Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is one of the sororities offered at Northwestern State University in the National Pan-Hellenic Council. They not only represent NSU, but Zeta Phi Beta women across the globe who desire to make a difference. This sorority is a group of women distinguished by their strong beliefs, values, sisterhood and commitment.
Ariyonna Sarpy, a senior BFA dance major and chaplain of Zeta Phi Beta, discussed the values they hold and how they became part of the sorority. “Our founding principles are Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Woman. We show these principles through academic excellence, community service and how we carry ourselves daily. Zetas represent integrity, compassion and excellence in everything we do on campus and in our personal lives,” Sarpy said.
Upholding these standards is important to all Zeta Phi Beta members and is something they strive for daily.
Faith Miller, a junior biology major and president of Zeta Phi Beta, explained the meaning behind being a Finer Woman. “It is how you present yourself in the community, making sure you are always kind to others, no matter the organization or status. One of our mottos is being ‘a community-conscious, action-oriented organization,’ so when we see something in the community that needs help in any way possible, we try and step up to do that,” Miller said.
Miller also mentioned that every role matters in Zeta Phi Beta. “Everyone’s position in the chapter is very important. For example, when we plan events, your task is just as crucial as my task. And as crucial as it is for everyone to do their part, it’s also important that everyone shows up and shows their face. Everyone has a role that matters,” Miller said.
Zeta Phi Beta thrives on a shared responsibility, every member contributing in their own way to strengthen the sisterhood.
Kaylee Cotton, a senior radiology major, is the sorority’s secretary, historian, public relations officer and Zetas Helping Other People Excel coordinator. “There are so many amazing things about this organization that I could speak about, but I will just leave this quote from our founder Viola Tyler Goings, which states, ‘There is a Zeta in a girl regardless of race, creed or color, who has high standards of principles, a good scholarly average and an active interest in all things that she undertakes to accomplish.’ I believe that this quote perfectly embodies everything that Zeta Phi Beta stands for,” Cotton said.
Sorority sisters are united under the same values, goals and aspirations and come together to accomplish as many things as they can in unity.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. continues to uphold its legacy at NSU through service, scholarship and sisterhood. Their dedication to represent the spirit of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is not just a short-term goal during their time on campus—they strive to impact generations of women far beyond NSU.
