Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

SIGMA NEWS 2 Spring 2021 Advisors Chapter Advisor and Standards Advisor Jill Remsberg McGee '79 Chapter Co-Advisor and New Member Advisor Diana Zarda '82 Administra ve Advisor Anna Starks Abney '06 Educa on Advisor Elizabeth McKemey Bickley '82 Financial Advisors Alison Digges Staniforth '75 Sheryl Sigman Coffin '76 Recruitment Advisors Paige Lueker '13 Faculty Advisor Vacant Ritual Advisor Nancy Hammel Kuehler, Beta Chi '75 Social Advisor Vacant Philanthropy Advisor and Ac vi es Advisor Suzanne Willey '86 Public Rela ons Advisor Lindsey Rhoton Ingram '01 Panhellenic Advisor Leslie Rhoton Staren '05 Academics Advisor Kaycee Peterson '14 Advisor at Large Vacant Alumnae Rela ons Advisor Allison Friend Mazzei '04 PACE Advisor Sally Ramseyer Beck '74 REAL Wellness Advisor Sally Ramseyer Beck '74 Interna onal Panhellenic Advisor Kathryn Hoven '09 Interested in serving Sigma as an advisor? Please contact Jill Remsberg McGee '79 at mcgeefam1@gmail.com or (816) 591-8882. E very me Diana Zarda '82 visits the chapter house, she gets a smile on her face thinking of the friendships she made and the fun they had. Before she went through recruitment, she was always told that "you'll just know the last night which sorority is for you." "I thought that was a ridiculous statement," Diana admi ed, "but then my last night at the Gamma Phi house I did know. I connected with the ladies and could see myself living there." Diana's parents taught her the importance of giving back to the schools, organiza ons, and communi es that helped her along the way. Through Gamma Phi Beta and the Greek system, she was able to get involved on campus and in the local community, all while mee ng lifelong friends along the way (even beyond Sigma Chapter and KU). Those lessons and structures introduced Diana to many leadership roles both at work and in various nonprofit organiza ons. Returning to Sigma As Diana stepped back from some of her roles in nonprofits and with the Kansas City GPB alumnae group, Elizabeth McKemey Bickley '82 asked her to serve as Sigma's New Member Advisor. She started in January of last year, and it wasn't long before the pandemic forced the chapter to get crea ve in connec ng with new members. There were lots of Zoom social events, including once-a-week virtual desserts with new members. Addi onally, she helped the chapter follow Douglas County regula ons for small groups while organizing and arranging ac vi es for new members to meet the upperclassmen. Masked and distanced, new members had mul ple opportuni es to experience me at 1339 while ge ng to know the older members. With just 3 weeks of planning, Diana helped the chapter pull off a Special Guests weekend in April. Diana is proud of the Sigma sisters for showing just how strong and capable they are in these challenging mes. Diana is already planning for next year, and is helping to launch a new and improved Parents Club (formerly Moms Club) and the return of pledge class officers. "It's all been a challenge, but members and alumnae have all been so helpful," Diana said. "The advisors and commi ee chairs have all worked together to pull off these small group func ons. It takes everyone." The alumnae are Sisters Are Stronger Together Diana Zarda '82 Shares Her Experience as Sigma's New Member Advisor commi ed to helping the collegians make the same great memories as best they can through these challenges, and Diana applauds everyone at 1339 for adap ng and learning together. Representing Gamma Phi In the 2019-20 school year, Diana was humbled to be named a KC Panhellenic Woman of the Year by the Gamma Phi alumnae group for her chapter contribu ons and local community service. The recipient of this award represents her sorority at the Greater Kansas City Alumnae Panhellenic's annual luncheon. "It was a great honor to receive this award from past recipients, including board members like Be y Hailey Crooker '57, and Kansas City alumnae from all over the U.S." To Diana, Gamma Phi Beta is for life. "We should all do our part, whether it's philanthropy, suppor ng the individual members, or even just paying your dues." Diana lives in Overland Park, Kan., and has worked with the family business, Hiland Dairy (formerly Zarda Dairy) for over 40 years. She enjoys KU and KC spor ng events, gardening, and spending me with her grandson. Diana can be reached at dlalbert@a .net. Diana Zarda '82 (right) with Natalie Love '17 a er Rite of Passage for the senior class. Diana wrote Natalie's le er of recommenda on for recruitment; now she's a graduate!

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