philly Cheese
Steak.
Gamma Epsilon
Chapter
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
ZTA Link #78
Installed: May 19, 1939
Area I; Province II-B
Founding History:
Sisterhood
Ahead
STOP
for ZTA
Gamma Epsilon Chapter was established at Pennsylvania State College (PSC changed its name to Pennsylvania
State University in 1955) when a transfer from Dickinson College found that her Zeta heart was missing at her
new school. She established a group called Eukratia with the express purpose and goal of petitioning membership in Zeta Tau Alpha. In April of 1938, while on her way to Gamma Beta Chapter’s Installation, then National
President Louise Kettler Helper visited the Eukratia girls. A month later, Eukratia sponsored its first campuswide event, the very successful All-College Social Hour; thereby heralding the commencement of their yearlong probationary period as a local organization as required by PSC. Eukratia was welcomed by the collegiate
Panhellenic, and then in May 1939, it became the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha.
Gamma Epsilon Chapter Today:
Today, the ladies of Gamma Epsilon Chapter continue to make a strong impact on the Nittany Lions and the
Penn State community. The chapter has been recognized by the university, receiving many campus awards
including Chapter of Excellence, Outstanding GPA and Top Money Raisers for THON (the world’s largest
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student-run fundraiser which raised money to prevent childhood cancers). The women have also been
recognized by the ZTA with Financial Excellence and Quota/Total Awards, as well as the Crown Chapter
Award.
Fun Facts
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Pennsylvania State University:
Established – 1955
Mascot – Nittany Lions
Enrollment – 43,252
Web site: www.psu.edu
Visit Gamma Epsilon Chapter on the Web: http:// www.greeks.psu.edu/phc/zta
ZTA
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Gamma Xi
Chapter
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA
ZTA Link #87
Installed: May 12, 1951
Area I; Province II-B
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
As we leave University Park, we make our way over to Indiana, Pa., home of Indiana University of
Pennsylvania, or the Indiana State Teachers College as it was known back in 1950 when Gamma Xi Chapter
began its ZTA adventure. It was then, in December 1950, that a group of 20 girls known as Lambda Psi Delta
(the “Lambdas”) heard the Call of Zeta and petitioned for membership in the Fraternity. In January 1951, the
Lambda ladies were formally pledged into Zeta Tau Alpha, and in May of 1951, Gamma Xi was installed as the
87th link of Zeta chapters.
Gamma Xi Chapter Today:
Today, the ladies of Gamma Xi Chapter continue to make an impact on their campus and community through
Dog Walking, Bowl for Kids Sake, Anchor Splash, Easter Egg Hunt and DZ Dodgeball. They also boast
having one of their members recognized as Zeta Lady at Pennsylvania Zeta Day as well as being awarded most
improved chapter.
ZTA
Fun Facts
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about Indiana
University
of
Pennsylvania:
Established – 1875
Mascot – Crimson Hawk
Enrollment – 14,638
Web site: www.iup.edu
Visit Gamma Xi Chapter on the Web: http://www.gammaxizetas.com
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Delta Iota
Chapter
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA
ZTA Link #107
Installed: April 30, 1960
Area I; Province II-G
Founding History:
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As with many other links, the 107th link of ZTA started out as a local sorority. Lambda Chi Delta was founded
at Clarion State College in 1931 and felt very strongly about its history and traditions. For many years, Lambda
Chi Delta limited its membership to 12, a number very symbolic to the group. Then, once the Greek community
at Clarion began to expand, the women increased their membership to 24 (a multiple of 12). Even when they
colonized as Zeta Tau Alphas, they again increased their membership to 36, still holding on to a little bit of
Lambda Chi Delta’s special history. Immediately upon colonizing, the newly pledged Zeta ladies took the
campus by storm boasting the Homecoming Queen, Second Place in the float competition and First Place at
Greek Night. In April of 1960, Zeta Tau Alpha installed Delta Iota Chapter.
Delta Iota Chapter Today:
ZTA
Today, the ladies of Delta Iota Chapter continue their winning ways, receiving campus awards for Most
Improved GPA, Greek Week Champions and Greek Sing Winners. At Pennsylvania Zeta Day, they have won
the Outstanding Service Award, and in 2007, a Delta Iota was named as Zeta Lady. Nationally, the group has
also received the Financial Excellence Award. Members serve the Fraternity and their community through
service projects such as making Boo Boo Bunnies for breast cancer patients and paper airplanes for the Make a
Wish Foundation, Pathways to Prom where they collect gowns to give to girls in local area, and Relay for Life.
