Year In Review

This past year has been a great one for all of our chapters on campus. As the semester is coming to a close, we wanted to take a look back on the great things they accomplished! We are very proud of all twelve chapters and look forward to seeing what they do in the future. 

ALPHA CHI OMEGA

1. We hosted our second annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event at the beginning of October in which fraternities sign up teams to do a relay race in heels. We raised almost $2,000 for the Women's Center of Tarrant County. 
2. Two of our chapter members, Katy Oliphint and Kathryn Jaslikowski, represented our chapter on Panhellenic Exec this year. We are very proud of all their accomplishments on this board. 
3. We initiated 72 new members into our lifelong sisterhood. We cannot wait to see how they will grow throughout their collegiate career. 

ALPHA DELTA PI

1. Very successful chapter retreat with a new format that the chapter loved
2. We were able to host two social visits from international officers including two international presidents

ALPHA OMICRON PI

1. On April 1st we had our first annual Sink Out Arthritis event! The event was created by our own Philanthropy Chair, Caitlin Blanck, and was a huge success! We raised around $2,000 in donations alone and are so excited to see our event grow in the future!
2. The Jingle Bell Run is a nation wide event to raise money and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation, our national philanthropy. Our chapter created a team for the Fort Worth run in hopes of having around 50 members. We ended up with over 60 members and raising over $4,000, making us the biggest team in terms of members and money raised!
3. Our Up 'til Dawn team, led by new our initiates, has a goal of $3,000. So far, our team is in the top 3 for fundraisers!

CHI OMEGA

1. The Rho Epsilon chapter of Chi Omega at TCU helps support Make-A-Wish Philanthropy as Chi O's national philanthropy.  This semester, we raised a grand total of $174,722 for Make-A-Wish!
2. In the fall, we were so excited to welcome 71 new members into the chapter!  They are almost at the end of their new membership program and will be initiated in January when we return from winter break.
3. We are having a bittersweet time spending the firsts of the "lasts" with our beloved senior members.  Many of them have found jobs and internships over the course of the semester, and we know that they will excel in the "real world"!  We cannot see where they end up!

DELTA DELTA DELTA

1. All year long, families scattered throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex anticipate Cookies and Castles, an event held by the Fort Worth Delta Delta Delta Alumnae Chapter and benefiting Cook Children’s Medical Center. During this event, Tri Deltas at Texas Christian University join children and their families in decorating gingerbread houses and gingerbread men. Throughout the three days this holiday event occurs, there are categorized sessions in which people come and design their delicious masterpieces. Since 2001, this event has raised over $400,000 for Cook Children’s. 
2. TCU Delta Delta Delta raises thousands of dollars per year through Delta Dunkfest, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament held in the campus recreation center. Delta Dunkfest donates all of its proceeds to a remarkably important branch of Cook Children’s Medical Center. Every summer, Cook Children’s sends cancer patients and their siblings to a specialized facility called Camp Sanguinity. This camp is the perfect summer getaway for the children, and provides an opportunity for them to experience camp like any other kid. Camp Sanguinity offers this escape to any patient at Cook Children’s, including the ones whose families can’t afford the cost. This is why TCU Tri Deltas contribute their time and energy to Delta Dunkfest, and raised over $50,000 for Camp Sanguinity last year.

DELTA GAMMA

1. Delta Gamma has donated money to Cooks children's hospital to help them buy a crucial piece of equipment that will help children with eye impairments.  Our philanthropy is Service For Sight so we are so excited to be able to help change of lives of children who have sight problems.
2. Members of Delta Gamma made over 145 Braille Bibles which will be sent to third world countries to help teach individuals with sight impairments how to read braille. 

GAMMA PHI BETA

This past calendar year we became members of Gamma Phi Beta’s 1874 Society, participated in a local Girls on the Run race and we were named a 5 Crescent chapter through Gamma Phi Beta’s Order of the Crescent program! 

KAPPA ALPHA THETA

1. Raised almost $50,000 for our philanthropy CASA
2. Started an "Alumni Mentor" program in which local alumni serve as "Bigs" to specific Theta "families." This program is all new and not done yet at any chapter in the nation..we are excited to see how successful it will become!
3. Theta was ranked second for intramural participation, which has never happened before in the past.
4. We implemented a new, thorough, transitioning program in which our new officers will be installed. This was approved by nationals as something that has promise for Theta chapters across the nation!

KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA 

1. Kappa donated over $16,000 to George C. Clarke Elementary from money we raised at our 2nd Annual Kolor Run. This money will go toward buying books for the children and establishing college scholarships as well!
2. At our Founder’s Day Celebration, Kappa’s Chapter Advisor Lindsey Jones was the recipient of the Alumni Service Award for 2015!! 
3. Every semester Kappa hosts different Sisterhood Events to bring the chapter closer together, especially during times we might need a break or the support of our sisters. Our most recent event was held at the Kappa house catered by Torchy’s Tacos, and we are looking forward to our Babe’s catered dinner before finals week. 

PI BETA PHI

1. We donated $20,000 to the Pi Phi Foundation -- the most out of any chapter across the world!!
2. We started a new philanthropy called "Pie a Pi Phi" where students paid money to throw a pie in the face of a pi phi
3. A majority of our sorority participated in the Frogs for Cure music video and we all had fun bonding with one another while raising awareness for breast cancer! 

SIGMA KAPPA

Some of Sigma Kappa's accomplishments over this past semester include:

1. Raising over $25,000 for the Sigma Kappa Foundation through our BBB, and over $25,000 for the Alzheimer's Association at the Fort Worth Walk to End Alzheimer's!  
2. We also enjoyed hosting Donna King and members of Sigma Kappa's National Council following Mrs. King's installation as the chairman of National Panhellenic for the next two years.  
3. Finally, we had three great social events, an awesome sisterhood retreat and initiated 73 new members this semester!  Sigma Kappa looks forward to another successful semester and wishes all of our new officers the best of luck! 

ZETA TAU ALPHA

1. The Gamma Psi chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha was awarded for having the highest GPA of any Zeta Tau Alpha chapter in Texas.
2. Our chapter was awarded "Crown Chapter " at National Leadership Convention

Meet the 2016 Panhellenic Executive Council

The Panhellenic Council at Texas Christian University is the coordinating body of the 12 National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus. Panhellenic executive council members are current sorority members whose goal is to make our campus stronger through creating positive change within the Greek community.

Below is the 2016 Panhellenic Executive Council. Read on to learn more about them and how they hope to improve our community! Congratulations, ladies!

Eden Reeves: Panhellenic President

What is your major/minor?Speech Language Pathology Major/Spanish Minor
Where are you from?Boulder, Colorado
What do you love?
The mountains! My favorite part of being home is hiking or hanging up my hammock in between two trees and reading a good book. I also love going to concerts. One time, the lead singer of my favorite band grabbed my selfie stick and took it stage with him and took pictures. So cool!
What is your favorite thanksgiving dish?
The turkey, of course! It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it. And leftover turkey sandwiches are unbeatable.
What are you looking forward to about being on exec? I am looking forward to the relationships that will come out of exec and continuing the legacy the past execs have made. It will be really cool to have a role in all of the changes coming up in our community this year, like our service trip to Nicaragua and the colonization of Phi Mu! Panhellenic is a large organization on TCU's campus and it is ever-changing. It will be awesome to see what our women do in 2016.
What made you want to be on Panhellenic exec?I have loved watching all of the positive changes that Panhellenic has made over the past year. I wanted to be part of that legacy and empower the women in our community to be the best that they can be.
Have you served Panhellenic in another way?I was a Rho Gamma during recruitment this year, I have been a Chapter Resident Assistant for the past two years, and I was also my chapter's Panhellenic Delegate for the past year.
What are the President’s duties?The president oversees all Panhellenic operations to ensure that all Panhellenic duties are carried out effectively and efficiently. She communicates with the other Greek councils, the university administration and the National Panhellenic Council. The president also works closely with the chapter presidents and presides over all council meetings and executive meetings.

Addie Anthony: VP Management

What is your major/minor? 

Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in special education

Where are you from?

Prairie Village, Kansas

What do you love to do in your free time? 

News updates, being surrounded by friends, participating in philanthropy events

What is your favorite thanksgiving dish? 

