Gamma Phi Beta - University of Oklahoma

PSI SOONERS 2 O n day one of recruitment, Halsey Musselman '14 knew she had found her people at Gamma Phi Beta. She met her big, Jane Rogers '13, on Bid Day; she made Halsey feel at home, and Halsey has looked up to Jane ever since. It has also been special for Halsey to share the sisterhood with her mom, Ashley Pearsall Musselman, Oklahoma City University '91. During college, Halsey loved having her friends and family over to the chapter house for tailgate meals before football games. "All my favorite people in one place!" Gamma Phi Beta's involvement with local nonprofits piqued her interest in fundraising. "Whether it was through philanthropy events supporting the United Way of Norman and Girls on the Run or volunteering at animal shelters and through projects like the Big Event, this influenced me to move into a career where I can help others." Halsey is currently the director of digital donor engagement at the University of Oklahoma Foundation Inc., where she works to enhance OU's online giving experience for alumni, donors, and friends. "It's really rewarding to partner with the colleges on campus in support of their year-round fundraising efforts," she said. "If you ever see a link to give to OU, I most likely had a hand in it!" Halsey lives for OU Giving Day. Although it seems like just one day, it takes an entire year to plan. In 2021, she was hired to manage the restructuring of the event into a 24-hour challenge. "This allows student organizations, departments, academic units, and the like to compete for additional dollars through a series of fundraising challenges throughout the day. The students get really competitive—it's so fun to see them engaged in the spirit of giving." During Halsey's first Giving Day in 2022, the OU community raised more than $11 million, which broke all previous records for university support. "In 2023, my team and I shattered this record again, raising more than $26.2 million this previous April." "I sincerely enjoy celebrating the impact philanthropy has on the higher education experience and am looking forward to our next Giving Day in April 2024." In her free time, Halsey loves exercising, hanging out with her dogs, Liv and Leo, going to OU football games and OKC Thunder games, and trying out new restaurants with her boyfriend. In October, she became an aunt to her sister's twins, boy Brooks and girl Sloan, and she is obsessed with them! Through Gamma Phi Beta, Halsey has made genuine connections with women she never would've met otherwise. As a member of the advisory board, she has built relationships with women from a variety of pledge classes. "This sisterhood is beyond college. It's for life." You can connect with Halsey at halseyblair@gmail.com. GETTING SETTLED IN THE HOUSE We kicked off our academic year by moving into the beautiful Psi Chapter house; it is truly a dream to be able to live here for two years! Our house manager, Lauren Jobe '22, has led our chapter in amazing advances with the facility, including the addition of a digital fingerprint system to promote safety and sustainability in our facility. A RECRUITMENT TO REMEMBER After our 2022 member class moved in, we jumped right into recruitment. Our chapter welcomed 81 eager new members into the loving arms of Psi thanks to our recruitment team, consisting of Membership Vice President Aubrey Blankenship '21 and Recruitment Chairman Taylor Hankins '20. WINNING AND GIVING As the official school year started, our sisters demonstrated excellence through academics and involvement within the campus. As a chapter, we participated in on-campus events, including University Sing and Homecoming, where we placed third overall with help from this year's Homecoming chairmen, Graceyn Hyden '21, Analyse Jester '21, and Brittyn Barber '21. Amongst success, we were able to give back to the Norman community by hosting our annual Chili Cook-off, which benefited the United Way of Norman. Our philanthropic endeavors could not have been achieved without our philanthropy chairman, Taylor Mashigan '21, as well as our amazing AHC Board. THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING FUN Our chapter celebrated time together at Psi's birthday party, organized by newly elected President Claire Gentling '21, our "G Phi B Under the Sea" date party, organized by Elle Evans '22, and our annual alumni trick-or-treat event, organized by Anne Claire Weaver '21, which created an environment for collegians and alumnae to interact! From a leading lens, it has been an amazing semester watching my sisters grow and it will be bittersweet saying goodbye to our winter graduating seniors as the semester ends. In IIKE, Zoe Nguyen '21 President ougphipresident@gmail.com Mariana Pelaez '22, Sophia Verona '22, Haley Coover '22, Addison Rosiere '22, and Natalie Divirgilio '22 at our "Under the Sea" date party organized by Elle Evans '22 in September 2023. Sisters participating in a Rumble boxing class in October as a part of R.E.A.L wellness week, organized by Julia Kent '22. Balancing Hard Work and Enjoyment P S I S I S T E R S E M B R AC E A B U SY B U T S U C C E S S F U L FA L L This semester was one to remember! THE SPIRIT OF GIVING Halsey Musselman '14, the Woman Behind New OU Giving Day Structure

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