Founders' Day Proclamation

For the first time as Zeta Tau Alpha’s National President, I have the privilege of proclaiming Founders’ Day on behalf of our beloved Fraternity. Recently, more than 1,000 sisters gathered for Convention 2026 to celebrate our sisterhood. Looking across the room throughout the week, I was reminded that if I hadn’t said yes to a new opportunity, none of this would be happening.

My badge was the first fraternity/sorority badge worn by anyone in my family, making something special that much more significant. As we all know, every Zeta begins with a pledge pin and then receives her badge at Initiation. These symbols connect us across generations and remind us that membership is something we continue to choose.

This biennium, ZTA is beginning another jewelry tradition. Passing a special piece from leader to leader is common among our National Panhellenic Conference peers, and former National Presidents and Fraternity leaders have discussed how ZTA might do something similar. We have long passed down the Purple, a symbol of the National President, but it cannot be worn every day to represent Zeta.

Now, the National President will also wear a necklace designed by Shawn Paul—our crest surrounded by “linking diamonds.” It represents those who have led before me, those who will follow, and the links connecting us. Its meaning comes not simply from the jewelry, but from the sisterhood it represents.

As we celebrate our Founders, I hope each of us considers how we can strengthen those links. Alumnae can reconnect by joining an alumnae chapter, serving as an advisor or volunteer, supporting the ZTA Foundation, attending an event, reaching out to a sister, or paying National Dues. When an invitation comes, I encourage you to say yes. Say yes to showing up. Say yes to serving. Say yes to discovering a new way to belong.

Our nine Founders said yes to creating something extraordinary. May we honor them by continuing to choose Zeta Tau Alpha, building our affinity for this sisterhood, and ensuring every sister knows there is always a place for her within it.

Given under my hand and seal, I proclaim the fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-six, as our 128th Founders’ Day.

Stancy Robinson Hagans
National President

Prosper, Texas
October 2026