“A SISTER IS ONE WHO REACHES FOR YOUR HAND AND TOUCHES YOUR HEART.” - ANONYMOUS

Theta Takes the Stage “Here on Avenue Q”SONGFEST 2009

After months of hard work, planning, and rehearsals, our very own ladies of Kappa Alpha Theta, along with the gentleman of Pi Kappa Alpha, made our debut performance at UCI’s “Greek Songfest” on April 24, 2009.

“Greek Songfest”, a 30-year campus tradition, is a Broadway-style revue held at the Bren Events Center. Each sorority is paired up with a fraternity and with a cast of 16 (8 girls and 8 boys) works to put on a 12-minute rendition of a chosen musical.

The most unique part about the perform-ance is that it is entirely student run: every-thing from musical selection and choreogra-

phy to scripts, costumes, and set are all planned and arranged by the directors from each chapter, with help from various cast members.

This year, we chose to perform the Tony-Award winning show “Avenue Q,” an adult-version of the children’s series Sesame Street. A mix of puppets and “real” people, the 20 and 30-something residents of Avenue Q, a dingy street in New York’s Alphabet City, struggle together as they learn about love and the purpose of life. With songs like “What Do You Do With A B.A. In English,” “It Sucks To Be Me,” and “I Wish I Could Go Back To College,” this show garners more than few laughs from the audience.

Theta’s cast included Kristin Dualan, Katie Franz, Kelli Kaku (Choreographer), Lila Kooklan, Lauren Lee, Tricia Lee, Justine Ro-senberg, and Sasha Sanjar. Those girls who

were new to Songfest this year quickly learned what a big time commitment being a cast member truly is. Starting in January, the cast rehearses twice a week, later increasing it to three or four rehearsals in the spring quarter. The cast literally eats, sleeps, and dreams about Songfest, especially in the week leading up to event.

Despite the stress, Songfest is an amaz-ing bonding experience and the love and support we receive from our fellow sisters makes it all worth it in the end.

As a chapter, Kappa Alpha Theta has established itself as a top contender within the realm of Greek Songfest. In 2005 we won Best Overall Performance for “A Chorus Line” with Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In 2007, our per-formance of “Hairspray” received the Third Place Best Overall Performance with... (AVENUE Q - continued on page 3)

Fall Issue, UC Irvine

2009

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Kappa Alpha Theta exists to nurture each member throughout her college and alumnae experience and to offer a lifetime opportunity for social, intellectual, and moral growth as she meets the higher and broader demands of a mature life.

Kappa Alpha Theta, the first Greek-letter fraternity known among women.

Pan

sy Pres

sKAPPAALPHATHETAEPSILONSIGMA

Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Kappa ALpha performing at Songfest 2009

Epsilon Sigma Takes it Out to the BallgameSISTERHOOD EVENT AT DODGER’S STADIUM

On April 16th , the ladies of Epsilon Sigma were invited to Dodger Stadium in downtown Los Angeles to watch the Dodgers take on the San Francisco Giants.

Justine Rosenberg, one of the newest additions to the Theta family, graciously opened the doors of her (as she likes to call it) “second home” to her sisters. Justine’s father works as one of the Vice Presidents for the Dodgers and was generous enough to invite the entire Epsilon Sigma chapter to field level seats at the stadium. There were even charter buses for the chapter so that every-one could go together.

While the anticipation of getting to the game was exciting, getting a chance to laugh, play games and watch a movie along the way was just as fun. Upon arriving at the stadium, Theta was given the royal treatment, accompanied even by personal bodyguards!

Everyone had such a great time cheering on the Dodgers – with the exception of a few of our Nor Cal girls who were rooting hard for the Giants – and getting the chance to bond with each other. There was plenty of eating that went on, (as is pretty typical dur-ing any Epsilon Sigma function!) with every-one’s favorite: those famous “Dodger dogs.”

Much to the majority’s approval, the Dodgers won 7 to 2 against the Giants and afterward, Justine’s Dad was kind enough to let all of the Theta girls rush to the field. As you can imagine, there were a lot of photos taken. At the end of the night, everyone was exhausted but in agreement that it was one of the most memorable events of the year.