Rhodes Rolls, a little doughy

What are you looking forward to about being on exec? 

I am looking forward to meeting new people and creating lasting relationships all while helping the Panhellenic community grow!

What made you want to be on Panhellenic exec? 

I wanted to be on exec after serving as a Rho Gamma. 

Have you served Panhellenic in another way?

I served as a Rho Gamma during this past recruitment.

What are the VP Management’s duties?

The VP Management acts as Parliamentarian during meetings, coordinates all issues relating to the Panhellenic Association bylaws and facilitates the approval process for all philanthropy events in which Panhellenic women participate. She works closely with the Chapter Delegates to promote Panhellenic unity and to uphold the standards of our community.

Anika Sutter: VP Member Development

What is your major/minor? 

Supply Chain Management

Where are you from?

Spring, TX

What do you love to do in your free time? 

I love traveling, reading, cooking, Parks and Rec, and going to concerts

What is your favorite thanksgiving dish? 

Sweet potatoes

What are you looking forward to about being on exec? 

I am looking forward to working with such an awesome group, and having the opportunity to enact change and empower the amazing women on our campus.

What made you want to be on Panhellenic exec? 

I wanted to be on exec so that I would have the opportunity to learn more about each chapter on campus and how we can continue to grow as a community.

Have you served Panhellenic in another way?

I was a Rho Gamma!

What are the VP Member Development’s duties?

The VP Member Development works with the scholarship chairs of each of the Panhellenic chapter to promote the high ideals of academic success within the Panhellenic community. She coordinates leadership opportunities, recognizes outstanding scholastic members and coordinates Panhellenic scholarship programming. Through sister sororities, a fall event with the Associate Panhellenic Delegates and working with the New Member Educators from each chapter, she strives to create the ultimate New Member experience.

Caroline Pullman: VP Public Relations

What is your major/minor? 

I am Pre-Business right now but I'm hoping to do Marketing and BIS double major once accepted into the business school.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Sherman, TX and then moved to Fort Smith, AR during high school but I consider both places to be my home. 

What do you love? 

Meeting new people/being around people in general, the cookies at Magnolias in the BLUU 2, and going on spontaneous adventures. 

What is your favorite thanksgiving dish? 

Stuffing :-)

What are you looking forward to about being on exec? 

Getting to know and spending time with the other girls on exec and assisting in next year's recruitment.

What made you want to be on Panhellenic exec? 

I went to the UIFI conference this summer and had a really great experience there, and my small group leader inspired me to want to serve on Panhellenic Exec. 

What are the VP Public Relations’ duties?

The VP Public Relations serves as the liaison between the Panhellenic Council and local media. She coordinates all publicity materials and general promotions for the Panhellenic Association. She spends her days on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms in order to communicate the accomplishments of her Panhellenic sisters.

Sydney Leech: VP Recruitment Operations

What is your major/minor?

Double Major in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management

Where are you from?

Chattanooga, Tennessee

What do you love? 

Cooking, running, adventuring, hanging out with friends, playing with my dog, visiting my family

What is your favorite thanksgiving dish?

Turkey and stuffing

What are you looking forward to about being on exec? 

Panhellenic is a special exec team because we are all from different organizations, but have the same goals. I think we can make a big impact on the Panhellenic community while also helping each other to become better leaders! Secondly, I am so excited to meet the PNM's for the TCU Class of 2020 and help them find a home in the TCU Panhellenic Community!

What made you want to be on Panhellenic exec?

I loved my time as Chief Recruiting Officer for my chapter; however, I want to be a part of something bigger. I wanted to meet a group of female leaders who are just as excited about making changes in our community as I am. I am so passionate about Recruitment and knew that I had the knowledge to make a difference in this position.

What are the duties of the VP Recruitment Operations?

The VP Recruitment Operations is in charge of coordinating all aspects of Panhellenic Recruitment (formal, informal and continuous open bidding). Throughout the summer, she will assist with orientation sessions. During the weeks leading up to and including formal Recruitment, she will oversee the Panhellenic recruitment team and coordinate all National Panhellenic Unanimous Agreements regarding Membership Recruitment Rules. 

