Desiree Thompson
Staff Writer
drthompson@valdosta.edu

 The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta originated at Howard University in 1920 and made its mark here at VSU in 1977. As the only official Greek letter brother (Sigma Phi Beta) and sister organization in the NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council), the Zetas continue to strive for sisterhood, friendship and community service.
 These standards the Zetas have set are reflected in their programs, forums and community services. The chapter has frequently given back to the community through projects with their own program called Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel). Z-HOPE is a program that not only contributes to community service, but helps others encourage themselves and more to do better in the community. Some programs that the Z-HOPE are involved in are Adopt –a-Highway, SMART girls, Heart 2 Heart ,Relay for Life , Lowndes County Feed the Hungry Association, and have encouraged  students to give blood. For the past two years the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta have engaged in a program called Lowndes Baby LUV. This program helps troubled pregnant women in Lowndes County with medical and emotional assistance. The chapter listens to these women and hosts baby showers to women who don’t have much for their unborn children. They also host birthday parties and provide food and gifts for the children.
 In addition to community service the ladies also can have fun with on-campus events like Movie Night, Back to School Bashes and Sweet TreatZ (VSU sororities come out and socialize with the students).The chapter’s most recent event is on Oct. 25, the Greek Community Fall Festival on VSU’s front lawn. At the event all sororities here on campus will have booths and will provide food and good fun. The event will also have music, games, prizes and every student’s favorite: a t-shirt from the event.
These  ladies with the help of their president, Junior and Accounting and Finance Major, Cassandra Murphy have also received honors and awards for their services here at VSU. Some honors are the 2008-2009 Presidents Cup Award Recipients, Southeastern Region ZETA Award (most community service hours in the region and state), Highest Z-HOPE points for the region and state, and they have also been nominated for VSU’s Outstanding Contribution to Campus and Community Award.
If you would like more info about the Zetas, go to their website on the VSU website at http://www.valdosta.edu/vsu/stuorg/zpb/index.html.