The Nu Rho chapter of Zeta Phi Beta may be small in numbers, but it is big in heart. Last weekend, the sorority hosted the annual state conference, which included a visit from Zeta Phi Beta’s international president, regional director and state director.

The theme of the conference was “Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths.” Workshops and group discussions focused on scholarship and community service, as well as how Zeta can improve at the national level all the way down to individual chapters.

The purpose of the conference was for members from across the state to gather and discuss Zeta Phi Beta business on a national level, elect new officers and fellowship with other undergraduate members.

International president Mary Wright said even though Murray State has a small chapter of only four members, they are succeeding.

“We never count our numbers, we make our numbers count,” Wright said. “We’re not about the parties and step team, even though that’s fun; we are about service. That’s what makes us who we are.”

The Nu Rho chapter currently has four active undergraduate members: Mary Harris, Kiara Bomar, Velenzia Rouse and Katie McAllister.

McAllister, senior from St. Petersburg, Fla., said the alumnae from the Nu Rho chapter are supportive of the undergraduates and she is appreciative of the work they do for the chapter.

“We are elated to have our international president here,” McAllister said. “It is a wonderful feeling that even though we are in little Murray, Ky., that no one knows about, people who are up high in the organization do support us.”

Wright said to have a state director so close to the Murray State chapter

helps with monitoring and guiding the chapter. She said she does not want her position make her unvailable for the undergraduates.

Wright, who was visiting Murray State for the first time, said she was excited to mingle with the undergraduates of Zeta and show them sisterhood and service continue after college.

“I’m here to show support,” Wright said. “I’m not here to snoop. I’m here to show my support and to see if they need anything from us. I live in Houston and our headquarters is in (Washington) D.C. I want them to know Zeta is there for them.”

The conference was a weekend-long event and ended with the election of a new state executive board and an auction that raised money for the Kentucky chapter of Zeta Phi Beta.

McAllister said Zeta Phi Beta is always striving to be better than it was before.

“Even though we aren’t large in numbers, we are trying to make sure our presence is known on Murray State’s campus,” McAllister said. “We try to think out of the box for our events. Just because our organization is small on this campus, doesn’t mean you can count us out.”

Story by Meghann Anderson, News?Editor