Fun Facts
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Clarion University
of
Pennsylvania:
Established – 1867
Mascot – Golden Eagles
Enrollment – 7,100
Web site: www.clarion.edu
Visit Delta Iota Chapter on the Web: http://zetataualpha-cup.webs.com/index.htm
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Delta Omega
Chapter
Westminster College
New Wilmington, PA
ZTA Link #121
Installed: September 30, 1964
Area I; Province II-G
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
Delta Omega Chapter, the sixth Zeta Tau Alpha chapter in Pennsylvania, was installed on Sept. 20, 1964. The
group was formerly an old and prestigious chapter of Beta Sigma Omicron that was organized in 1937. After
functioning effectively for 27 years, the group was initiated into Zeta Tau Alpha in its own chapter room.
Members of the nearby Gamma Xi Chapter traveled to Westminster College to initiate the members and install
the chapter and its new officers.
Delta Omega Chapter Today:
ZTA
Today, the ladies of Delta Omega Chapter are leaders on campus as well as within the Fraternity, with an
emphasis on raising money for the ZTA Foundation and supporting our national philanthropy. The women
organize and sponsor an annual Shoot 4 the Cause 3-on-3 basketball tournament (proceeds go to ZTA
Foundation), Big Man on Campus and Pink Out Day. During the Pink Out Day, almost everyone on campus
receives a pink T-shirt to wear. Men’s shirts say “Real men wear pink,” while women’s shirts say “One in
eight,” to signify that one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The ladies also participate in many
sisterhood activities and cultivate a great relationship with local alumnae chapter by sharing various annual
events such as Senior Dinner and Homecoming Events. Delta Omega also boasts national ZTA awards, having
received Silver Awards during Conventions.
Deborah Platt Majoras, named ZTA’s Outstanding Alumna at the 2006 International Convention, is an alumna
of Delta Omega. She is the former chairman of the Federal Trade Commission and current vice president and
general counsel for Proctor & Gamble.
Fun Facts
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Westminster College:
Established – 1852
Mascot – Titan
Enrollment – 1,400
Web site: www.westminster.edu
Interesting Facts: Westminster is located New Wilmington, Pa., an Amish town, which makes it a dry
town; The university’s gymnasium is known as Old 77 because 77 3-point shots in a row were scored
there.
Visit Delta Omega Chapter on the Web: http://info.theginsystem.com/websites/ZTA%5FWM/
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Zeta Beta
Chapter
Thiel College
Greenville, PA
ZTA Link #123
Installed: September 28, 1964
Area I; Province II-G
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
ZTA’s Zeta Beta Chapter began as a chapter of Beta Sigma Omicron. When the BSO chapter was installed at
Thiel College in 1950, it was the first national sorority on campus. Even before the group was installed as BSO,
it had existed as a chapter of a local sorority named Alpha Sigma Pi since 1918. So, when the chapter was
installed into Zeta Tau Alpha in 1964, it already had a long and prestigious history at Thiel College.
Zeta Beta Chapter Today:
Today, Zeta Beta is a stand-out chapter in the state of Pennsylvania, winning Outstanding Recruitment
Awards and Crown Chapter Awards at Zeta Day. These ladies also expand their presence to the community by
participating in local service projects such as visiting St Paul’s Nursing Home. Of course, the ladies also make
an impact on campus and for the Foundation by sponsoring annual Pink Out basketball and football games.
Fun Facts
ZTA
about
Thiel College:
l Established – Thiel College was originally founded as Thiel Hall in Monaca, Pa. in 1866, and was
chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1870. In 1871, the College moved to Greenville.
l Mascot – Tomcat
l Enrollment – 1,200
l Web site: www.thiel.edu
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Zeta Nu
Chapter
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
Lock Haven, PA
ZTA Link #134
Installed: May 4, 1968
Area I; Province II-G
Founding History:
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When Zeta Nu Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha colonized at Lock Haven University, the entire Panhellenic
community welcomed them and helped to launch the new colony. Dozens of women filled out applications
and were interviewed by Zeta officers. Thirty-eight women were offered bids in the fall of 1967, and every
single woman accepted. By the spring of 1968, the colony members were ready to be initiated into Zeta Tau
Alpha. Initiation weekend was also “Mothers Weekend” for the entire campus. Almost every Zeta Nu ordered a
Mothers Pin for their mothers, and presented them with the pins shortly after being initiated.
