Scholarships Directory

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 Fight Family Scholarship was named for Lynn Jones Fight, Alpha Mu/Missouri, and Leslie Fight, Alpha/DePauw. The mother- daughter duo established this scholarship with the intent to assist Thetas who may be struggling financially during their college careers. They were inspired by Leslie’s own financial hardship as an undergraduate student who worked to pay her way through a four-year degree. Lynn served the Fraternity in many roles, including Grand Council Member at Large. With this scholarship, they hope to share Theta love through providing financial assistance for a sister in need so that she can make the most of her Theta experience.

The Founders Memorial Scholarships are Theta Foundation’s most prestigious awards, valued at $12,000 each. Awarded to the top four junior applicants every year, the recipients are intentionally matched with a specific founder based on their shared accomplishments and characteristics. Hannah was ranked first in her class during her freshman year at Indiana Asbury and was the first woman on the editorial staff for the school newspaper. Known as a motivator, she sustained and helped grow Kappa Alpha Theta after the other founders left Indiana Asbury.

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.

The Janet Paine Peters Scholarship is named for Janet Peters, Beta Omega/Colorado College, and was established to honor her dedicated service to Kappa Alpha Theta. Janet notes that each step of her Theta journey has been a learning experience, challenging her to accomplish tasks she didn’t believe she could accomplish. Raised as an only child, the support of her Theta family has been invaluable. The idea of ‘Theta for a lifetime’ has always been important to her and she hopes that recipients of this scholarship will have the opportunity to move closer to their next goals and keep the love of Theta in their hearts wherever life takes them.

The Jill Morrison Memorial Scholarship is named in memory of Jill Marie Morrison, Epsilon Zeta/Mississippi (pictured left). Jill was initiated into the Epsilon Zeta chapter in 1987 and passed away after a brief and unexpected illness in 1989. Jill’s sister Ardith (pictured right) was a member of the chapter when Jill joined. Ardith says that “watching Jill run down the hill to the Theta house was one of the most special days of my life.” During her college career, Jill was active on campus, earned excellent grades, and loved her Theta sisters dearly. She even received the ‘model pledge’ award as a new member. After her death, Jill’s family felt that establishing a scholarship in her memory would allow her legacy to live on while helping other outstanding young Thetas achieve their educational goals, all while serving as a reminder that Theta is for a lifetime.

The Joyce Harrison Honeyman/Seattle Alumnae Scholarship is named in memory of Joyce Harrison Honeyman, Beta Zeta/Oklahoma State. Shortly before her passing, Joyce was working on the "Give to Lead, Give to Learn" campaign for Theta Foundation, which included endowing the first need-based scholarship program for undergraduate members. Because of her devoted service to the Seattle Alumnae Chapter and Theta Foundation, and her particular interest in promoting need-based scholarships, Joyce was chosen to be honored in this way. Joyce loved her Theta involvement and strongly believed that Theta is for a lifetime. This scholarship endeavors to perpetuate Joyce’s legacy of leadership and giving to inspire recipients on their Theta journey.

The Julia McNall Branan Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Julia Branan, Gamma Sigma/San Diego State (pictured right), by her dear friend Carol Schnugg, Gamma Sigma/San Diego State (pictured left). Carol says that “one of the greatest and most influential gifts I have received in my life was the love and friendship I had with [Julia].” She recounts that Julia was a force who strived for and obtained excellence in everything she did. A trusted confidant and mentor to many, it was important to Julia to share her knowledge and network with young women striving for their own success. This scholarship honors her memory by doing what she would have been doing if she were still alive. Carol hopes that recipients can feel the strength of Julia cheering them on as they embark on their studies and pursue the opportunities offered to them by Kappa Alpha Theta.

The Kahla Roberts Latta/St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Scholarship is named in memory of Kahla Roberts Latta, Gamma Pi/Iowa State. Prior to Kahla’s death, this scholarship was simply known as the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Scholarship, sustained by funds raised through Santa’s House. Kahla was the force behind Santa’s House, so upon her death, it only seemed fitting to add her name to the scholarship. Kahla exemplified Theta's values, particularly spreading the widest influence for good. She served Theta in many roles, including as a Foundation Trustee and Fraternity Vice-President. She was a steadfast supporter of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter and kept it alive throughout her adult life. Now, the alumnae chapter hopes that Thetas who receive this scholarship will embrace the idea of ‘Theta for a Lifetime’ by engaging with alumnae chapters wherever life takes them, helping support their sisters through the highs and lows of life.