Gamma Phi Beta - Southern Methodist University

Crescent Corner A Publication for Alpha Xi Alumnae and Friends by Alpha Xi Alumnae | Fall 2019 M embers, who traveled as far as Atlanta, Nacadoches, and Austin to attend the chapter's 90th anniversary hosted by Susan McIntyre '98, Dianne Hafford Schayot '69, and Jessica Martinez '13, all realized that the chapter embodies Gamma Phi Beta International's new slogan. Alpha Xi above all else has, is, and always will be True and Constant. The rendering shown at the 90th anniversary festivities, which you can see on the right is one of many reasons why alumnae and undergraduates alike should be excited about the next 90 years of Alpha Xi. We have a strong foundation and an even stronger future. With renovations scheduled to start in May 2020, Alpha Xi needs all alumnae on board to be a part of that stronger future. Sisterhood Sustain Us We were reminded on numerous occasions at the 90th anniversary celebration where Alpha Xi began and what it has become today. A big part of what makes Alpha Xi special is that the chapter has remained True and Constant despite the toughest times of sisterhood. Debby Nesbitt Elliott '70 shared a few words about the chapter house fire, which occurred during March of her senior year. "The fire started in room five when a bonnet-style hair dryer sparked. By the time the house was cleared, there were flames coming out of the windows and the ceiling," Debby said." My room was on the other side of the house and wasn't damaged, but there was water and smoke damage and holes in comforters where sparks from the ceiling rained down. The entire third floor, which was storage at the time, was gone." Debby and other sisters living in the chapter house at the time were grateful for the support they received from other sororities on campus, whether it was being offered another place to eat meals or clothes to wear. Even during this challenging time, members remained True and Constant to Gamma Phi Beta. Debby and Dianne Hafford Schayot '69 spoke about the sense of pride they had wearing their letters during different skits. As the alumnae present listened to a report from Chapter President Bethanne Bradshaw '17, they were glad to hear that some of the same Alpha Xi traditions are going strong to this day. One alumna who can attest to Alpha Xi's True and Constant traditions is Mindy Sutton Noss '94, who was named the associate vice president and dean of students of SMU's Division of Student Affairs in February. Mindy was unable to attend the 90th anniversary festivities due to being on hand for the SMU football team's 41-38 road win over TCU in the Battle for the Iron Skillet, but she recorded a video message for the program. She discussed how special it has been to come home to SMU in a professional career. Mindy tells people that she truly found her niche as an undergraduate at SMU when she joined Gamma Phi Beta. Help Alpha Xi Push Forward As Alpha Xi progresses with its plans for the renovation, we want to remind alumnae that they will always have a home in the Gamma Phi Beta chapter house. Let's take a lesson from Virginia "Ginger" Shane Hartman '50, who attended the 90th anniversary celebration and has given to A Strong Foundation, A Stronger Future: The Campaign for Alpha Xi. Upholding True and Constant Values Gamma Phi Beta Celebrates 90th Anniversary at SMU Susan McIntyre '98 and Bethanne Bradshaw '17 celebrate 90 years of Alpha Xi. (Continued on page 2)

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