ZETA TAU ALPHA

 University of North Texas

 

 

The Creed of Zeta Tau Alpha

Text Box:           To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha, lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and enoble our lives; to be true to ourselves and to those within and without our circle; to think in terms of all mankind and our service to the world; to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind, remembering that since the thought is father to the deed, only that which we would have manifested in our experience should be entertained in thought; to find satisfaction in being rather than seeming; thus strengthening in us the higher qualities of the spirit; to prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served; to seek understanding that we might gain true wisdom; to look for the good in everyone; to see beauty, with its enriching influence; to be humble in success and without bitterness in defeat; to have the welfare and harmony of the fraternity at heart, striving ever to make our lives a symphony of high ideals, devotion to the right, the good, and the true, without a discordant note; remembering always that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was love "The Greatest of All Things."
-Shirley Kreasan Strout 
 
         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zeta Tau Alpha History

Text Box:            Zeta Tau Alpha was founded October 15, 1898 by nine women at the State Female Normal School in Longwood, Virginia.  Only 14-15 years of age, these young women desired permanence to their friendships and hoped to perpetuate their sisterhood long after college. Though dedicated to the formation of a Greek-letter group, the band of nine delayed selecting a formal name.  A temporary name of "???" was taken when, as legend has it, a member of another group met with the Founders.  Raising her eyebrows and forming her fingers in the shape of a question mark she asked, "Who are you?"  In unison, the group answered "Yes, Who? Who? Who?"  Thus, the group came to be known as "???" while they sought an appropriate Greek name and symbols.  During this time, the group received valuable assistance from two of the members' brothers - Maud's brother, Plummer Jones, and Frances Yancey Smith's brother Giles Mebane Smith.  Both were students at the college of William and Mary, members of men's Greek-letter organizations and knowledgeable of Greek lore.  After a year of careful contemplation, the group chose the formal name, the patron goddess, and the badge.
 
 
 
 
 
 
of a question mark she asked, "Who are you?"  In unison, the group a
 
 
Text Box: Our Nine Founders
Maud Jones Horner 
Della Lewis Hundley
Alice Bland Coleman 
Mary Jones Batte 
Alice Grey Welsh 
Ethel Coleman Van Name 
Helen M. Crafford 
Frances Yancey Smith 
Ruby Leigh Orgain
                                         

 

 

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gamma Phi Chapter History

 

Text Box:           This May will mark the 52nd anniversary of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha at the University of North Texas!  The Gamma Phi Chapter was installed May 23, 1953, and is the 95th chapter established by ZTA.  Since it’s founding, Zeta Tau Alpha has been chartered on more than 225 campuses internationally, and it continues to grow.   The ladies of Gamma Phi continue to further the purpose of Zeta by living up to the high standards set forth by our founders more than 104 years ago.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Text Box: Phyllis George Brown
An alumna of the University of North Texas, initiated into Gamma Phi Chapter. 
Selected Miss America, 1971. 
Debuted as Network Television’s first female sportscaster in 1974. 
Earned an Emmy award for work with the NFL on CBS. 
Hosted “NFL Today” for eight seasons. 
Married Kentucky Fried Chicken Co-Founder John Y. Brown, Jr. in 1979. He served as governor of Kentucky from 1979-83. 
Authored Kentucky Crafts. 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here to see pictures of Gamma Phi's throughout the years!!