Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. at Northwestern State University is one of the National Pan-Hellenic Council sororities on campus. The XI Epsilon chapter of this sorority was founded on NSU’s campus in 1974 and is committed to scholarship, sisterly love, service and finer womanhood. The sorority has held many events and fundraisers on campus and participates in community service for Natchitoches.
Ariyonna Sarpy is a junior BFA dance major and historian of the sorority who joined because of the group’s devotion to the quality of sisterhood. “I wanted to be a part of a sisterhood that uplifts, empowers and connects women with shared values,” Sarpy said. “Zetas represent unity, support and a bond that transcends beyond college years, offering a space where I could grow personally and professionally while being surrounded by like-minded women.”
Sarpy’s favorite memory from the year was giving presentations to new members. “I had so much fun at practice with my new sisters. I got to bond with them while also showing off our hard work,” Sarpy said.
This year, the sorority aimed to become more involved in the Natchitoches community and raise awareness of specific causes. Many of their events were successful, including raising awareness of women’s breast cancer and involving the student body in preventing hazing.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. dedicates much of its time to educating those on campus and in the Natchitoches community about mental and physical health. Rozalyn Taylor, a junior radiological science major and secretary of the sorority, has been working with the organization since her teenage years. Her mother was also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Throughout her mother’s involvement and Taylor’s own experience with the sisterhood, she realized that many of her own beliefs fit with the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “I would get involved with them during community service events. Since mental health is one of their main aspects and I see that mental health is not always taken seriously—not only in my community but all over—I wanted to help spread awareness for things like that,” Taylor said.
Not only has Taylor found community with these women, but a way to keep herself organized. “Another reason I joined was seeing myself grow within the sorority. They’ve helped me with developing professionalism and staying organized,” Taylor said. “It’s a good aspect for anyone to have, especially if you want to be a leader which doesn’t only apply to fraternities and sororities. If you want to be a leader and be involved in your community, professionalism and organization is going to help you.”
The sorority encourages students who want to join to know that while a sorority is fun, it also comes with responsibilities. Every sister plays a part in making the sorority successful and wants to create strong women by the time they’re done with college. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. also encourages students to come get to know them, and the sorority is always open and welcomes anyone with an interest.