Zeta Nu Chapter Today:
The ladies of Zeta Nu are a strong force on campus. They have been Greek Week Champions and sponsor
several campus-wide activities including the Big Man on Campus competition. The ladies also wear more
crowns than their ZTA crowns, as Zeta Nus have also been named Miss Pennsylvania Co-Ed and Homecoming
Queen. The chapter members are also great supporters of ZTA’s national philanthropy. In addition to the BMOC
competition, they also sponsor a campus Pink Out Day.
ZTA
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Lock Haven University
of
Pennsylvania:
Established – 1870
Mascot – Bald Eagles
Enrollment – 4.665
Web site: www.lhup.edu
Visit Zeta Nu Chapter on the Web: http://zetataualphazn.clubspaces.com
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Zeta Upsilon
Chapter
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA
ZTA Link #143
Installed: March 14, 1970
Area I; Province II-G
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha began in the spring of 1968, when a small group of close friends
decided that they wanted to cement their friendship with the bonds of sisterhood. Because a few of these
women knew Zetas from their hometowns, they naturally focused their desire for sisterhood on becoming Zetas
themselves. After petitioning and receiving approval from the university to become a temporary organization,
the friends began petitioning Zeta Tau Alpha for membership. By the end of that summer, ZTA representatives
had met with the women and local ZTA alumnae. he colony was officially established on Oct. 4, 1968, with the
formal pledging of 23 new members. This group of friends even participated in fall recruitment just a few days
after they were officially colonized, welcoming their first pledge class of 13 new members. The chapter was
installed on March 13, 1970.
Zeta Upsilon Chapter Today:
ZTA
Zeta Upsilon Chapter continues to be a force on campus. Members regularly participate and place in campus
activities such as Lambda Chi Watermelon Bust and Greek Week. The ladies proudly support ZTA’s national
philanthropy through their popular campus-wide Big Man on Campus competition. They also make their
presence known on campus by holding many leadership roles in various non-Greek campus organizations. They
even impact the community with their participation in Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.
Fun Facts
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Edinboro University
of
Pennsylvania:
Established – 1857
Mascot – Fighting Scot
Enrollment – 7,800
Web site: www.edinboro.edu
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Eta Gamma
Chapter
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA
ZTA Link #87
Installed: May 12, 1951
Area I; Province II-B
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
Eta Gamma Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha is the 144th link in our Chain of Chapters. As with many of the other
chapters, Eta Gamma began as a local sorority. About 20 women formed Sigma Chi Omega, which stood for
Satisfaction through Cooperation with Others in March1968. In December of that same year, the group decided
that even though they were less than one year old, they were ready for greater things and contacted Zeta Tau
Alpha for the first time. In September of 1969, the ladies of Sigma Chi Omega received the news that their
petition to Zeta Tau Alpha had been accepted and approved. On Oct. 11, 1969, Eta Gamma Colony was pledged.
Then, on April 11, 1970, it was installed as ZTA’s 144th chapter.
Eta Gamma Chapter Today:
ZTA
Since its establishment, Eta Gamma Chapter has received numerous honors and awards from the Fraternity. In
2006-2007, Eta Gamma received the Crown Chapter Award. In 2006, Eta Gamma was recognized as Chapter of
the Year by the Greek community at West Chester University. Each semester, Eta Gamma has ranked as having
one the highest GPAs among the West Chester Greek community. The women also support ZTA’s national
philanthropy through their annual Walk for the Cure.
Fun Facts
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West Chester University
of
Pennsylvania:
Established – 1871
Mascot – Golden Rams
Enrollment – 12,800
Web site: www.wcupa.edu/
Visit Eta Gamma Chapter on the Web: http://wcuzta.com/default.aspx
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Eta Beta
Chapter
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA
ZTA Link #146
Installed: April 26, 1970
Area I; Province II-D
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
The original colony members of Eta Beta Chapter were the 15 members of an existing local sorority named
Alpha Phi Omicron. These women were pledged as Zeta Tau Alphas on Oct. 4, 1969. The following spring,
the girls readied themselves for Initiation and the Installation of the chapter. Installation weekend got off to a
rocky start as a car carrying some of the new members got very lost on their way into the city for the ceremony.
