Alpha Theta Chapter History
Since she first arrived at Ramapo College in the fall of 2005, Dara Monasch had been interested in Greek Life. However, it was not until she was a junior in the fall of 2007 that she discovered the organization that was right for her; Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated. Dara contacted the sorority declaring her interest, and the interest group, Journey, was formed. In the fall of 2008, Katie Branagan, Yesenia Nieves, and Larissa Forik joined Journey and began working with Dara to bring a unique multicultural organization to campus.
In meeting the expansion requirements of the sorority, Journey was able to expose the campus to multiculturalism, learn what it takes to run an organization, and establish working relationships with other campus groups. As the interest group evolved, so did the relationships between the founders.
Journey’s quest was not without obstacles. Despite the many challenges, the founders persevered and their dedication paid off. The founding line, Labyrinth, emerged on April 5, 2009 as the Alpha Theta Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated.
National History
In the spring of 1996, Founding Monarch Melissa Jo Murchison-Blake was in search of sisterhood. She wanted to be part of a family that openly embraced all women and crossed cultural boundaries. As a bi-racial woman, she did not want to choose between historically Caucasian or African-American sororities. Founding Monarch Murchison-Blake felt that if she did choose one, she would be denying half of her heritage.
Still wanting to be part of a strong sisterhood, Founding Monarch Murchison-Blake recruited six other women to join hands in her quest to found Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. At first, the Founding Monarchs were discouraged from fulfilling their vision. The Director of Greek Affairs advised them to consider joining an existing organization, expressing his concern that a new Greek organization, based on the principle of multiculturalism, would not survive at UNC-CH. However, the Founding Monarchs believed there was a need for such a sisterhood. Their efforts set the stage for Theta Nu Xi's presence in the Greek, non-Greek, and surrounding communities.
After much work and dedication, the Founding Monarchs built the foundation for Theta Nu Xi. Finally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill officially recognized Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority as the Alpha Chapter on April 11, 1997. With the collaborative efforts of the Founding Monarchs and the Sisters of Spring 1998, the organization grew beyond our expectations. The Sorority incorporated on April 29, 1999, and with the participation of the Alpha Chapter and Beta and Gamma Colonies, the National Organization was founded at the first annual National Convention on August 21, 1999.