Ryan Murray: VP Recruitment Programming

What is your major/minor? 

Actuarial Mathematics major and Economics minor

Where are you from?

Southlake, TX

What do you love? 

Spending time with friends and family, shopping, and watching Grey's Anatomy (duh)

What is your favorite thanksgiving dish? 

Stuffing, for sure

What are you looking forward to about being on exec? 

I am looking forward to meeting new people, growing close and working with the other girls on Panhellenic Exec, and helping the Panhellenic community as a whole. 

What made you want to be on Panhellenic exec? 

I wanted to be on Panhellenic Exec because I wanted to make a difference in our Panhellenic community. 

Have you served Panhellenic in another way?

I was both a Rho Gamma, as well as a Associate Delegate.

What are the duties of the VP Recruitment Programming?

The VP Recruitment Programming works to choose and train Panhellenic women to lead the potential new members through recruitment. 

Amy Crowe: VP Finance and Administration

What is your major/minor? 

Accounting major

Where are you from?

Kaukauna, WI (right by Green Bay…GO PACK GO!)

What do you love? 

I love dancing, shopping, reading and eating…I’m a major foodie 

What is your favorite thanksgiving dish? 

Sweet potatoes!! (see pic)

What are you looking forward to about being on exec? 

I look forward to getting to know all of the different women on exec and getting to help improve the Panhellenic community.

What made you want to be on Panhellenic exec? 

I wanted to be on Panhellenic exec because I wanted to help serve the whole Greek community rather than just an individual chapter.

Have you served Panhellenic in another way?

I just transferred from the University of Wisconsin and I was on the Panhellenic Judicial Board there

What are the VP Finance and Administration’s duties?

The VP of Finance and Administration manages and creates the annual and formal recruitment budgets. She distributes reimbursements, provides donations to other organizations on campus and collects monetary funds for our Panhellenic philanthropy, Circle of Sisterhood. In addition to her role as treasurer, she also serves as the secretary. She creates agendas for weekly executive and council meetings, takes attendance and accurately records minutes.

Hannah Taylor: VP Service and Philanthropy

What is your major/minor? 

My major is Writing and my minor is Film and TV Studies

Where are you from?

I am from Austin, TX

What do you love? 

I love reading writing, knitting and watching movies and TV. I am a big TV person. 

What is your favorite thanksgiving dish? 

Mashed Potatoes!

What are you looking forward to about being on exec? 

I am looking forward to truly making a difference on a large scale, as well as better understanding the intricate way the Panhellenic system works! Greek life here is so important to so many people and I am very cited to play a small hand in how that experience goes for some. 

What made you want to be on Panhellenic exec? 

I went to SEPC last year and completely fell in love with Panhellenic and everything awesome we do. Since then, I have wanted to be part of it all on a larger scale. 

What are the duties of the VP Service and Philanthropy?

She is responsible for all service activities sponsored by Panhellenic Association as well as the philanthropy packets. The VP Service and Philanthropy offers opportunities for all organizations to participate in outside service projects and is in charge of coordinating these projects. She meets regularly with the service chairmen to provide assistance with philanthropic opportunities. In addition, she maintains records of chapter service hours.

Circle of Sisterhood Trek 2016

After Ginny Carroll's visit to campus last week, you may be wondering what the Circle of Sisterhood Trek to Nicaragua will entail. Below you will find the details of the trip, and more!

Application Guidelines:

• Based on an internal election process, three women from every chapter will be selected to interview with Panhellenic Exec on a later date in January.
• This process will include an application and an interview, speech or presentation to your chapter. The second part will depend on your chapter. 
• All candidates will complete the application, which includes background information on the candidate and five short answer questions. You can get this application from your Panhellenic delegate.
• Each chapter will have a different timeline for this internal process, so talk to your Panhellenic delegate about what your chapter’s process will look like. 
• Chapter representatives will be chosen by your last chapter meeting.