Alison Skilbred4th YearPsychology Major

Save the Last Dance for the SeniorsTWIN STARS, WINTER 2009

White lights illuminate the cobblestone patio outside where a cluster of people con-verse and escape the noisy ballroom. Inside, girls’ dresses brighten the room with jewel-toned tube dresses and glittery gowns as the disco lights reflect off the movements from the

In this issue:Theta Takes the Stage 1From the President 2Epsilon Sigma Takes it Out 2Save the Last Dance 2 - 3Winter Quarter Theta Scholars 3Goodbye Seniors 4

Epsilon Sigma on the field after the Dodger’s game

Katie Franz and Danielle Thompson forming a kite

around Justine Rosenberg at Dodger’s Stadium

From the President: Dear sisters, family, and alumnae,

I just wanted to take the time to say thank you so much to everyone who has made my presidency what it is today. In a time of utmost need of friends, I had more than 100 sisters offer me support throughout the year. Epsilon Sigma has worked very hard improving our academic standing as well as offering our community some assistance. Our chapter is in the top three sororities on campus for our grades. We volunteered our time at such events as the soup kitchen, and most recently we offered company to mother’s in a senior-living home right in Irvine on Mother’s day. On an individ-ual level, I am so proud of each and every one of the girls and all their accomplishments that extend outside of participating in Theta. Not only are our girls involved with positions in our own chapter, but they also hold positions in many clubs and groups on campus as well as hold jobs or internships in the Irvine area. I want to wish you all a very happy and safe summer! I hope it is relaxing and brings you back re-freshed in the fall!

Theta love, Kristin Dualan3rd YearEconomics MajorAccounting Minor

dance floor. The Thetas are at the luxurious bayside Hyatt in Newport Beach for our an-nual Twin Stars formal. This is the night that is both bittersweet yet most memorable for sen-iors.

On the night of May 15, seniors were not just ordinary seniors—they were prin-cesses, each adorned with a mini tiara and black and gold sash, keepsakes and a tribute for their time and dedication in Theta.

Katie Wi and Emercelle DeLeon, our senior programmers, called out each senior’s name followed by a “Most likely to be…” announcement. Some were funny while others were inside jokes, but there must have been a lot of confused dates because some jokes were things only close friends like our sisters would understand. For example, why would Taly Haghigi, a Persian girl be “most likely to

be speaking Chinese,” and why in the world would Julia Rice be “most likely to steal a penguin from a zoo”…?

This was the fourth Twin Stars for me, and to finally experience it on the other side is a feeling that can only be felt through ex-perience. (Wouldn’t you agree, fellow sen-iors?) As members since freshman year, some of my sisters and I have watched each other grow, aid each others’ hardships, and share some of the greatest college memories of our lives. We have also been able to see Theta transform as older girls graduated and new girls came in each year to add to the dynamic of our chapter.

I am so proud to be affiliated with such a fine group of women and am glad to gradu-ate knowing that even after I leave UCI, there will still be a place for me at the Theta house.

(And considering that I live in Irvine, expect to see me visit a lot!)

Alexandra Kim4th YearLiterary Journalism MajorEducation MinorSociology Minor

Avenue QContinued from page 1

...Kappa Sigma. And in 2008, Theta swept several awards including Best Vocals, Best Costumes, and 1st Place Best Overall Per-formance for “Spring Awakening” with Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Although this year Theta walked away with the 4th place performance, the positive response from the crowd was unlike any I have ever experienced throughout my years on cast.

Despite being a competition between the pairings, Greek Songfest has an even bigger purpose than bringing awards to those that participate. Ultimately, it is about service to the community. The pro-ceeds from this year’s event went to UC Irvine Medical Center’s Young Adult Can-cer Program, aimed at supporting patients between ages 18-39.

The Greek community worked in con-cert with various other organizations on

the UCI campus in order to meet an ambi-tious fundraising goal of $25,000. I am happy to report that this year the event raised an incredible $30,000. Not only was this a record for Greek Songfest, but the fundraiser was also the largest philan-thropic effort on the UCI campus.

