Tied Together

Forming connections within your college chapter is full of surprises and growth. But discovering Zetas elsewhere? Equally, if not more, impactful. Personal and professional stories demonstrate the scope of ZTA sisterhood, from happy encounters to business relationships and friendships that were meant to be.

Heartfelt: Remembering Jacob

Lori Schafer Mowl: Gamma Phi, University of North Texas (initiated 1990)
Debbie Gearner Thompson: Gamma Psi, Texas Christian University (initiated 1975)

In 2003, Lori Mowl’s son Jacob was born with a serious heart defect and was only days old when neonatal nurse consultant Debbie Thompson was assigned to their case at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. Mom and nurse bonded immediately because Lori was wearing an old, oversized ZTA shirt, a last-minute grab-and-go to accommodate her postpartum condition.

“I was a mom who gave birth to my son at one hospital by Cesarean section, and then they transported him to Debbie’s hospital to perform open-heart surgery,” says Lori. “When Debbie asked if I was a ZTA, I immediately felt like God had placed her to be there with me. The comfort that washed over me in that moment let me know all of this was going to be OK.”

Debbie says, “My job was to respect Lori as a new mom and normalize some of what was going on in the hospital. That was a unique start of our friendship—a better connection because of the sisterhood.” Debbie’s family was new to the area, and she joined Lori’s Zeta alumnae group. Lori also discovered her ZTA little sister and Debbie live in the same neighborhood.

With five open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant over 15 years, Jacob spent more than 700 days in the hospital, sometimes requiring up to four-month stays. Lori and the rest of her family—husband, Chris, son Micah and daughter, Peyton—banded together with Jacob to accommodate their new lifestyle.

Debbie transferred to another area hospital, but always remained available for Lori’s questions and concerns. “I’ve been impressed with Lori and her family, and how they managed three children and special needs in more than one (Micah is on the autism spectrum),” she says. “When I was service chairperson for our alumnae group, we started adopting a cardiac family at Christmas, in honor of Jacob.”

Lori journaled about Jacob’s heart-transplant journey on Facebook for more than three months and drew new followers. Almost 1,000 people attended his funeral in 2018. “Jacob was just the most joyful child, the best patient and the best student in school,” says Lori. “He was hilarious. At a summer camp in South Texas for kids that were cardiac patients, they called Jacob the mayor of camp. He was the life of the party.” Lori’s family went on to establish the annual Jacob Mowl Memorial Scholarship through the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation. Lori has been a classroom teacher and instructional coach there for 28 years.

“I have to mention just how much my Denton, TX Alumnae Chapter served my family when Jacob was born,” says Lori. “They brought me meals, magazines and books. They came and sat with my baby so I could take a shower. Zeta truly Is Forever in so many ways. They leaned in and loved me when I needed it the most. Now, Debbie is a part of our chapter, and we have opportunities to lift up and serve our sisters together.”

Always in Tune

Margaret Wichard Cunningham, Eta Theta, Missouri University of Science and Technology (initiated 1973)
Sarah Bryant Christman, Zeta Sigma, The University of Texas at Arlington (initiated 1969)

Living in a community of 2,000 homes near Phoenix, Arizona, Margaret Cunningham was justifiably excited to return to Rolla, Missouri for her collegiate chapter's 50th-anniversary celebration in 2022; she's a founding member. Margaret posted a short, enthusiastic description of the event on Facebook.

Community resident Sarah Christman happened to read it. In an amazing twist, Sarah also is a founding member of her ZTA chapter.“I’d known Margaret for a few years, but not like this,” she says. “So, it’s really fun and special.”

The women sing soprano together in the community choral group that Margaret created. During an interview, when Margaret says her favorite song is "One," from "A Chorus Line," both women sing the first line together, completely in tune. It's Sarah's favorite, too.

“Margaret is so sweet, uplifting and encouraging,” says Sarah. “When chorale members get an e-mail from her, she always signs it: ‘With a song in my heart.’”

“Sarah is a doll,” says Margaret. “It’s really fun to tell people, ‘That’s my sister!’”

Instant Friendship

Lauren Ginsberg Webber: Theta Iota, University of North Florida (initiated 2002)
Fallon Heavner Crofoot: Beta Omicron, University of South Carolina (initiated 2003)

In 2017, Fallon Crofoot’s husband requested her presence at a client dinner with the Webbers. “I pitched a fit,” Fallon says. “Because it’s another night you’re spending away from your children, and it’s all small talk. But then I met Lauren. We sat down and started talking, and it just went from there.”

