History
The history of Theta Phi Alpha and its founders are incredibly important to the chapter because these are the people who created the principles upon which our Creed and insignia are based.
In 1909, Father Edward D. Kelly, a pastor of the student chapel at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor founded a small local Fraternity of Catholic women that offered society, friendship, and atmosphere.
By 1912 the Fraternity was struggling and needed help. With the aid of the alumnae, the Theta Phi Alpha Sorority held their first initiation on November 16, 1912.
Founders
Dorothy Caughey Phalan
Katrina Caughey Ward
Mildred Connely
Selma Gilday
Otilia Leuchtweis O'Hara
Amelia McSweeney
Camilla Ryan Sutherland
Helen Ryan Quinlan
May C. Ryan
Eva Stroh Bauer Everson
St. Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine of Siena is recognized as the patroness of TPA. Her motto, "Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring," is the sorority's official motto.
White Rose
The white rose is TPA's official flower symbolizing purity.
Penguin
The penguin became the official mascot of TPA in 1987 to symbolize the strength of the family.