Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

GAMMA PHI BETA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS News Spring 2016 Sigma Celebrates Housemother Ginny Hayward 's 25 Years of Service Christine Robinson Parsons '95, Ginny Hayward, and Jennifer Ricci Hudson '95 Former Gamma Phi chefs Juanita and Albert Jones returned to celebrate Mom Ginny. Also pictured, Whitney Altman Marcellino '98 and her daughter. Mom Ginny's great-granddaughters in front of her portrait, which will hang at the landing with the portraits of Mother Baldwin and Mother Park. S unday, April 3, was a special day for our wonderful housemother, Ginny Hayward, and all of Sigma Chapter. Last December, Sally Ramseyer Beck '74 set the plans in motion as she gathered letters from Sigma Chapter members and alumnae, requesting permission from the International Council to initiate Mom Ginny. Much appreciation goes to Betty Hailey Crooker '57, Susan Eggleston Donaghue '58, Carrie Ruggles Carmichael '98, Kelle Burmeister Gilmore '98, Kathryn Hoven '09, Ashley Falkner '12, Gina Westerhaus '13, and Madeline DuBois '14. for their beautiful words in support of Ginny. After receiving approval from International, Sally began Ginny's new member education program, formally known as pledge training. When her initiation day finally arrived, Ginny was filled with anticipation and excitement. After 25 years of being a sorority housemother to hundreds of young Gamma Phi Beta women, she was now going to be their Gamma Phi sister, too! Members of the chapter did a wonderful job presenting the ritual at the initiation. What a joy to welcome Ginny into the Gamma Phi Beta sisterhood. A lovely retirement reception was held following the initiation ceremony to honor Ginny, not only as the newest member of our chapter, but also to celebrate her many years as our housemother and her upcoming retirement. Pam Henderson Adams '70 and Betty Hailey Crooker orchestrated the exquisite food and flowers for the event. More than 100 guests, including Ginny's family, current chapter members, KU Greek housemothers, and alumnae from all classes over the last 25 years who knew and dearly loved Mom Ginny, were present to give loving hugs of gratitude to her. The Beta Theta Pi Fraternity a cappella choir serenaded Mom during the reception, which was a special treat for everyone in attendance. Two special guests included husband and wife culinary chefs from the past, Juanita and Albert Jones. Alumnae reminisced about Albert's Navaho tacos and Juanita's breakfast coffee cake. Portrait artist Josh Adams, son of Pam Henderson Adams, presented a beautiful painting of Mom Ginny, to be hung at the landing with Mother Baldwin's and Mother Park's portraits. Katie Staab '15 created a lovely scrapbook of photos and notes from collegians and alumnae that Ginny will always treasure. It was indeed a special day for a very special lady! Thank you, Mom Hayward! Sigma

• Cover