Lauren had traveled as a Leadership Consultant for ZTA and visited University of South Carolina. She asked Fallon if she was in a sorority and the instant connection was made. "Our paths had not crossed during my visit, but it seemed as though we were meant to meet one way or another," Lauren says. Since then, the two have shared a spectrum of activities, often with husbands and kids. Incredibly, they all get along. “Our families travel together, celebrate birthdays and milestones, and we’re each other’s biggest cheerleaders and best of friends.”

When they talked about growing up in different states, other similarities surfaced. They had identical dance recital costumes, and even wore the same dress to prom. Music by 1970s singer Meat Loaf was a favorite in both families.

One night, the duo sang karaoke to an iconic Meat Loaf song, nine minutes long. “Our husbands were like, ‘Please get off the stage,’” says Fallon. A shared couple’s trip to Italy that included an island-hopping boat excursion and cliff-diving is a favorite. The best 10 minutes? Singing Meat Loaf karaoke in Capri.

“Zeta is just one of the many things we have in common,” says Lauren. “People ask us all the time if we are sisters, and it’s fun that we do share a sisterhood.”

Collegiate Cancer Survivors

Kristen Sorrell, Alpha Nu, Birmingham-Southern College (initiated 2021)
Gianna Dubiel, Kappa Upsilon, Georgia College (initiated 2021)

Kristen Sorrell and Gianna Dubiel are both Zetas and psychology majors at different schools. And they are both cancer survivors.They met in summer 2023 during photoshoot activities for Rally Foundation, a nonprofit childhood-cancer organization. Kristen overheard Gianna mention ZTA, which sparked a “me, too!” conversation. Kristen’s high school friends are members of Gianna’s chapter. “We have the same life, basically, at different schools,” says Gianna.

Kristen was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) at age 3 and went through 27 months of chemotherapy. She was the girl with no hair in kindergarten, but has been in remission for 13 years, and today takes on ZTA and campus leadership roles. “I’m so removed from cancer treatment I like sharing my story,” she says.

Gianna, diagnosed with lymphoma in summer 2022, underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy, and had to forego her next college semester. Today, she’s nearly two years in remission. Her 2022 ZTA role as Assistant Recruitment Chair had been cut short, but she returned and immediately jumped in to help with her chapter’s biggest fundraiser.

“Gianna’s so great,” says Kristen. “I feel inspired by her. She’s like, ‘Yeah, I have cancer and it’s fine.’ I just love that she lives life to the fullest. Sharing a connection being ZTA sisters and cancer survivors is so special. I’m thankful that we met.”

Working Together

Maisyn Price: Beta Omega, Union University (initiated 2021)
Emma Sanders: Beta Omega, Union University (initiated 2016)

Student intern Maisyn Price and marketing specialist Emma Sanders have a unique professional relationship at a company in Tennessee. They are from the same ZTA chapter, where Emma was President in 2019 and Maisyn is the current Treasurer.

“Maisyn is such a spark,” says Emma. “Also the sweetest person—ready to work and willing to learn. It’s been really interesting how well we have clicked. She’s flourished not only in her chapter, but at the job, using different skill sets in all areas of her life.”

Receiving real-world job experience and leadership advice unique to her chapter is the ultimate learning opportunity for Maisyn. The two catch up weekly with topics from work to ZTA. “It’s just lovely to work with a Zeta sister,” says Maisyn. “I’ve learned how to listen and operate with other people who think differently than I do, or work in different capacities.”

ZTA leadership skills transferred equally as well for Emma. “When I interviewed for this job, they said, ‘Do you have experience to show us you’re good at coordinating multiple things at once?’ I was able to talk about that because I planned Bid Day. It’s been invaluable because we do so much event planning and writing.” She says, “Zeta really lets you shine."

Ugly Sweaters, Cute Moment

Courtney George: Zeta Alpha, University of Evansville (initiated 2002)

At a holiday "ugly sweater" party, Courtney George was front and center when the host set up a photo of the festive group. "Front row, sorority squat!" she shouted. Immediately, the woman standing next to her started a ZTA chant. Courtney says, "She was a Zeta at Indiana State while I was at University of Evansville!"