Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

3 GAMMA PHI BETA Chapter Officers President Samantha Peterson '12 Sspf44@mail.missouri.edu (314) 479-9511 Administrative Vice President Ashlan Fiester '11 Financial Vice President Carolyn Roseberry '12 Education Vice President Hannah Crank '12 Membership Vice President Mary Braddock '12 Mkb99d@mail.missouri.edu (608) 770-5053 Public Relations Vice President Andrea Lanning '12 Panhellenic Vice President Amy Edelman '12 Executive Board 2014 Importance of Alumnae Involvement Chapter Advisor Values Membership D ebi Hanuscin, Florida State University '95, joined Beta Mu chapter as a sophomore after watching several of her friends go through the recruitment process. She said, "I knew I was making a good choice because of the positive impact being a Gamma Phi had on my friends." Debi is an associate professor of science education and physics at the University of Missouri. Gamma Phis from the Columbia area were instrumental in helping her transition smoothly into the position and helped connect her with Alpha Delta Chapter. She currently serves as the faculty advisor. She said, "Becoming a chapter advisor was a small way for me to give back to an organization that gave so much to me." Debi has always had a strong interest in education and said, "From an early age, I was preoccupied with trying to understand why some of my classmates didn't understand what we were learning. I knew they weren't 'dumb'—and I thought there could be ways to help them do better." This inspired Debi to begin her teaching career at the elementary school level and later at the university. After reading a research study discussing how few elementary school teachers felt comfortable teaching science, least of all physics, Debi was curious enough to pursue this specialization in order to help better prepare elementary teachers in these subjects. Today, as a professor, Debi says, "People are surprised to learn that teaching courses is less than half of my job responsibilities." She also serves as editor of a journal, member of the board of directors of a national research association, and is project director of a multi-million-dollar research grant that seeks to understand how professional development programs for teachers can be designed to have positive impacts on students. Debi has been recognized with numerous teaching and research honors throughout her career. Two stand out as particular points of pride. In 2014, she was named the Outstanding Science Teacher Educator of the Year by the Association for Science Teacher Education. This award reflected her contributions to the field as both a teacher and researcher and how her work has influenced the preparation of teachers in science. "It was incredibly fulfilling to be recognized by my peers across the nation in this manner," Debi said. She was also the recipient of the University of Missouri's highest honor, the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence. "This is a very prestigious award, and I received congratulatory notes from folks all over the state, many of whom I'd never met. To be recognized in this manner for doing what you love is truly rewarding," Debi said. Gamma Phi Beta has remained a strong passion for Debi, and she maintains friendships with her sisters from Beta Mu both in person and through social media. She recently took a trip to New Orleans with her college roommates and has been a bridesmaid in the weddings of many Gamma Phi sisters. She encourages collegiate members and alumnae to look beyond their own chapter and understand the true extent of Gamma Phi Beta. "Collegiate membership is just the first step in a lifelong membership in Gamma Phi Beta. It is really inspirational to be part of such a widespread organization with such wonderful women who exemplify the values of love, labor, learning, and loyalty." Debi can be contacted at debihanuscin@gmail.com. She has enjoyed working with the chapter and has seen the impact the sorority has had on her own life. "Being part of Gamma Phi Beta has been one of the best experiences of my life. I truly believe my membership has helped me to be more confident in myself and my abilities. Working with collegians and serving in a mentor capacity has taught me more about myself and helped me learn more about the person I want to become." Jenn encourages other alumnae to get involved with Gamma Phi Beta. "Any chapter, not just Alpha Delta, needs alumnae to remain active and present so that they can see the value in lifetime membership. Alumnae serve a vital role in connecting the collegians to the greater organization. In college it can be very easy to be caught up in the chapter's day-to-day operations and lose sight of the fact that there are thousands of sisters all around the world. Alumnae help bring that message home to collegians by their very presence." Jenn received a bachelor's degree in economics and German from Truman State University in 2001. As a second career she decided to study law and graduated with her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2012. She is an associate attorney with an insurance defense firm that specializes in commercial truck litigation. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, Brad, and their 2-year-old son, Jonathan. You can contact Jenn at jennwood19@gmail.com. AwArd-winning Professor VAlues gAmmA Phi BetA ConneCtions Debi, center, with Alpha Delta members she nomi- nated for, and who won, Chancellor's Awards.

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