Another car of girls even got into a small accident as they congratulated each other for not getting lost. In the
end, all was well, and Eta Beta became ZTA’s 146th link on April 26, 1970.
Eta Beta Chapter Today:
Today, the ladies of Eta Beta continue to make Zeta Tau Alpha proud. Their close ties focus on various events
to raise money for breast cancer education and awareness, including Donate for the Woman You Love, Kick out
Cancer, Think Pink, Cut-A-Thon and Think Pink! Day.
Fun Facts
ZTA
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Duquesne University:
Established – 1878
Mascot – The Duquesne Dukes
Enrollment – 5,710
Web site: www.duq.edu
Visit Eta Beta Chapter on the Web: http://www.duqzta.org
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Eta Epsilon
Chapter
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Mansfield, PA
ZTA Link #149
Installed: February 27, 1971
Area I; Province II-B
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
Eta Epsilon’s story began in 1969, when a group of young women decided to create a social club named
SAGE. The name came from the adjective “sage” meaning wise, discerning, well-judged, discriminating and
characterized by wisdom. On these principles, the group petitioned for membership in the school’s Panhellenic.
Once they were accepted into the university’s Greek system, they set their sites on being absorbed by a national
organization. After researching and considering various national organizations, SAGE decided they wanted to
be part of Zeta Tau Alpha. On May 18, 1970, the girls received a telegram from International Office establishing
SAGE as the Eta Epsilon Colony of Zeta Tau Alpha. The colony participated in rush that fall and took on its
first new member class. Then, in February 1971, Eta Epsilon was installed as the 149th link in the Chain of
Chapters, and the women became initiated members of Zeta Tau Alpha.
Eta Epsilon Chapter Today:
ZTA
Today, the ladies of Eta Epsilon Chapter continue to make an impact on the campus and Zeta community. They
raise money for breast cancer education and awareness with their annual Big Man on Campus “beauty” pageant.
They have also been Greek Week champions multiple years and have been recognized by nationally by ZTA
with the Crown Chapter Award.
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Mansfield University
of
Pennsylvania:
Established – 1857
Mascot – Mountaineers
Enrollment – 3,200
Web site: www.mansfield.edu
Visit Eta Epsilon Chapter on the Web: http://www.freewebs.com/zetataualpha-etaepsilonchapter/
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Iota Alpha
Chapter
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA
ZTA Link #192
Installed: November 15, 1980
Area I; Province II-D
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
Iota Alpha Chapter was installed Nov. 15, 1980, on the scenic Robert Morris University campus, located on the
outskirts of Pittsburgh, Pa. The chapter had been formed from a local sorority, Omega Epsilon Theta, which
had existed at Robert Morris since 1978. The Omegas were already a strong local group when they began
their move toward national affiliation. Zeta Tau Alpha was chosen unanimously after an enthusiastic extension
presentation by representatives of the national Fraternity. On April 22, 1980, the members of Omega Epsilon
Theta became pledges of Zeta Tau Alpha. During the vacation months, planning and organizational meetings
were held by the advisory board in order to ensure that the colony would become a chapter. In addition to a busy
pledge period during the fall term, the colony participated in its first formal rush. Iota Alpha was the only group
on campus to take quota. Having reached their goals, Iota Alpha pledges eagerly anticipated their Installation as
the first national sorority on campus.
Iota Alpha Chapter Today:
ZTA
The ladies of Iota Alpha are still blazing trails at the University. They support our national philanthropy
with their annual Think Pink Dance. They have been honored at International Convention with the Financial
Excellence award. In 2007, Iota Alpha won the Yoplait Challenge!
Fun Facts
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Robert Morris University:
Established – 1921
Mascot – The Colonials
Enrollment – 4,000
Web site: www.rmu.edu
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Iota Nu
Chapter
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA
ZTA Link #205
Installed: December 7, 1985
Area I; Province II-A
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
ZTA’s 204th link was added to the Chain of Chapters with the installation of Iota Nu Chapter on Dec.7, 1985,
at Susquehanna University. The Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts school was established in 1857, and is located on
the beautiful Susquehanna River. The first NPC organization was colonized on the campus in the 1940s, so by
the time ZTA came on the scene, the Greek system was well-established. In the spring of 1984, the university
began the bid process to add another sorority. After ZTA was selected, two recruitment parties were conducted
and with the help of Zeta Nu chapter form Lock Haven University, resulting in the pledging of 40 women. As a
colony, Iota Nu showed great determination to succeed, an ability to find help when it was needed, and a fierce
desire to become a ZTA chapter.