Trek Details:

• Nicaragua Trek Dates: May 30th-June 5^th, 2016
• 12 members from the Panhellenic community (1 from each chapter) and both the 2015 and 2016 Panhellenic VP of Service and Philanthropy
• Two advisors will attend the trek, as well
• Panhellenic’s goal is to cover all trek and travel costs

buildOn

The Circle of Sisterhood has chosen buildOn as our Implementing Partner when we fund a school build. buildOn works in some of the poorest countries on the planet to build schools in villages that have historically had no adequate school structure – where students are squeezed into dark and crumbling mid huts, or are taught under trees when the weather permits, or have to walk multiple miles to a neighboring village, or can’t attend school at all. To date, buildOn has built more than 700 schools in seven countries. 

Each day you will spend about four hours contributing labor to the construction of the school. This is the most challenging aspect of the Trek for most participants. Training that builds strength or endurance between now and your Trek will make your time on the worksite easier and more enjoyable. However, no previous construction experience is necessary and there are jobs on the worksite suitable for participants of most any age or skill level. An open mind and a willingness to try new things are the only requirements. 

You will work side by side with members of the community on the worksite, and buildOn staff will assist you as you learn how to use the tools and complete the tasks each day. The entire school project will take approximately 12 weeks to complete. During the first week you can expect to dig and pour the foundation, which is the most labor-intensive part of the process. After your Trek, the community volunteers and buildOn staff will complete the school. Pictures of the finished school and an update on the completion of the project will be sent to you 2-4 weeks after construction is done and the school is painted.

Sample Trek Itinerary

• Day 1 

• Arrive in buildOn impact area Meet buildOn staff 

• Dinner and orientation Overnight in town hotel/hostel 

• Day 2 

• Travel to the village 

• Welcome ceremony and covenant signing Meet host families 

• Days 3-5 

• Work on the school in the morning 

• Cultural workshops in the afternoon 

• Spend time with your host family in the evening 

• Day 6 

• Farewell to the village 

• Travel back to town for shopping/final dinner 

• Day 7 

• Depart for home

If you have any questions about the trek, feel free to email TCU Panhellenic at tcupanhellenic@gmail.com.

Circle of Sisterhood Foundation: What is it?

On Monday, October 26th, Ginny Carroll from the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation will be speaking at the all-Panhellenic event. In honor of this upcoming event, we want to share with you what Circle of Sisterhood is all about.

What is the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation?

The Circle of Sisterhood Foundation is a mechanism by which all sorority women can stand together across affiliation, age, color, and creed to make a difference in the lives of millions of girls and women around the world. Collectively, we are one of the largest communities of college-education women in the world while not even 7% of the world – men and women combined – has college degrees and 2/3 of all illiterate adults are women. Standing together as one community, we will give girls and women an equal chance for rewarding lives and livelihoods through schooling, the learning of a trade, or even a college degree.

Why is CoS important?
The Circle of Sisterhood Foundation is the official philanthropy of TCU Panhellenic. 

Why sorority women? 

Without education, girls and women all over the world are unable to reach their full potential. Sorority women are fortunate to have the one thing that will help most women out of poverty—an education. As such, we have a responsibility to those less fortunate.

Why does this matter at TCU?

In the summer of 2016, fourteen women from our community will be going on a trek to Nicaragua to build a school for women. We must raise money to support these women from our community on their service trip. 

How can I help?

At your sorority meeting, your Panhellenic delegate will discuss what we call “the pledge”. You can pledge $10 to support women from our community who will be going on this trek. With your pledge, you will receive a sticker that states “TCU Panhellenic supports Circle of Sisterhood Foundation” (see image below). This money will go towards the school build as well as the transportation and needs of our Panhellenic women. If every Panhellenic woman pledged $10, we'd have the total funds necessary to cover the cost of each woman going on the trek. Remember: that woman could be your sister sitting next to you! 

I want to go on the trip! How can I do that?

Your chapter will be holding an election process that you can participate in. Each woman will fill out an application and make a speech to her chapter. Talk to your delegate about how this process will work in your chapter. Of the three women representing each chapter, one will be chosen through an interview process with the Panhellenic executive council. 

Have other questions? Email TCU Panhellenic at tcupanhellenic@gmail.com or visit our social media pages (@TCUPanhellenic) for updates! 

