Scholarships Directory

The Alice Neal Clarkson Kappa Scholarship is named in honor and memory of Alice Clarkson, Alpha Mu/Missouri. The Clarkson family Theta legacy started with Charlotte Bodman Neal, Psi/Wisconsin, who was not only a member, but also served as house mother of the chapter. Her three daughters, Alice, Margaret, and Virginia, were all initiated at Kappa/Kansas. Alice continued her relationship with Theta after college through serving in numerous positions for the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter. She started this scholarship because she believed strongly in the benefits that Theta provides to young women academically and socially. Three of Alice’s children also became Thetas. Her hope for this scholarship was to help a student financially and tangibly demonstrate her love for Kappa Alpha Theta.

The Alice Neal Clarkson Alpha Mu Scholarship is named in honor and memory of Alice Clarkson, Alpha Mu/Missouri. The Clarkson family Theta legacy started with Charlotte Bodman Neal, Psi/Wisconsin, who was not only a member, but also served as house mother of the chapter. Her three daughters, Alice, Margaret, and Virginia, were all initiated at Kappa/Kansas. Alice continued her relationship with Theta after college through serving in numerous positions for the Kansas City Alumnae Chapter. She started this scholarship because she believed strongly in the benefits that Theta provides to young women academically and socially. Three of Alice’s children also became Thetas. Her hope for this scholarship was to help a student financially and tangibly demonstrate her love for Kappa Alpha Theta.

The Ann McIlrath Drake Scholarship is named for Ann Drake, Beta Omicron/Iowa. Ann established this scholarship to acknowledge and recognize the importance of her membership in Kappa Alpha Theta and the relationships she maintains to this day. She values the connections she has made with her Theta sisters and hopes to enable the same experience for women who come after her, even beyond her own chapter. Ann hopes that recipients of this scholarship “gain a lifelong sense of community and responsibility along with an index of friends and connections that they maintain even after their time in Theta.”

The Cardelucci Family Scholarship was established by Cathie Cardelucci, Beta Xi/UCLA (pictured center), and her two Theta daughters, Jessica Nugent, Eta Sigma/Chapman (pictured left), and Catherine Jara, Beta Xi/UCLA (pictured right). All three women have had amazing Theta experiences that helped shape who they are today and want that same experience for the women who will come after them. The Eta Sigma chapter at Chapman University holds a special place in their hearts. Cathie has served as an advisor for the chapter since its establishment in 2008, Jessica was part of the first new member class, and Catherine spent most of her college years attending Eta Sigma events. Cathie had the honor and privilege to initiate both of her daughters into Kappa Alpha Theta, Jessica as an undergraduate, and Catherine as an alumna. They hope this scholarship gives recipients every possible opportunity to succeed and realize their academic and personal dreams.

The Cathie Waters Cardelucci Scholarship is named for Cathie Cardelucci, Beta Xi/UCLA. Cathie is part of a four-generation Greek family, with all family members crediting their respective fraternities and sororities for many of their accomplishments. Cathie is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Thetas, and hopes this scholarship will assist with college education access. Initiated in 1980, Cathie has held many Theta leadership positions over the years, including Theta Foundation vice president, alumnae chapter president, and advisory board chair (ABC). She has an infinite love for Theta ritual, helping initiate over 2,000 new members into our sisterhood. She strives to help her Theta sisters reach their fullest potential with the loving support and life-long friendship promised to each member at initiation.

The Deborah Bornmann Allen Scholarship is named for Debbie Allen, Delta Theta/Florida. Debbie’s late husband and son recommended she establish a scholarship in her name to recognize her many years of volunteering for Kappa Alpha Theta. Debbie wants the recipients of this scholarship to know how important it was for her to give back to Theta with both her time and treasure. This scholarship is meant to help those who need financial assistance and allow them the opportunity to work less and study more – as well as have the financial stability to remain in Theta. She hopes that they find happiness and a bond that lasts a lifetime, just as she has.

The Dinah Hampton McClymonds Scholarship is named for Dinah McClymonds, Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma. Dinah’s husband surprised her with this scholarship on her 60th birthday. She shared that this scholarship has been a wonderful source of pride and a yearly reminder of the importance of her Theta membership. Dinah has served as a Foundation trustee as well as in fundraising roles for four alumnae chapters. Through her service, she learned the importance of giving back to Theta, and she now tries to share that message with Thetas everywhere. Dinah wants recipients of this scholarship to stay dedicated to their goals in honor of the Thetas who came before them and supported their dreams.

The Elizabeth Nagel Marcin Scholarship is named for Elizabeth Marcin, Delta Sigma/Ball State. Elizabeth’s journey to Theta membership is certainly unique! Alongside Linda Yanez, she started a sorority called Kappa Theta Rho at Ball State University, as they saw the need for another sorority for unaffiliated women on campus. That local sorority eventually became the Delta Sigma chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. She was initiated into Theta as an alumna in 1970 and knew she wanted to give back in any way possible. A farmer’s daughter who strived for a college education, she hopes that this scholarship opens doors for women who may not be able to afford the full college experience. Her favorite Theta tradition today is the annual celebration of Founders Day, during which she reflects on the perseverance that led to the establishment of Kappa Theta Rho – and eventually the Delta Sigma chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta.

The Elizabeth Sierk Corridan Scholarship is named for Elizabeth (Betsy) Corridan, Beta Omicron/Iowa. This fund was established in Betsy’s name to honor her many years of service to Kappa Alpha Theta upon her retirement as CEO. Betsy’s personal aspiration for Theta Foundation has always been to provide scholarships for all qualified members who apply. This scholarship is a way to come one step closer to that dream becoming a reality. Betsy believes that it is Theta Foundation scholarships that will continue the legacy our founders left in our hands. She hopes that recipients of this scholarship will be encouraged to continue to show up, even when showing up is difficult.

The Heather Anne Steen Scholarship is named for Heather Steen, Delta Nu/Arkansas. Heather was born and raised in Arkansas and cherishes the memories she has made with her Theta sisters. By establishing this scholarship, Heather intends to sustain a legacy of giving back to Theta, especially to members who need extra financial support, so that they may gain confidence in their knowledge and abilities. Heather recounts attending a Theta reunion in January 2020, at which attendees poured over each other’s treasured scrapbooks, bringing out many stories – and smiles.

The Helen Edwards Woodward Scholarship is named for Helen Woodward, Alpha Omicron/Oklahoma. This scholarship was established in honor of Helen’s extensive service to Kappa Alpha Theta. A former Fraternity president, Fraternity vice president, and Theta Foundation trustee, among other roles, Helen has been a Theta for over forty years and has loved every minute of it. Both of Helen’s older sisters were Thetas, so becoming a Theta herself was a natural fit. Her oldest sister was present at her initiation – a very special moment! Similarly, Helen was present for her daughter’s initiation at Alpha/DePauw and was able to be present at the initiations of two of her granddaughters. Helen hopes that recipients of this scholarship are able to continue their studies without the stress of financial worries.

The Jane Richardt Christie Scholarship was established by Scott Christie, Jane’s son. Jane was initiated at the Gamma/Butler chapter, and was involved in Theta all the way from her undergraduate days at Butler University through her retirement. Jane received her elementary education degree from Butler and taught kindergarten in Indianapolis public schools. She eventually helped start a preschool at a local church where she continued working with students. Scott hopes to support the teachers of tomorrow through this fund, which is specifically for a student pursuing an elementary education degree, just like his mother.