Article by: Angela Bray

Suffolk University, freshmen Jessica Meana, Amber Bellon, and sophomore Jaden Nazarian are embarking on the task of developing a new sorority; Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA).

There is currently only one sorority at Suffolk, Theta Phi Alpha. The idea of adding another sorority arose after a separate group of Suffolk students recently started the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. “The guys just started one. If they can, we can too,” Meana said. “Some of us interested are already friends, and it would be great if everything works out.” Zeta Tau Alpha consists of 147 active collegiate chapters belonging to colleges and universities across the country. It has initiated over 200,000 members since it was founded in 1898.

Zeta Tau Alpha supports breast cancer education and awareness; “Think pink” is a registered trademark of ZTA, which is a Co-Sponsor of the National Series Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program (at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events nationwide).

Belonging to a sorority provides members with rewarding opportunities. “Seek the Noblest” is ZTA’s philosophy. The members are brought together to serve a good cause. “I’ve always wanted to be in a sorority, but the one here isn’t exactly what I had in mind,” Bellon said. “All the girls have had positive reactions so far.”

The process of becoming a nationally recognized chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha will take around one year.
Official pledging into the national sorority will not take place until next fall. Until then, there is an unofficial “local chapter” composed of acting sorority members. This time period will be used in order to prove dedication by selecting Zeta Tau Alpha officers and becoming a recognized chapter. There are a number of enthusiastic girls that feel positively about ZTA. The first meeting was held last Sunday with an impressive turnout.

“We have already talked about some ideas, such as movie nights and get-togethers,” Meana said. Breast cancer awareness projects are the top priorities of ZTA. “We would have fundraisers, like socials and dances,” said Bellon. “We are really excited.”