Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

SIGMA NEWS 2 G rowing up with only brothers, Elizabeth McKemey Bickley '82 was excited to join a sorority in college and find a sisterhood. Through Gamma Phi Beta, she found commi ed friendships for life. To this day, Elizabeth fondly remembers her pledge class walkout, ge ng to know sisters over air popcorn and late-night chats, and traveling or studying together. The Gamma Phi sisterhood follows Elizabeth wherever life takes her—both through alumnae networks and connec ons with her Sigma sisters. "When I go to different ci es, I can s ll remember which of my pledge sisters came from that area." Elizabeth served as house manager in college, which taught her firsthand the importance of the Affiliated House Corpora on. These alumnae would visit once a month, with Elizabeth being one of their primary contacts. At the me, they worked closely on planning a new chapter facility wing to house 20-30 more members. "I really enjoyed interac ng with them, just to communicate the needs of the chapter," Elizabeth said. The Board members consistently demonstrated Gamma Phi's four Core Values, especially loyalty, by con nuing to give back to Sigma Chapter. "I always knew I wanted to do the same once I graduated and had the opportunity to engage with the chapter again." Rising to the Challenge Elizabeth has now been on the AHC Board for seven years, serving as president for the past year. "The board is essen ally the managing team for the property itself," she explained. The AHC works with the House Director, undergraduate President, Financial VP, and House Manager as well as food service providers and other vendors They also manage payments and costs of running the facility, and ensure it remains a warm, invi ng, safe environment for everyone—including the residents, live-out members, and guests. As president, Elizabeth strives to keep the board effec ve and aware of the Greek housing landscape's ever-changing needs. "When I joined the board, it took diligence to make sure we weren't making decisions based on 'we've always done it that way.' Instead, we try hard to focus on looking forward to make sure we find the most effec ve means to accomplish new challenges. What students are looking for now is vastly different than 30 years ago when I lived in the house." Maintaining a building that is over 100 years old comes with challenges as well. "We need to make sure we're not simply pu ng band-aids on each situa on. Instead, we must determine when to invest in new systems. An aging property requires lots of oversight and maintenance." Sisterhood Benefits Us All Having served on the AHC and assisted the ac ve chapter with recruitment, Elizabeth loves volunteering her me to support Sigma Chapter. "The chapter can't con nue to exist without alumnae support," she explained. "It's up to us to provide a big-picture perspec ve and model posi ve behavior for our sisters. It takes the wisdom, maturity, and me of volunteers to keep the sisterhood thriving and moving forward." Elizabeth believes that it's a beneficial role for alumnae as well. Sigma Chapter has a long history of sacrificial giving of their me and talents by many volunteers. "We would not be able to maintain the strong presence we have on the KU campus without the many hours and years of service given by present and former members of the AHC." While the board members strive for consensus, they're always willing to listen to one another and talk through difficult issues. "I love the women I serve with. We are friends as well as sisters," she said. "We really link arms and approach the challenges and successes as a team. It's made these rela onships even more valuable to me." The Importance (and Joy) of Lifelong Sisterhood WHAT VOLUNTEERING MEANS TO AHC PRESIDENT ELIZABETH MCKEMEY BICKLEY '82 "I enjoy mee ng great women and serving a common cause that's greater than me. With alumnae support, the chapter and the sorority con nue to thrive. Strong women leading our future strong women. What a great fit!" –Nancy Hammel Kuehler '76, Vice President "The house is a vital part of the KU campus and a beneficial place for members to thrive. We should all feel a responsibility to maintain its contribu on and history." –Kelly Stravos Simari '80, Treasurer "I love walking the halls where I made so many wonderful memories. Someone took care of the chapter house while we were students, and now it's our turn to pay it back. If we want to see Sigma exist for the next 100 years, then we need alumnae to step up and lend their me and talent to the AHC. You're a Gamma Phi Beta for life!" –Allison Friend Mazzei '04, Secretary "It was an honor to serve on this board with Be y Hailey Crooker '57 at the helm; she is an amazing woman! I volunteer because Gamma Phi builds lifelong friendships with women who step up to help, even if you haven't seen them in a while." –Brenda Press Harden '78, Property Manager "I want to do what I can to ensure that our sisters have the best possible experience. Mine was unforge able; if I could do it over, I would in a second." –Diana Zarda '82, Chapter Advisor "I believe in giving back and giving forward. We have jobs that are big, small, me-constrained, and ongoing. Our board hopes to always add new perspec ves and bring on new talents— you and your talents/gi s are always welcome and needed." –Jill Remsberg McGee '79, Chapter Financial Advisor "I enjoy staying connected with the house and want it to remain a great place like when I was a student. It's always fun to meet new people and make connec ons with other genera ons of Gamma Phi. Give it a shot, and I bet you will have a rewarding experience." –Britny Fix Wood '93, Member at Large "I am a tes mony of someone who had lost touch with Gamma Phi a er gradua ng. The memories that came flooding back when I walked into 1339 for my first mee ng were overwhelming. Women are s ll learning, growing, and making memories there, and I wanted to be a part of it. If you feel that li le voice promp ng you to make contact and reconnect, just do it! Start by having coffee with one of us and see where it could go. You won't regret that, whether you decide to serve in some capacity or not." –Elizabeth Smith Scheib '78, Member at Large As a new member of AHC, I think it's a great way to remain connected to the chapter and pay it forward for my amazing experiences. Serving on the execu ve council and as president prepared me for the real world and gave me the experience of leading an organiza on. I hope I can be a small part of our members' involvement and wish for them a fantas c experience like I had." –Molly Mueller Haase '98, Member at Large Why Your AHC Board Members Volunteer To connect with Elizabeth or learn more about volunteer opportunities, you can reach her at kugphiahc@gmail.com.

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