history

HISTORY OF ZETA TAU ALPHA

Zeta Tau Alpha was founded October 15, 1898, by nine women at the State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) in Farmville, 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?" This, 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.

The Founders of Zeta Tau Alpha:
Maud Jones Horner, Died August 20, 1920
Della Lewis Hundley, Died July 12, 1951
Alice Bland Coleman, Died June 11, 1956
Mary Jones Batte, Died December 3, 1957
Alice Grey Welsh, Died June 21, 1960
Ethel Coleman Van Name, Died January 24, 1964
Helen M. Crafford, Died September 17, 1964
Frances Yancey Smith, Died April 23, 1977
Ruby Leigh Orgain, Died October 22, 1984

HISTORY OF OUR CHAPTER

The state of Louisiana can truly be considered Zeta country as Eta Omega was named the seventh chapter to be installed in the state.

On August 8, 1974, a group of LSUS students organized the Crown Club with the help of Rosemary Williams and Zoe Ramsey, two Zeta alumnae. The members of that group were Cathy Smith, Linda Muss, Anita Rodgers, Suzanne Hunt, Sherrie Bennett, Patricia Jordan, Karen Garrett, Joanie Hunt, Charlene Woodward, Becky Hudsmith, Patti Atkins, Cindy Smith, Cindy Belcher, Annette Plauche, Helen Calhoun, Nelda Lane, Cindy Griffin, Tina Branch, and Darlene Ferrera. It was on August 26 that the girls were officially recognized and became the second national sorority at LSUS. On September 2, the first group of girls were pledged in Zeta Tau Alpha at the Centenary Lodge. Officers of the first Eta Omega pledge class were: Joanie Hunt, President; Helen Calhoun, VP; Suzie Hunt, Secretary; Becky Hudsmith, Treasurer; Annette Plauche, Historian; and Karen Garrett, Membership.

National field secretary, Lisa Lorenzen, aided the chapter throughout the fall semester in rushing and pledging new girls. All that hard work paid off and the colony was initiated on February 28, 1975. The following day, March 1, 1975, the chapter was installed by our National Officers at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. That night the intiation banquet was held at East Ridge Country Club. LSUS Chancellor, Donald Shipp, was guest speaker. At this time, Eta Omega received the baby cup which is passed to new chapters as they are installed. On Sunday, March 3, an afternoon reception was held in the garden of St. Paul's honoring the newly initiated. Included in the receiving line was Nelly Galloway Shearer, National Vice President, and Nornell Jackson, Vice President Collegiate, Area Three. The week certainly was an exciting one for Eta Omega.

The Eta Omega Chapter was formed through the loyal devotion of its members, who were eager to establish a strong chapter at LSUS in the tradition of Zeta Tau Alpha. Eta Omega has been active on the LSUS campus longer than any other greek organization. The ladies repeatedly win Greek Organization of the Year and Greek Woman of the Year.

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