Category Archives: Fran Favorite

When This New Pin Grows Old!

When I went searching for something to write about for Kappa Alpha Theta’s Founders’ Day, I came across this ditty and it was too good not to share. It was also one of those works that made it around the … Continue reading

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Kappa Alpha Theta and the First Phi Beta Kappa Women at Vermont

Kappa Alpha Theta was founded at Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw University) in Greencastle, Indiana. The force behind the founding was one of the first women admitted to the college. Her name was Bettie Locke. On January 27, 1870, Bettie Locke (Hamilton) stood … Continue reading

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After the Snow – John Collum, a Baby, and Gamma Alpha Omega

Snow, snow, and more snow was the weekend’s theme. Facebook friends on the east coast keep me abreast of how much snow they were getting. Here in my neighborhood in the middle of the country, it was cold, but sunny. … Continue reading

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January 21, P.E.O. and the Original BIL

P.E.O., a “philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women though scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations” was founded as a collegiate organization on January 21, … Continue reading

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An Accidental Pi Phi, 40 Years Later

When I went through rush at Syracuse University four decades ago, it was on a whim. All I wanted to do was go on house tours and be done with it. I remember walking around Walnut Park on the day … Continue reading

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Charles Kuralt and St. Anthony Hall at UNC

On January 17, 1847, Saint Anthony Hall was founded as the Fraternity of Delta Psi at Columbia University. It is the feast day of Saint Anthony the Great.  The University of North Carolina was chartered in 1789 and began classes on February 12, 1795. The Xi … Continue reading

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Zora Neale Hurston and Zeta Phi Beta

Arizona Cleaver, along with her four friends, Pearl Neal, Myrtle Tyler, Viola Tyler, and Fannie Pettie, are the five pearls of Zeta Phi Beta. They are the organization’s founders. The idea for the organization happened several months earlier when Cleaver … Continue reading

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Ernie Ovitz, Elvis, Sis Doc, and More

Sometimes when I am knee deep in a project, I need to divert my attention for a few minutes to help get me past a stumbling block. The first of yesterday’s diversions was Ernest G. “Ernie” Ovitz, a member of the … Continue reading

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Madeleine Z. Doty, Prison Reformer and Alpha Omicron Pi

Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on January 2, 1897. One of AOPi’s early members was Madeleine Zabriskie Doty. In 1900, she earned a B.L. from Smith College. She then enrolled in law school at New York University. There she became a charter … Continue reading

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Sigma Nu May the Force Be With You!

Sigma Nu became a Greek-letter organization on January 1, 1869. It was founded at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia by three young men who were opposed to the hazing that was a part of a cadet’s life at VMI. James … Continue reading

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