Grand Convention
2014 Highlights
New Grand Council Elected
The new Grand Council members were elected for the 2014-2016 biennium.
Laura Ware Doerre, President
Jane Shepherd Dick, Vice President
Joan Hastings Krieger, Vice President
Abbey Mansfield, Vice President
Kimi Morris Martin, Vice President
Kathryn Newman Schweer, Vice President
Mandy Burgett Wushinske, Vice President
Thanks to the delegates who served on the Nominating Committee, including the following alumnae chapter delegates:
District
District
District
District
IV: Susan Horsewood, Western North Carolina Alumnae Chapter
V: Sage Singleton, Central Florida Alumnae Chapter
VI: Cindy Bohannon, The Woodlands Area Alumnae Chapter
IX: Nikki Heyd, Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Alumnae Chapter
Convention Body Passes
Legislation
The Grand Convention body passed all Bylaws ratifications, as well as the proposed
changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. There was good discussion around the
proposals; the alumnae and college delegates shared their insights and voted with
open minds. Among the notable highlights for alumnae:
• The increase in per capita dues for alumnae was ratified; the next increase will be
in 2016 and is tied to a three-year unchained CPI rate.
• The minimum number of alumnae members in good standing to petition for a
new chapter charter was increased to 15.
• Alumnae—or college women subject to discipline as alumnae per bylaws—can
now be subject to discipline for failure to abide by the law.
• Alumnae chapters shall maintain a minimum of 10 members in good standing to
be considered in good standing; alumnae district directors will be working actively
with chapters under this threshold to help with revitalization or to explore other
organizational structures.
Tampa Alumnae Chapter Receives
the Founders Award
In a Convention first, the awards for
our college chapters and alumnae
chapters were presented in a single
awards celebration.
There were three finalists for the
Founders Award—Greater Kansas
City, Miami, and Tampa—with the
coveted award and its $2,000
Foundation Grant going to the
Tampa Alumnae Chapter. Overall,
alumnae chapters demonstrated
fantastic achievements:
28 Pansy Awards
34 Black & Gold Awards
37 Twin Star Awards
25 Golden Kite Awards
Convention Kicks Off In Style
Thursday night’s Convention Kick-Off was inspired by trade shows and street fairs, and offered
activities, food and the chance to learn more about Fraternity programs. Among the hot topics:
• Chapter Websites: did you know the Fraternity can host your website, and offer tips on chapter site
maintenance?
• Friendship Fund: did you know the Fraternity administers this Fund, which awarded $55,000 to
sisters in need in 2013.
• Life Loyal: did you know there are now 3,387 Life Loyal Thetas, whose support funds the Theta
Magazine and covers per capita dues?
• Reading Women: Theta’s online book club was well represented with keynote speaker Kelly
Corrigan/Epsilon Psi, the author of “Glitter & Glue”—the Reading Women’s July selection.
• Theta Heritage: have you visited heritage.kappaalphatheta.org? Get insights ahead of Theta’s
Sesquicentennial, taking place in Indianapolis in 2020.
• Young Alumnae: are you interested in forming a young alumnae group for your chapter? Connect
with Lauren Lewis, [email protected], to learn more!
Theta Foundation Unveils
Capital Campaign
When Theta Foundation’s Give to Lead, Give to Learn Endowment Campaign was
launched last year, the goal was to raise $5 million to endow the Educational
Leadership Consultant Program and a new need-based scholarship program.
During the year-and-one-half-long “silent phase” of intense fundraising, Theta
Foundation staff and volunteers met with many long-standing and loyal donors.
Through the generosity of these donors and the support of our volunteers, staff, and
professional partners, they are thrilled to announce that they have raised
$3,120,560 for the Give to Lead, Give to Learn Campaign!
Learn more by visiting the campaign website at www.givetotheta.org. If you have any
questions or would like to schedule a personal conversation with a campaign leader,
please email the campaign address- [email protected].
Grand Convention Returns to
Arizona
The announcement of the next location of Grand Convention is always much
anticipated, and was met with great enthusiasm this year. In 2016, Kappa
Alpha Theta will hold its Grand Convention from June 23 to 26 at the
Arizona Biltmore resort. Since 1929, the Arizona Biltmore has been a
destination of inspiration with 39 acres of gardens, swimming pools and
iconic architecture—all close to central Phoenix for easy travel.