Jackie Lawrence was one of two students selected to speak at the 2025 FSPAC 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Below is her speech.
Good evening, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to join us at the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee Congressional Dinner tonight.
My name is Jackie Lawrence, and I am a fourth-year student at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tonight, I want to share a little bit about my Greek Life experience and reflect on the profound impact sorority life has had on me.
Greek Life has been part of my story since before I was born. My parents met at my dad’s Delta Chi fraternity formal in 1987, and to this day, my mom gathers with her Alpha Chi Omega sisters once a month. Growing up with that example, I dreamed of joining a sorority for as long as I can remember. When my Bid Day finally arrived, my excitement was through the roof as I ran home to my forever sisterhood, Kappa Alpha Theta. I was welcomed with open arms, a big paper kite, a bid day basket, and an overwhelming sense of love and belonging.
However, that excitement was quickly overshadowed. Shortly into my new member experience, about a month after bid day, our chapter was placed under Charter Review due to long-standing Bid Day traditions that, upon reflection, constituted hazing. While not intended to harm, they did make some members feel uncomfortable, and we had to face the reality that even well-meaning traditions can have unintended consequences.
For the next 18 months, our chapter, the Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, underwent a rigorous probationary program in partnership with our headquarters. Formals and date parties were canceled, participation in philanthropy weeks and Panhellenic events were suspended, and most non-essential activities were put on hold. While this was a challenging time, it ultimately brought us so much closer together. We learned that sisterhood isn’t about competing in lip sync battles or dressing up for themed barn dances—it’s about holding each other accountable, embracing our common values, and lifting each other up. With Theta’s guidance and the leadership of my sisters, we recommitted ourselves to the core values of intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, commitment to service, and personal excellence.
Now, as I prepare to transition to alumna status in a few weeks, I am incredibly grateful for my sorority experience. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it should continue. And that’s why I am so proud of the work done by the Fraternity and Sorority Community to help pass the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which was signed into law in December. This legislation is a crucial step in ensuring future members never have to endure what so many before them had to before.
Although my sorority experience had a rough start, it shaped my passions and career aspirations in ways I never would have expected. Through the many workshops on hazing and risk prevention during our probationary period, I developed a deep interest in the subject—so much so that I added a major in Risk Management & Insurance. Ironically, an older sorority sister connected me with The MJ Companies, where I now intern with MJ Sorority, under Cindy Stellhorn. In my role, I help provide risk management solutions to 20 of the National Panhellenic Conference and women’s sororities, assisting members across the country, just like myself, in understanding insurance complexities and best practices for risk mitigation. Without my sisters—and yes, even the challenges that we faced during probation—I can’t imagine where my career path would be today.
Beyond my professional growth, my sisters pushed me to thrive academically and pursue excellence in every aspect of my life. They were the first to celebrate with me when I received my law school acceptance letter, and as I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my journey in law school this fall, I am beyond grateful for the sisterhood and leadership opportunities that my collegiate experience in Kappa Alpha Theta has provided me.
Greek Life has positively impacted individuals for generations, and I am committed to using my voice to advocate for legislative changes that strengthen our community. Together, we have the power to create the best possible experience for future generations of fraternity and sorority members.
Thank you to the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee for allowing me to share my story tonight. Thank you!
Jackie Lawrence is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and a senior at Butler University.
