Chapter History
It all started with ???
Founded more than 30 years ago, Palm Beach County Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Chapter remains steadfast in fostering a union providing lasting qualities among congenial companions in friendship continuing beyond college days. In support of that noble endeavor, it’s fitting to remember not only “the little crowd” of nine at Virginia’s State Female Normal School but our own little crowd, as well.
Local founders didn’t have to meet in secret, nor (thank goodness) in a candlelit bathroom. They also had the advantage that all the difficult decisions, like choosing a name to replace ???, had been made 90 years earlier. However, more than three decades ago, Chapter founders did face one large challenge: finding other area sisters without the benefit of a computer or tweet. But Zeta zeal prevailed, and within a few months, some three dozen women had come forward, eager to share their vision of continuing sisterhood.
The first formal event was a recruitment tea at the American Orchid Society on April 23, 1988. Attendance was excellent, and interest was so strong that the Palm Beach County Alumnae Chapter was chartered on October 15, 1988, in a ceremony at the Deerfield Beach Hilton. Broward County Alumnae Chapter was co-host, and two “local” sisters then holding prominent national positions attended: National President Sherry Server Tilley and District President Linda Tomlinson.
PBC Chapter’s first officers were founders Maureen Cavallaro, president; Pam (Stone) Anderson, vice-president; Debbie Cooke, secretary; and Karen Roberts, treasurer. Other Charter members were Susan Long, Rosanne Bush, Victoria (Garrone) Limauro, Evelyn Irzyk, Renee Parkinson, Kathy Sigall, Tami Cocco, Sherry Tilley, and Connie Wright. Two of these women, Susan Long and Sherry Tilley, served and continue to serve on National Council. Debbie Cooke was president of District 8B for 10 years. Several other Chapter founders are or have been national officers. Shortly before her passing, Mrs. Irzyk was honored in a ceremony recognizing her as an ultra White Violet -- a 75-year ZTA!
Honors and awards
Over the decades, Chapter has received Crown Chapter honors innumerable times, and it often has been recognized for accomplishments in various areas, including but not limited to membership, communications, and, especially, service.
Individual sisters have merited recognition, as well. Zeta Lady honorees include PBC alumnae Robin Harrington Sullivan, Pam Anderson, Karen Roberts, Karen Kendall, Maureen Cavallaro, Debbie Cooke, Shari Robins, Susan Breece, and DeeDee Olson.
Certificates of Merit have been earned by Karen Roberts, Michelle Faivre, Shari Robins, Debbie Cooke, Patty Years, Judy Davis, Bernice Fridholm, Malaea Seleski, Maureen Cavallaro, Pam Anderson, Christine Schorr Hoffman, Karen Kendall, Doreen Klima, Nancy Schaeffer, Patty Years , Beth Wilkerson, and Christine Allen.
And Chapter is exceedingly proud of its cadre of noble winners of Zeta’s most prestigious award, the Honor Ring: Maureen Cavallaro, Elaine Jordat, Debbie Cooke, Karen Kendall, Shari Robins, and Malaea Seleski.
Philanthropy and fun
Our support of the annual Palm Beach County Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk is phenomenal. This is the event that draws out the largest number of Zeta hands-on volunteers. Our role as “survivor ambassadors” garners community recognition, as well.
At the same time, our commitment to the ZTA Foundation sees us fully funding the Debra Barrett Cooke Recognition Scholarship, earmarked for a worthy Beta Psi at Stetson University and supported by small activities over the course of the year. Other service/philanthropic efforts have focused on Harmony House, the Veterans Administration Community Center retirement home, Teen Mother Choices, Touch a Heart, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, and many more local charities.
Then, because a Zeta’s just gotta have fun, we host events ranging from local “neighborhood” happy hours and coffees to lovely celebration lunches and dinners. Traditionally, our most popular event is the holiday cookie (recipe) exchange which, we discovered, can be fun in person or virtually.
One Founders’ Day saw sisters becoming, in words and dress, our nine founders and other prominent sisters as we breathed life into the Mystifying Picture. We’ve also enjoyed game nights, including a scavenger hunt, and trivia contests. Informative tours have taken us inside the county’s equestrian and agricultural economies, to the Jupiter lighthouse, on intercoastal yacht cruises, and to various art-related venues.
Whether you’re a new grad coming home to Palm Beach County, a new resident because of employment or retirement, or a sister who has been here “for ages” and who now hears the call of Zeta, we want to hear from YOU! If you are an initiated Zeta in good standing from any college or university anywhere (not just Florida! and not necessarily a graduate!!), you’ll find a warm welcome in the Palm Beach County Alumnae Chapter.
Find contact/joining information on the “Membership” page of this site. You can also find us on Facebook: PBC ZTA Alum Chapter.