The Families of Theta Eta Chapter

The families of Theta Eta were a tradition started by our founders.  It was decided that every founder would become the matriarch of her own family.  This matriarch then took a daughter from the next pledge class to guide through her initiation.  Our family ties help to strengthen the tightly knit bonds of friendship and sisterhood that we share. 

The Angels

The founder of the Angel Family, Andrea Melow, named her family after these heavenly beings, "because we liked it."

The Medicis

The Medici family was founded by Catherine (Katie) Mowry.  She decided on the name whilst daydreaming in her Renaissance and Reformation class.  The name seemed particularly appropriate because the leader of the Medicis of Renaissance Italy was Catherine de Medici, and Katie was the first president of Omicron Psi Omega.

The Mnemosynes

In Greek mythology, Mnemosyne was the Goddess of Memory.  She was the mother of the muses, and Zeus their father.  The Muses are known for "the beauty of their song, which brings joy to any who hear it."   There are nine muses, each with her own specialty:  Clio (history), Urania (astronomy), Melpomene (tragedy), Thalia (comedy), Terpsichore (dance), Calliope (epic poetry), Eratos (love poetry), Polhymnia (songs to the Gods), and Euturpe (lyric poetry).   Melinda Towns founded and named this family.

The Squashes

The Squash family name was derived from founding mother Julie Shier's nickname, which was bestowed by an alumna member of FMA Sinfonia.  As Julie entered the room one day, Gordon Myers unexpectedly shouted, "Look, it's Squash!".  The name stuck and Julie and her offspring have since been Squashes.

The Strawberries

The Strawberry family name was born when founding mother Karin Konrad took a service trip to Miami, FL in the spring of 1995 to help with Hurricane Andrew clean up efforts.  During her stay, she became friendly with another member of the team who was, of course, an attractive male.  Her friends chalked it up to the strawberries that the two had been consuming all night long, saying the fruit was an aphrodisiac.  The name is a reminder of that time.

The Syrens

A Syren is typified by their qualities.   She is gentle, compassionate, and loving; beautiful in any sense, be it physical, spiritual, or otherwise; and she has an inner strength comparable to cast iron.   Despite occasional failing, they always bounce back, and even in their most melancholy moods, they can't help but try to encourage others.  Syrens are helpful, thoughtful, considerate, intelligent and fun; they put careful thought into everything they do, and they would never willingly hurt another person...Unless that person has hurt someone they love; in this case, well...Hell hath no fury like an angered Syren!   Bethany King is the matriarch of this family.

The Tiikeris

The founder of the Tiikeri ( pronounced tee-care-ee) Family was Elizabeth (Hill) Mäkinen.  This family was only in existence during the Omicron Psi Omega days, and only had 2 generations.  Elizabeth's kid, Andrea Melow, started the Angel Family.  Tiikeri is Finnish for tiger. Elizabeth was an avid fan of Tigger because he bounced everywhere and his attitude about bouncing back serves as a reminder to bounce back when things get you down and to have fun with life and have fun in college.