2016 Panhellenic Council Elections

Elections for the 2016 Panhellenic Council are fast approaching! Below you will find the details and some advice from the current Panhellenic exec on what to expect. Please email us at tcupanhellenic@gmail.com or contact any of the current exec members with any questions! 

Advice: 

• Be yourself and don’t be nervous! 
• Be sure you have some points to talk about. Think ahead about things you want to change or ideas you want implement if you were selected. Also be sure to acknowledge things that are going well that you plan to continue.
• Study your position(s) of interest and be sure you’re able to talk about what about you as a person matches with the duties assigned to that person.
• Be able to talk about yourself… it’s your time to brag and shine! 

Logistics: 

• Be sure you get the election packet from your president, on the Panhellenic website (www.tcupanhellenic.org), or on OrgSync.
• Make sure you write down the dates and whats required of you for each event! 
• The required dates during the 2016 school year are actually required… before applying make sure you will be available for these dates!
• Be sure you’re following dress code for each specific event.
• Be sure you understand recruitment disaffiliation and everything that goes along with it!
• Make sure you’ve contacted someone on the current executive council to meet and talk about the positions! (our emails are on the packet)

Application Dates:

• Applications due: November 4th in the Panhellenic box in the Fraternity and Sorority Life office (located in the Multipurpose Building)
• Meet the Candidates: November 11th in the BLUU Ballroom
• Candidate Speeches: November 18th in the Chambers
• Based on the Meet the Candidates, two people will be slated for each position. These women will give speeches at this time.
• Results Posted: November 20th at noon on the Panhellenic Website
• 2016 Officers sworn into office: December 2nd at 5 pm in the Chambers

Things To-Do this Fall in Fort Worth

In honor of today marking the first day of Autumn, here are some activities going on in the DFW area this fall! 

• Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum (www.dallasarboretum.org)
• The Dallas Arboretum’s seasonal fest features chances to capture photos of Cinderella’s carriage and thousands of pumpkins at Pumpkin Village, sample tea and other goodies at Harvest Tea, and treat children to face painting and petting zoos on select days.

• This weekend’s Oktoberfest at Panther Pavillon (http://pantherislandpavilion.com/oktoberfest/)
• Oktoberfest, zie fest with zie best, is back in Fort Worth! Join us Thursday, September 24th through Saturday, September 26th at Panther Island Pavilion for an authentic German celebration with just the right amount of Texas thrown in to make it our own.
• You’ll find authentic German food, music, dancing, games, biergartens, dachshund races, as well as Spaten and other Fall and Oktoberfest craft beers from around the country.

• Greek Food Festival of Dallas (http://www.greekfestivalofdallas.com)
• Enjoy a fresh take on a tasty favorite as The Greek Food Festival of Dallas celebrates Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s centennial. Marking 100 years of faith, service and culture, festival weekend offers all the delicious food and lively entertainment you’ve come to expect — and more.

• State Fair of Texas (www.bigtex.com)
• You can’t leave Texas without going to the infamous Texas State Fair! 
• September 26 - October 18 at Fair Park Dallas

• Fort Worth Friday on the Green (www.fortworthsouth.org)
• October 9, 2015
• CELEBRATING ITS 7TH SEASON, FRIDAY ON THE GREEN is the monthly concert series presented April-October by Fort Worth South, Inc. in partnership with the Fort Worth Weekly, and Andrew’s Distributing of Fort Worth, Frank Kent Cadillac, and Rahr & Sons Brewing.

• Chili on the Green (www.fortworthsouth.org)
• November 7, 2015 
• Join us for the third annual Chili on the Green competition as up to 20 teams take to the grass at Magnolia Green Park in an effort to prove that their chili will reign supreme in the Near Southside!

• Haunted Houses
• Cutting Edge Haunted House (http://www.cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com/cutting.cfm#.VgMTgbRH3dQ)
• Hangman’s House of Horrors (http://www.hangmans.com)
• Moxley Manor Haunted House (http://moxleymanor.com)

• Pumpkin Patches in Dallas/Fort Worth
• Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze (http://www.hallspumpkinfarm.net)
• Mainstay Farm Pumpkin Days (http://www.mainstayfarm.com/seasonal-events/pumpkin-days/)
• Country Critters Farm (http://www.countrycrittersfarm.com/index.html)