Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

H aving lived in nearly 10 different cities by high school, Kellye McCarthy Abernathy '74 saw KU as a safe haven when it came time to choose a college. Both her parents had attended KU and the campus felt like a family spot. Kellye found Gamma Phi her sophomore year and left a marked impact on Sigma. "I landed in the perfect place for me. The girls were fun, lighthearted, and smart. They cared about things outside of themselves. As an out-of-stater, I loved the house itself and was attached to that beautiful place." She served as chapter president and worked in depth for the chapter and with alumnae. It was a challenging role, but the experience would serve Kellye well as she started a unique career path. Kellye planned to substitute teach in Kansas City after graduation, but her reputation in academics and leadership generated an interview with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. The position was in an experimental, year-long program to bring women into the industry and Kellye started her career as an installation supervisor in Hutchinson, Kansas, climbing telephone poles and managing a crew unaccustomed to a female boss. "It was the hardest year of my career, but a switch happened when I got sick and my crew saw I was trying to stick it out." Kellye got through the year, was promoted, and began to move through the ranks at AT&T. She became employee number 89 in the company's wireless division, before anyone in the outside world even knew what that meant. Within the division's legal department, Kellye was a regulatory specialist, working with the FCC and Department of Justice. She reached the executive level, becoming an expert on regulatory compliance for wireless. Since retirement, Kellye has remained engaged in meaningful work, offering financial coaching for Habitat for Humanity families, providing executive-level resume coaching, and volunteering as a yoga instructor with Project Hope. Retirement also affords time to visit her children, Ian, Brendan, and Mackenzie, as they pursue their vocations. Kellye's ties to KU remain strong through her family's support of the University's athletic program. Her parents were strong supporters of player scholarships throughout the years, including women's sports. The new basketball dorm, Marie S. McCarthy Hall, is named in honor of Kellye's mother. "It is all due to my brother, Kent, his wife, Missy, and my father. When we look at the new facility, we think, 'Grams would just love this.' She was a depression-era farm girl who made an incredible contribution as a teacher and mentor. She was fun and feisty and the first woman to get a math scholarship at KU. The dorm is a great memorial to her." Kellye was back at KU last spring for Gamma Phi's Centennial. Since then, she has reconnected with many Gamma Phis, including a group in the Dallas area, where she lives. "There is a really solid foundation of wonderful memories and it's wonderful to see what these inspirational women have done with their lives." SIGMA NEWS 2 Alumnae and Collegians Ready Sigma for 2016-17 School Year Renovations Continue at Sigma Chapter Our 2016 summer chapter house updates required several HCB members to be present from May through August, overseeing the installation of 20 new windows and French doors on the south side of the house. Our housemother's apartment has a new, updated look after 25 years. We updated the bathroom and closets, painted, installed new carpet, and reupholstered the living room furniture. A big thank-you to Terrie Webb Huntington '68 and Brenda Press Harden '78 for overseeing this restoration. It was a challenge to have everything completed by August 1 for the start of the school year. Gamma Phi Goes Green Pam Henderson Adams '70 worked with our collegians and Chef Andrew to "go green" for the 2016-17 school year. Last year the chapter used 34,500 paper plates and 31,000 paper cups for breakfast, lunch, and late-plates. China and glassware were used at all evening meals. Now our kitchen has fun "go green" signage on all of the walls. This is a real transformation embraced by all. Thank you, Pam, for your leadership and excitement to make this happen. No more paper plates or cups at Sigma! Alumnae Donations Make the Difference Your yearly gifts to Sigma are significant; and we are very proud of our beautiful "old house" that alumnae donations help us maintain. Please know that you are always welcome to stop in. Plan to meet our new house director, Terry Dannatt, and talk with our collegians who love 1339 W. Campus Road. In ΠΚΕ, Sigma Chapter House Corporation Thanks to our alumnae, the house director's apartment was redecorated over the summer. The updated space looks beautiful and includes an oil painting by Pam Kulp Peffer '68. Use the enclosed form to support the work at Sigma! Kellye mccaRthy abeRnathy '74 chaRtS heR couRSe in the WiReleSS induStRy McCarthy Legacy Lives on at KU

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