Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

SIGMA NEWS 2 D onna O'Neal '67 has been a loyal supporter of our Sigma sisterhood for years, answering the call to serve at every turn. As a student, she took on the role of chapter vice president. As an alumna, she served as Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter President for two years and as chairman of the GPB An ques, Art, and Garden Show. As our current housemother, she now provides a safe, suppor ve, and enjoyable environment for every young woman living in the chapter house. Donna graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary educa on and taught for several years. "I ended my career teaching third grade at Prairie Elementary School in Prairie Village, and I've been so lucky to have a few of my former students in the Gamma Phi Beta house," Donna says. In 2017, the House Corpora on needed a subs tute housemother. "I was hesitant at first but eventually agreed to help out," she recalls. "Shortly a er, my sorority sister and dear friend accepted the job, and I proceeded to sub for her for the next five years." Donna learned the ins and outs of running the house and her interest in the role grew. "We shared the job for a year, and then I took over full- me in 2022. And I'm so happy I did!" According to Donna, there is no such thing as a typical day in the house. "That's one of the aspects that appeal to me," she shares. "Usually a er walking my dog, Millie, I walk the house ( dying as I go) and talk to the cleaning personnel and our chefs. Maintenance of this beau ful house is one of my main jobs, and fortunately, we have excellent companies to work with and the absolute best chefs on the Hill." Donna's favorite part of each day? Interac ng with the girls and joining them for formal dinners. "We teach and stress proper e que e at a meal—skills that will serve them well throughout their lives." As housemother, Donna has a front-row seat to the chapter's trials and triumphs, and she sings the members' praises. "I don't know how the girls could do any be er. They are hard workers, super social, and s ll maintain excellent grades!" The feeling is mutual, as the residents treat Donna like their mom away from home. "It's truly a family here!" In addi on to her Sigma sisters, Donna also shared the chapter house with members of her actual family. "My daughter, Amy O'Neal Gurley '92, and my granddaughters are also Gamma Phi Beta sisters," she says. "I feel like the luckiest GPhi around! How many grandmas can move into their sorority house the same day as their granddaughter? It's been such a bonus to have first Kate Gurley '18 and now Jane Gurley '21 living with me." Donna loves to travel and hopes to continue going abroad yearly. Besides Amy, she also has a son, Kevin, and a son-in-law, Greg. In her spare time, she is an avid supporter of KU basketball. COME SEE THE HOUSE! Donna says any Sigma alumna are welcome to visit any me! "The house is gorgeous and improves every year under our hardworking and dedicated Alumnae House Corpora on. And every alumna should feel great pride in the marvelous girls living in their former home." Jane, Ka e, Amy, and Donna gather for a family photo. L E G A C Y L O V E "In 2019, my husband, Greg, our younger daughter, Jane, and I helped move my mom into the house the same day we moved Kate in! In 2021, my mom, Kate, and I all pinned Jane during initiation. How many people can say that their mom and their daughter lived together in college? I've heard from both Jane and my mom many times how wonderful it was to have each other that year!" –Amy O'Neal Gurley '92 "It means the world to me that my grandma and I have a life me bond through Gamma Phi Beta. There was something so special about Bid Day in 2018, knowing we were now sisters! My grandma is truly the most unselfish woman I know. She loves those girls with all of her heart, and I can vouch that it feels really good to be loved by my grandma." –Kate Gurley '18 "My grandmother has been there for everything my en re life, and ge ng to live in the house with her is something I will cherish for the rest of my life!" –Jane Gurley '21 L O V E , L E G A C Y, A N D L I F E L O N G F R I E N D S H I P S A CONVERSATION WITH HOUSEMOTHER DONNA O'NEAL '67 "I fell in love with the girls of Gamma Phi Beta during recruitment, and that love never wavered from my college days until now." W E A S K E D A L U M N A E W E A S K E D A L U M N A E What words come to mind when you think about Sigma Chapter? F R I E N D S H I P GOOD MEMORIES • FUN Home • Safety • Loyalty • Social • Sharing Laughter • Connec on • Support Philanthropy • Sisterhood • Proud What are your favorite memories from living at the Sigma house and/or spending me with Gamma Phi Beta sisters at KU? "Hiding in the closet (many mes) to keep my status as never being carried to the Chi O fountain to be dunked." –Julee Hawk Goeser '90 "Ge ng to know so many high- quality women and building lifelong bonds, near or far!" –Vivian Eddy Thomas '76

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