Theta Phi Alpha | A Sister Never Walks Alone

Today

Today Theta Phi Alpha is a national sorority that has expanded from its Catholic roots and now proudly has sisters of all religions and backgrounds. We are a close knit group of girls that came together seemingly by chance and found lasting friendships among our fellow sisters. Within Theta Phi Alpha there are numerous chances to hold a leadership position. We also plan many sisterhood events which allow us to grow even closer. In addition to social events we participate in events that make us active in the community such as the MS Walk and various types of fundraising for our philanthropies.

History

National History

In 1912, a small, local Fraternity of Catholic women at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, was struggling. The organization had originally been formed by Father Edward D. Kelly in 1909, when he was pastor of the student chapel at the University. He believed that there should be some kind of home life provided for the young Catholic women Catholics were not always welcome in the other Greek-letter sororities on campus. By founding this new sorority, Catholic women had sorority life opened to them. Unfortunately, however, by the late spring of 1912 membership in Omega Upsilon was low and the treasury was unable to support the activities of the group.

With the aid of Amelia McSweeney, an 1898 graduate of the University of Michigan, Amelia McSweeney, seven other alumnae, and two undergraduate women worked tirelessly through the summer of 1912, meeting at the home of Dorothy and Katrina Caughey, to prepare the plans for the new organization. May C. Ryan contributed the name, motto, and original coat of arms, and the membership selected the Fraternity's flower, jewels, and colors.

Two undergraduate members of Omega Upsilon became members of Theta Phi Alpha. They were Eva Stroh, a sophomore, and Otilia Leuchtweis, a senior, who became Theta Phi Alpha's first Chapter President. Plans for the coming school year were completed on August 30, 1912, and Theta Phi Alpha began operation on the campus of the University of Michigan. Otilia and Eva, the undergraduate members, proved an enthusiastic team. During the first week, they pledged Kathlyn Holmes, Theta Phi Alpha's first pledge sister, and Marie Sullivan. With the aid of the alumnae, they held their first initiation on November 16, 1912.