Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

SIGMA NEWS 2 I t has been so wonderful to be back in the chapter house and to see everyone together again! This semester is flying by, and we have held so many fun events. I am looking forward to what the rest of the semester has in store. Academics remain a priority for Sigma Chapter. We are proud to have had an overall GPA of 3.53 this past spring! We ranked fourth out of all sororities and fifth in the SFL community. "The women of our chapter worked very hard and overcame all the adversity that came with COVID- 19 and online classes," Bethie Gregory '19 said. "We are so proud that they were able to maintain such a high chapter GPA with all those challenges and be one of the top five houses in grades for all sorority and fraternity life on campus!" Another top focus for us is philanthropy, and we have loved getting back to some of our traditional events this year. Shelby Rome '19 shared: "This semester, Gamma Phi Beta hosted Grilled Cheese with GPhiB's on October 27. Unfortunately due to weather, the front-lawn event had to be changed to a drive-thru. With everyone's teamwork, we were able to pull this off and still raise over $4,000 for Girls on the Run!" Our membership vice president, Anna Price '18, put on an amazing recruitment this fall. We welcomed 66 new members to the chapter, and we look forward to getting to know them. Annie Gurnett '19 and Ryann Jones '19 planned a fantastic Bid Day, themed "That GPhi Show." It was a great way to celebrate a successful recruitment week. New members A Sisterhood Like No Other Sigma Chapter Enjoys Participating in Events (Continued on page 4) Mackenzie McClain '19 and her mom during mock recruitment. Olivia Pelliccia '20 and Leah Whitmer '20 during recruitment week. Sisters enjoy a snow cone sisterhood event during work week. Pictured are Emily Johnson '18 and Rene Barnard '18. Thank You, Be y Hailey Crooker '57 B etty Hailey Crooker '57 has served the Gamma Phi Beta community in many ways. She has been dedicated to Sigma Chapter, and we truly appreciate her support. As she retires from her position as chairwoman, we want to honor her hard work for the chapter. Her Gamma Phi sisters share their memories and well wishes for Betty. "Sweet, sassy Betty; she is the epitome of Gamma Phi Beta. I loved participating in house corporation board meetings because of Betty. She was always smiling, kept things running, and was a fierce advocate for members. She also always wore the most beautiful moon necklace from Mexico, and I always thought, I want to be like Betty when I grow up! Happy retirement!" –Kelle Burmeister Gilmore '98 "I have sweet memories of all your hard work and enthusiasm through the years and your dedication at every level. I loved working side by side at the Gamma Phi Antique Show. Your spirit is exemplary and the person you are has blessed many. Thank you, dear sister!" –Tina Myers Mullinix '75 "I never spent much time with Betty; however, she is a legend. I remember from my days at Sigma that if Betty Crooker was coming to the house, we all had to be on our best behavior! She has always commanded great respect, and to this day just seeing the name 'Betty Crooker' in my inbox makes me sit up straighter. I am grateful for her nearly 40 years of dedicated service to Sigma and to Gamma Phi Beta. That is quite a commitment. I am inspired by her, and I will hold her in my heart as being a big part of my cherished time at 1339 W. Campus Road. All the best to you, Betty, and thank you!" –Krissy Wagner Wittenberg '86 "It has been an honor to serve under Betty's leadership on the house corporation board. She has a great love for empowering the women of 1339 W. Campus Road. I wish her well in her retirement." –Brenda Press Harden '78 "In 1970 or 1971, Barb Spurlock Moffett '70 and I were chosen to go to a Gamma Phi conference in St. Louis with two older alumnae. One of them was Betty Crooker, and we had such a great time. She was so friendly and so much fun!" –Hariette Stewart McCaul '69 "My dear Betty, for over 50 years since my collegiate days, you have been my friend, mentor, advisor, teacher, decorator, and so many other things; in other words—a true and constant friend. Sigma has been blessed with your leadership over many years while you pursued your nursing career, raised a beautiful family, were a true and loving companion to Jim, and served and supported so many outside our sisterhood as well—truly earning stars in your heavenly crown! You will be missed! God bless you, dear friend. I love you!" –Jeanne Gorman '69 Well Wishes from Gamma Phi Sisters attended meetings until initiation on October 24, where they learned more about Gamma Phi and each other. "As far as chapter activities, Rock Chalk Revue has begun! We are paired with Sigma Nu and look forward to planning an amazing show with them. We were paired with Sigma Pi and Triangle during Homecoming week," Anna Price said. "We participated in a banner competition as well as a sidewalk competition; it was fun getting to know others within the SFL community! We also have had some fun social events this semester, including a themed date party in September and a semi-formal in October. We rented out McLain's Market, and it was so great to see everyone." We always love to see our members get involved with other organizations at KU.

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