As a three-year Songfest veteran and current Theta senior, my best college memories have in some way been related to Greek Songfest. My heart and soul has gone into the making of every perform-ance. Not only has this experience con-nected me to the members of other chap-ters, but it has also let me connect to my sisters. And that is something that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Lila Kooklan4th YearPolitical Science MajorSongfest Director 2009

Winter Quarter

Theta Scholars

These scholarly Thetas had the highest GPAs in their respective majors:

Lila Kooklan, Political Science

Jen Herz, Biological Sciences

Patricia Lee, Studio Art

Resham Parikh, International Studies

Melody Darvish, Social Ecology

Steffani Chin, Psychology

Kristin Dualan, Economics

Catherine Conroy, English

Dates to Remember:Welcome Week 9/21-9/25

Insrtuction Begins 9/24 Panhellenic Recruitment 9/24-9/29

Kristin Dualan and Katie Franz performing in Songfest

Heather Ayer, Julia Rice, Sarah Mitchell, and Brenna

DeGross at Twin Stars

“My Favorite Theta Moment...” Theta Seniors 2009

“Suffocating inside of a tiny blanket with Danielle Walker while waiting to surprise Patty, my lil sis, during revealing!” - Alexandra Kim

“Walking up the hill linking arms with Alpha Pi on Bid Day chant-ing, ‘Theta, Theta.’” - Ali Skilbred

“I don't have just one favorite moment in Theta, I have two! They are both my Big/Lil sis revealings! They were both such exciting moments that I will never forget.” - Brenda Velasquez

“Getting to know my roomie Sara.” - Brenna DeGross

“The day I got my big sis, my little sis, and my grandlil sis :). And being recruitment chair.” - Brooke Merlo

“Being New Member Class Mom, and super-model family dinners.” - Danielle Walker

“The unplanned nights just laughing and enjoying one another's company..OBEDECE!” - Ebinehita Omofoma

“All of my new member time.” - Erica Woo

“Hanging out and playing games late at night at a few relays for life.” - Gaby Funes

“Winning in football last quarter!” - Gina Mehanna

“Having everyone come to my house in Santa Bar-bara for my new member retreat! It really bonded us and made us all realize we had joined the right chapter!” - Heather Ayer

“Invite '08... my Legit family, and the ridiculous night of going back and forth to Blockbuster.” - Jennifer Hertz

“When we won Songfest [in 2008]..and every time we sing the song, ‘It Only Takes A Spark.’” - Jennifer Snyder

“The day I got my big sis :).” - Jess Suh

“Getting my big sis, Vanessa, my freshman year; and also getting my lil sis, Heather, my sophomore year; and my gran lil sis, Sara; I don't know what I would do without them.” - Julia Rice

“My entire second year I remember waking up in the morning and walking over to AV...reconvening in the Theta living room and filling each other in on events that took place the evening before..girls would keep filling in, adding something else they

remembered from the night before..usually followed by breakfast burritos..those were the days :)” - Katie Morris

“Performing in Songfest.” - Kristina Bui

“Getting my big sis Ellie!!!, winning Songfest with Sig Ep last year, watching us win the football championship, doing pref night for the first time & prefing my bestie Katie :).” - Lila Kooklan

“Bid Day!” - Lindsey Brett Jacobs

“Probably Bid Day for me. I was obsessed with Theta and soooo happy =)” - Lynhthy Nguyen

“Initiation Alpha Rho.” - Magin Razani

“But there's so many! Wel-come to Miami Theta invite, Alpha Xi retreat, getting ready in Middle Earth with Jen and Sarah, all of Freshman year haha.” - Rachel Barker

“Alpha Pi retreat.” - Reem Karkar

“My big sis in general.” - Sarah Mitchell

“Too many for a favorite, but I'd have to say my entire Sophomore year—my first year in Theta was the best!” - Sarah Ross

“I have a lot. I feel like most of them involve Lynhthy of some sort. Sick I know. Haha.” - Sharon Shang

“Big sis revealing.” - Stephanie Nguyen

“Nights where we would be doing nothing at all but hanging out and talking downstairs in the house late at night and just being ourselves with no one to judge :)” - Taly Haghighi

“Tricking my lil sis at revealing and totally freaking her out :)” - Vicki Le

“Alpha Pi retreat and getting my little sis Kell!” - Victoria Choi

“Scoring the winning penalty kick and winning the soccer champi-onships for Theta my first year.” - Yvonne Le

Quotes collected by:Emmercelle DeLeon and Katie WiSenior Programmers