Scholarships Directory

The Janet Paine Peters Scholarship is named for Janet Peters, Beta Omega/Colorado College, and was established to honor her dedicated service to Kappa Alpha Theta. Janet notes that each step of her Theta journey has been a learning experience, challenging her to accomplish tasks she didn’t believe she could accomplish. Raised as an only child, the support of her Theta family has been invaluable. The idea of ‘Theta for a lifetime’ has always been important to her and she hopes that recipients of this scholarship will have the opportunity to move closer to their next goals and keep the love of Theta in their hearts wherever life takes them.

The Jill Morrison Memorial Scholarship is named in memory of Jill Marie Morrison, Epsilon Zeta/Mississippi (pictured left). Jill was initiated into the Epsilon Zeta chapter in 1987 and passed away after a brief and unexpected illness in 1989. Jill’s sister Ardith (pictured right) was a member of the chapter when Jill joined. Ardith says that “watching Jill run down the hill to the Theta house was one of the most special days of my life.” During her college career, Jill was active on campus, earned excellent grades, and loved her Theta sisters dearly. She even received the ‘model pledge’ award as a new member. After her death, Jill’s family felt that establishing a scholarship in her memory would allow her legacy to live on while helping other outstanding young Thetas achieve their educational goals, all while serving as a reminder that Theta is for a lifetime.

The Joyce Harrison Honeyman/Seattle Alumnae Scholarship is named in memory of Joyce Harrison Honeyman, Beta Zeta/Oklahoma State. Shortly before her passing, Joyce was working on the "Give to Lead, Give to Learn" campaign for Theta Foundation, which included endowing the first need-based scholarship program for undergraduate members. Because of her devoted service to the Seattle Alumnae Chapter and Theta Foundation, and her particular interest in promoting need-based scholarships, Joyce was chosen to be honored in this way. Joyce loved her Theta involvement and strongly believed that Theta is for a lifetime. This scholarship endeavors to perpetuate Joyce’s legacy of leadership and giving to inspire recipients on their Theta journey.

The Julia McNall Branan Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Julia Branan, Gamma Sigma/San Diego State (pictured right), by her dear friend Carol Schnugg, Gamma Sigma/San Diego State (pictured left). Carol says that “one of the greatest and most influential gifts I have received in my life was the love and friendship I had with [Julia].” She recounts that Julia was a force who strived for and obtained excellence in everything she did. A trusted confidant and mentor to many, it was important to Julia to share her knowledge and network with young women striving for their own success. This scholarship honors her memory by doing what she would have been doing if she were still alive. Carol hopes that recipients can feel the strength of Julia cheering them on as they embark on their studies and pursue the opportunities offered to them by Kappa Alpha Theta.

The Kahla Roberts Latta/St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Scholarship is named in memory of Kahla Roberts Latta, Gamma Pi/Iowa State. Prior to Kahla’s death, this scholarship was simply known as the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Scholarship, sustained by funds raised through Santa’s House. Kahla was the force behind Santa’s House, so upon her death, it only seemed fitting to add her name to the scholarship. Kahla exemplified Theta's values, particularly spreading the widest influence for good. She served Theta in many roles, including as a Foundation Trustee and Fraternity Vice-President. She was a steadfast supporter of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter and kept it alive throughout her adult life. Now, the alumnae chapter hopes that Thetas who receive this scholarship will embrace the idea of ‘Theta for a Lifetime’ by engaging with alumnae chapters wherever life takes them, helping support their sisters through the highs and lows of life.

The Karen Clark Tinsley Scholarship is named for Karen Tinsley, Epsilon Epsilon/Baylor. Karen’s experience as a member of the Epsilon Epsilon chapter had a tremendous impact on her personal growth and career trajectory. She credits those formative years for confirming and strengthening the faith and values her parents instilled in her as her own. Theta provided her opportunities to form friendships and develop leadership skills as both an active member and alumna, and she is thrilled to be able to help Baylor Thetas continue their own journeys of personal growth. She hopes this scholarship will allow recipients to pursue educational excellence while appreciating the impact of supporting others.

The Kate Rittner Graduate Scholarship is named for Kate Rittner, Beta Phi/Penn State. Kate decided to pursue law school a number of years after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree and, at the time, Theta did not have scholarships for women in her situation who wanted to return to school after being in the workforce for a number of years. Nevertheless, she persisted and graduated at the top of her class. Now that she is in a place to make a difference, she wanted to leave a legacy that would have helped someone like her. Kate believes that Theta is a lifelong, world-wide network. No matter where you are, you are likely to find a Theta and instantly have something in common. Kate hopes that recipients of this scholarship feel a sense of financial relief and can concentrate on their studies instead of their finances.

The Kate Rittner Undergraduate Scholarship is named for Kate Rittner, Beta Phi/Penn State. Kate established this scholarship because she wanted to give back to Theta, specifically to her own Beta Phi chapter, the Epsilon Lambda chapter, which she helped establish, and our Canadian chapters. The scholarship is meant to help Theta collegians in need obtain an undergraduate degree while remaining an active member of their chapter. She hopes that recipients of this scholarship realize that someone – another Theta at that – cared enough to think of them when they needed help the most.

The Katherine Kilbride Memorial Scholarship was established by Katherine’s daughter, Kandi Ludwig, Delta Kappa/LSU. Kandi received two Theta Foundation scholarships while in medical school, which was incredibly helpful when her only income came from loans. She created this scholarship in her mother’s memory to help provide assistance to other Thetas in the same situation. Katherine was an advocate for education, teaching for more than 30 years, and a strong influence for STEM long before it was a widely-used term. She was a role-model for balancing a busy career, family life, and personal aspirations. Kandi is proud to gift her mother’s legacy each year.

The Kathleen Bennett Tonkel Family Scholarship is named for Kathy Tonkel, Eta/Michigan. A dedicated volunteer, Kathy has served Kappa Alpha Theta as Fraternity vice president, Theta Foundation president, and Theta Foundation trustee, among other roles. A Theta memory she holds close to her heart dates back to 1992 when she was traveling for the Fraternity as vice president of extension and received the phone call that her first grandchild had been born! That same grandchild pledged Kappa Alpha Theta at Colorado College 19 years later, and Kathy credits her Theta trip with the happy coincidence. She hopes that this scholarship will help Thetas as they pursue their academic goals.

The Kathryn Bruning Bussing Scholarship is named for Kathy Bussing, Kappa/Kansas. Kathy credits much of her personal success to Kappa Alpha Theta and the friends she has made through the years. When she moved to Nebraska, the local alumnae chapter reached out to welcome her and help her family settle in. Subsequently, when she moved back to Kansas, the local alumnae chapter welcomed her home. During her time in Nebraska, she was involved in a serious car accident. A few Thetas brought dinner to her family during her recovery. When her daughter’s friend asked who the women were, her daughter responded, “They are Thetas. Thetas are friends who take care of each other.” Kathy hopes recipients of this scholarship gain a lifelong appreciation for their Theta membership.

The Kendall Cusick-Rindone and Gregory Rindone Scholarship is named for Kendy Cusick-Rindone, Rho/Nebraska. Kendy’s late mother was an elementary school teacher, instilling the importance of and a love for education in Kendy from an early age. Now, Kendy wants all Thetas to have the opportunity to attend school and receive an education. She notes that, “Theta means giving, thoughtfulness, and trust.” She encourages recipients to give generously and trust in Theta to reap all the benefits the organization has to offer. Kendy hopes that recipients can strive for Theta’s value of highest scholarship with less financial stress.