The Pi Kappa Zeta sorority at Elon University in North Carolina is known for focusing on leadership and service. Members help their local community with philanthropic activities, as well as participate in social and academic events, including the annual Homecoming Step Show. The sorority is also a member of the university's National Pan-Hellenic Council, which coordinates eight other historically African American fraternities and sororities.
The Alpha Kappa Zeta chapter of Phi Kappa Tau was founded at Augustana College in 1946. The sorority seeks to foster "bonds of sisterhood through individual and group development, maintain fine social standards and rules of conduct becoming to young ladies, promote high standards of scholarship, and encourage literary and dramatic interests."
Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in America. Its membership is limited to students in the top 10% of their college classes who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in liberal arts and sciences. The society provides its members with information and tools to think critically, communicate effectively and lead. Its mission is to inspire a love of learning in students and equip them to become the world's most well-rounded citizens.
Infection of bacteria by giant phages, such as the bacteriophage phKZ (pictured), typically results in the death of the host cell. But phKZ and other phages assemble nucleus-like shells after infection that protect their DNA from the bacterial host's immune enzymes. In a new study published in the journal Nature, researchers found that the shells separate viral DNA from proteins involved in replication and transcription and recombination. This separation may explain why phKZ and other phages are resistant to diverse bacterial immune responses. For more details please visit phikappazeta.org/
Members of the Alpha Kappa Zeta chapter have helped the community by working with a local nursing home to make Valentine's Day cards for residents. They have also participated in a walk-a-thon to raise money for the American Heart Association.
Other philanthropic activities include hosting fundraisers for the National Council of Negro College Fund and the United Negro College Fund. The chapter has also worked with the Stork's Nest Foundation, a nonprofit that helps pregnant women and their children. The chapter's members have volunteered at local schools, churches and other organizations.
The sorority is involved in college and all-Greek activities, such as Homecoming, Greek Week, the Greek Ball and the State Fair. Its house social calendar features theme parties, exchanges with other sororities and joint parties with fraternities. The sorority also fields teams in intramural sports and competes in the Paddy Murphy Dance in winter and the Anniversary Party in spring.