Alpha Nu celebrates 100 years at Birmingham-Southern

On Oct. 7, 1922, nine young women were initiated into Zeta Tau Alpha as the first National Panhellenic Conference group chartered at Birmingham-Southern College. One hundred years later, alumnae of that 39th link in our Chain of Chapters celebrated the centennial anniversary of Alpha Nu Chapter Oct. 14-16, the weekend of their alma mater’s homecoming.

The festivities began Friday evening with an open house at the chapter’s townhouse with food, music and a historical display of composites and scrapbooks. On Saturday morning, ZTA alumnae and collegians celebrated Homecoming on the Hilltop. After a 28-0 win by Birmingham-Southern over Millsaps College, Zetas gathered for an evening Anniversary Banquet at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

“The entire weekend was such a fun time,” said Anniversary Chair Ashley Rennhack. “The banquet was everyone’s favorite event.
It was so much fun seeing our sisters from so many decades getting together.”

Former Vice President Collegiate II Lynn Compton Chapman, initiated at Alpha Nu in 1990, was the guest speaker at the banquet. “My national offices brought me friends all over the country and experiences I draw on every day,” she said. “But here, at Alpha Nu, I learned how to be a member and a leader, how to handle adversity, how to navigate a difficult conversation, how to look for the good in others and how to work toward a common goal. I would guess most of you are here because of what you learned in ZTA and because you, too, grew into your best self alongside your sisters.”

Former Extension Director and Alpha Nu alumna Terri Dew Millsap closed the banquet by thanking all those who sustained the chapter over 100 years. “Thank you to all our Alpha Nu sisters. Since the day you first pledged, you became a part of this chapter’s success,” Mrs. Millsap said. She also gave special recognition to alumnae from other chapters who have assisted Alpha Nu. “Together, you have volunteered thousands of hours over the years to assist this chapter as an advisor, Mentor, Province President, District President, Fraternity Housing Corporation member or National Council member. You are the servant leaders who have helped Alpha Nu reach its 100th anniversary.”

Among those leaders in attendance were National Archives Committee Chair Susan L. Beard (Delta Psi Chapter, Samford University) and former National President Julia Marthaler Hill (Eta Rho Chapter, The University of North Alabama), both Birmingham residents. Mrs. Hill presented the centennial gift of a Waterford clock to current Alpha Nu Chapter President Lexi Rennhack.

On Sunday, Oct. 16, Alpha Nu completed its celebration with a White Violet Tea at the Bruno Great Hall on campus. The event included the Founders’ Day Service, recognition of 50- and 25-year members and a sisterhood circle.