Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

T hank you to everyone who made the centennial celebration possible. From the steering committee to the active chapter to the alumnae, without you this grand celebration could not have happened. A special thank-you goes to Susan Moore Palmer '77 for her hard work heading the steering committee. It was truly a memorable weekend celebrating 100 years of Sigma! In PKE, Betty Hailey Crooker '57 GAMMA PHI BETA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS Sigma Spring 2015 News 1 0 0 Y ea r s of S ig m a Sigma Chapter Rich in 100 Years of History and Vibrant as Ever in 2015 O ur once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the Sigma centennial on April 17-19 was a remarkable weekend, indeed! Several hundred sisters from many decades descended on Lawrence to reconnect, relive memories, and create new ones. Pledge classes gathered on Friday night in Kansas City and Lawrence to share stories, laughs, hugs, and updates of their lives since college days. For many, it felt like picking up where we left off all those years ago. A wonderful, casual way to begin the journey of our celebration weekend! The doors were open at 1339 West Campus Road for an afternoon tea and open house on Saturday. Alumnae were greeted by actives and treated to tours of the house. For many, this was the first return visit since graduation! The new chapter room addition was a surprise for many. There were beautiful boards available for alumnae to write their favorite memories. (See pages 4 and 5 for some recollections.) Cookies, cake, nuts, punch, and tea were served in the dining room as ladies laughed and conversed all afternoon long. The big celebration dinner was held at Maceli's on Saturday night. Over 255 sisters attended our very special evening, including 30 actives. Glittering lights, candles, and plenty of pink carnations set the stage for a memorable evening. We had an all-star panel present how their lives have been impacted by the Gamma Phi values of Love, Labor, Learning and Loyalty, and what it means to be a Gamma Phi. Our fabulous speakers included Ellen Tyler Hanson '68, Janet Gorman Hoven '75, Kathryn Hoven '09, Jane Robinson Leach '77, Alice Robinson Levy '72, Betsy Robinson Vander Velde '70, and Deanell Reece Tacha '65. Twenty Sigma collegians performed a skit, Gamma Phi Through the Decades. What a fun, fresh, creative trip down memory lane! These ladies rocked the house with their clever renditions, capped off with a very sentimental recruitment video. Our evening concluded with the Gamma Phi Beta closing ritual, perfectly orchestrated by Sally Ramseyer Beck '74. Sunday morning came quickly as we bid our farewells and reflected on our new memories during brunch at the Oread Hotel. There was much pride felt in being part of such a wonderful sisterhood—rich in 100 years of history and as vibrant as ever! This weekend would not have been possible without the dedication and hours upon hours of hard work lovingly provided by the steering committee. My gratitude and gracious thank-you goes to Diana Zarda Albert '82, Joy Schul Anderson '77, Ann Hartley Bush '76, Bobby Briley Gish '75, Molly Mueller Haase '98, Brenda Press Harden '78, Janie Hirschbuehler '12, Debra Oliver Humphrey '77, Terrie Webb Huntington '68, Jane Robinson Leach '77, Alice Robinson Levy '72, Whitney Altman Marcellino '98, Paige Martindell '11, and Alexa Moore '12. In PKE, Susan Moore Palmer '77 See photos of the Centennial on pages 4 and 5. Thank You

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