Iota Nu Chapter Today:
Today, the ladies of Iota Nu Chapter participate in many campus activities as well as support breast cancer
education and awareness. They sponsor events such as Real Men Wear Pink and Pancakes for Pink.
ZTA
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Susquehanna University:
Established – 1858
Mascot – The Crusaders
Enrollment – 2,000
Web site: www.susqu.edu
Visit Iota Nu Chapter on the Web: http://www.susqu.edu/zeta_tau_alpha/
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Kappa Iota
Chapter
Moravian College
Bethlehem, PA
ZTA Link #224
Installed: March 15, 1997
Area I; Province II-A
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
The history of Kappa Iota Chapter began with a local sorority, Alpha Epsilon Pi, founded at Moravian College
in 1901. At this time, AEPi was a literary society and was not considered a social sorority until 1918. In 1924,
the group moved from having a small sorority room in South Hall to a house by the university tennis courts.
In the 1970s, as the group continued to grow, it moved again, to Kappa Iota Chapter’s current location on
Main Street. During the mid 1990s, the sisters of AEPi decided to become part of a national sorority. After an
exhaustive search, the sisters found Zeta Tau Alpha to be the fit what they were looking for. Kappa Iota Chapter
of Zeta Tau Alpha was installed on March 15, 1997, making it the 224th link in ZTA’s Chain of Chapters.
Kappa Iota Chapter Today:
ZTA
Today, the ladies of Kappa Iota Chapter continue to be a major force on campus, in the community and in the
Fraternity. They have received awards at Pennsylvania Zeta Day and International Convention. On campus, they
are respected for consistently having one of the highest cumulative GPAs, as well as receiving several awards
from the campus Greek system. Each year, members travel to New York to participate in ZTA’s NFL Pink
Ribbon campaign by distributing pink ribbons at Giants games.
Fun Facts
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Moravian College:
Established – 1742—the sixth oldest college in the nation
Mascot – Greyhounds
Enrollment – 1,533
Web site: www.moravian.edu
Visit Kappa Iota Chapter on the Web: http://www.moravianzta.com
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Kappa Psi
Chapter
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA
ZTA Link #237
Installed: December 9, 2006
Area I; Province II-A
Founding History:
Sisters Crossing
The journey to Kappa Psi Chapter’s Installation began in March 2006 when women from the local Sigma
Omicron Phi sorority contacted ZTA about affiliating. Representatives from ZTA then visited the university to
meet with the women. Shortly after that meeting, the women of SOP petitioned ZTA asking to be considered
for absorption. With the favorable vote of National Council, the group became the Kappa Psi Colony in April
of that year. Traveling Leadership Consultants then arrived at Kutztown on August 27. These TLCs met with
unaffiliated upperclassmen to tell them about ZTA. Potential new member infoviews were then held and
open house parties hosted. By September 14, the new colony had grown to 48 members. Just two weeks after
accepting their bids, the new members again worked with TLCs to recruit and pledge even more new members.
Initiation services for Kappa Psi’s 53 sisters were held on Dec. 8, 2006.
Kappa Psi Chapter Today:
ZTA
This young chapter has taken the campus and community by storm. Kappa Psi has a strong presence on
campus with active participation in LINK (Leaders in Kutztown), the Student Government Board, Presidential
Ambassadors, ACE (Association of Campus Events), UGC Board (United Greek Council), KUR (Kutztown
Radio), Kutztown Student Tour Guides and Essence (Campus Literary Magazine). The ladies also wear other
crowns such as that of 2007 Miss Kutztown University. They also participate in many events for ZTA’s national
philanthropy such as Pink Out and sponsoring a Cancer Survivor Tea.
Fun Facts
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Kutztown:
Established – 1866
Mascot – Golden Bears
Enrollment – 9,189
Web site: www.kutztown.edu
Visit Kappa Psi Chapter on the Web: http://zetataualphapa.club.officelive.com/aboutus.aspx
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