Scholarships Directory

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 Hill Country Angels Scholarship is named for the 17 lives lost in the tragic Guadalupe River floods on July 4, 2025, who were closely connected to Thetas. This devastating event overwhelmingly affected our sisterhood and prompted Thetas in Texas to come together to honor those who perished and offer comfort to those who survive them. This scholarship embodies the precious stories of those lost too soon, allowing their lights to continue to shine brightly, while offering future college women the opportunity to fulfill their dreams by awarding every year to an undergraduate Theta with a home address in the state of Texas. In times of sorrow, our compassion and empathy can be our greatest sources of resilience. As sisters, we vow [that] we will walk together through the valley of shadows, clasping each other’s hands, holding on tightly until we emerge into brighter days. In establishing the Hill Country Angels Scholarship, we lean on our collective strength as we care for each other with open hearts, generous spirits, and steadfast support for one another. The Hill Country landscape is forever changed; however, through this memorial scholarship, we are living out the true meaning of our Theta sisterhood.

The Ines Abbott McCrary Scholarship is named in loving memory of Ines McCrary, Beta Zeta/Oklahoma State. When they lost Ines to cancer in 2000, her family was devastated. They decided to establish this scholarship so that her spirit could live on as an annual gift of education to a member of the Beta Zeta chapter. Ines loved her collegiate Theta experience and remained an integral part of the chapter for decades. As an alumna, she regularly helped out with the chapter’s fundraiser, Flaming Festival, creating table décor and baking dozens of her signature chocolate cakes. One of her most treasured Theta memories was being present at her daughter Patty’s initiation into her own beloved Beta Zeta chapter. Her family hopes that this scholarship will contribute to recipients’ educational goals and encourage them to keep Theta close throughout their lifetimes.

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.

The Karen Clark Tinsley Scholarship is named for Karen Tinsley, Epsilon Epsilon/Baylor. Karen’s experience as a member of the Epsilon Epsilon chapter had a tremendous impact on her personal growth and career trajectory. She credits those formative years for confirming and strengthening the faith and values her parents instilled in her as her own. Theta provided her opportunities to form friendships and develop leadership skills as both an active member and alumna, and she is thrilled to be able to help Baylor Thetas continue their own journeys of personal growth. She hopes this scholarship will allow recipients to pursue educational excellence while appreciating the impact of supporting others.

The Kate Rittner Graduate Scholarship is named for Kate Rittner, Beta Phi/Penn State. Kate decided to pursue law school a number of years after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree and, at the time, Theta did not have scholarships for women in her situation who wanted to return to school after being in the workforce for a number of years. Nevertheless, she persisted and graduated at the top of her class. Now that she is in a place to make a difference, she wanted to leave a legacy that would have helped someone like her. Kate believes that Theta is a lifelong, world-wide network. No matter where you are, you are likely to find a Theta and instantly have something in common. Kate hopes that recipients of this scholarship feel a sense of financial relief and can concentrate on their studies instead of their finances.

The Kate Rittner Undergraduate Scholarship is named for Kate Rittner, Beta Phi/Penn State. Kate established this scholarship because she wanted to give back to Theta, specifically to her own Beta Phi chapter, the Epsilon Lambda chapter, which she helped establish, and our Canadian chapters. The scholarship is meant to help Theta collegians in need obtain an undergraduate degree while remaining an active member of their chapter. She hopes that recipients of this scholarship realize that someone – another Theta at that – cared enough to think of them when they needed help the most.