History of Theta Lambda
Our chapter, Theta Lambda, at the University of Central Missouri was Alpha Phi’s 179th installed chapter. Since the founding of Alpha Phi, over 160,000 women worldwide have joined the Fraternity. As of April, 2007 Alpha Phi has installed 205 chapters on campuses throughout the United States and Canada. We maybe the youngest of the sororities on UCM campus but we are the oldest organization nationally among the seven groups. We have more active chapters than six of the sororities on the UCM campus.
Theta Lambda was founded in 1991 when we were colonized in January after holding a very successful colonization rush from January 21st to 24th. We were astounded and humbled when over 150 women showed interest in joining Alpha Phi. Recruitment events and Interviews were held and 78 outstanding women were chosen for membership in the colony. The chapter has had success and has been thriving ever since. The founding Sisters of Theta Lambda were enthusiastic and determined during their colony period and exceeded the expectations of the Alpha Phi International Executive Board by completing the requirements for installation in less than 90 days. The chapter was installed on April 20, 1991 by Ginny Struble, then the current International President, assisted by Jackie Hass, Colony Supervisor, Alyssa Awe, Educational Leadership Consultant and members of Omicron Chapter from the University of Missouri. 78 collegiate women and 17 alumnae women were initiated into Alpha Phi at the Alumni Memorial Chapel on the UCM campus followed by a reception in the Union Ballroom. Those in attendance were Alan Nordyke, then Director of Greek Affairs, representatives of the seven sororities, members of IFC, and local collegiate and alumnae members of Alpha Phi. The Alpha Phi Foundation presented a $1000.00 donation to Western Missouri Medical Center commemorating the installation and continuing this very special Alpha Phi tradition.
The early years were a struggle of love and learning for the new chapter. Theta Lambda went through its first formal recruitment in the fall of 1991 without chapter room furniture. Our struggles have helped build the character that has sustained us over the years. In our short history our membership boasted many successes which include the 5 Star Chapter Award (chapter of the Year), a University Regent, five Homecoming Queens and Princesses, two Charno winners, one Advisor of the Year plus numerous other chapter milestones we are proud of.
At Alpha Phi, we thrive on a healthy dosage of social activities to balance UCM rigorous schoolwork. We socialize at least once a month with one or two of the nine fraternities. We also have date events, like our popular “Mystery Date Party,” in which the entire sorority is set up on blind dates for a night on the town.
Despite being formed to provide an environment outside of schoolwork, academics are important to Alpha Phi. A walk through the house on any weekday night proves this – sisters can be found studying in their rooms or with groups in the Living Room area. Still others are relaxing in their rooms enjoying a night off from the work that UCM loads on.
We have several Alpha Phi only internal events like Mom’s Weekend, Dad’s Day, and Alumnae Weekend. We love to hang out in our front room together, where we order in tons of pizza and snacks and spend the evening supporting our local sports teams or watching our favorite TV shows. Mules and Jennies games are also very popular with our sisters. The culmination to every semester, however, is the formal or semi-formal held before finals week. The formals are open to all sisters and their dates with ridiculous amounts of fun. We say goodbye to our graduating class at end of the semester with Senior Ceremony in which the seniors read their wills and give their final goodbye making the night unforgettable.
Comprised of women committed to sisterhood, leadership, and education, our chapter continues to grow in love and depth with each new member class.
