Gamma Phi Beta - Southern Methodist University

2 | Crescent Corner Alpha Xi alumnae board members with Lauren "Ren" Morrison '04 during Convention this summer where Ren was presented with the Foundation's Shining Star Award. Undergraduates and alumnae during Convention this summer in Dallas. ALPHA XI SHINES AT CONVENTION T he 2018 Gamma Phi Beta International Convention was hosted in Dallas this summer with an unofficial theme of "the stars shine bright in Texas." Alpha Xi sisters were definitely among the brightest stars and were honored, served on the advisory committee, and volunteered during the event. While Convention is a four-day event for attendees, Adine Bagheri Zornow '99 served on the host city advisory committee, which met for months before Convention. Many other Alpha Xi alumnae, including Susan McIntyre '98, Libby Arterburn '13, and Jessica Martinez '13, volunteered during the events. Lauren "Ren" Morrison '04 was awarded with the Foundation's Shining Star Award, which is presented to a sister who shows exemplary service and dedication to not only Gamma Phi, but her community as well. During a touching memorial and ritual service, Chapter President Katie Stolarski '16 presided as ritual initiator for the alumnae initiation, and two women with ties to Alpha Xi were memorialized. Carey Miller Corey '99 and longtime Alpha Xi friend, Gloria Swanson Nelson, University of Oklahoma '40, were remembered during this touching ritual. Many Alpha Xi alumnae and collegiates also showed their sisterly support at the Pink Carnation Banquet as Melinda Sutton Noss '94 was installed as a vice president for the 2018-20 International Council. "It was wonderful to see her sworn into the International Council," said Susan. "There was definitely a roar of Alpha Xi pride extending throughout the ballroom in celebration of her tremendous leadership and service." For many of the collegiate attendees, this was their first Convention to attend, and for Katie, she found that Convention helped her realize how far the sisterhood stretches. "Our women cherish our values and ritual," Katie said. "It was amazing to have that common bond with everyone there." Hillery Lemon '16 said that it was an incredible opportunity to experience as an undergraduate. "I already knew I love my chapter, but it was amazing to see all the other chapters and realize how much I love the bigger experience that is Gamma Phi Beta," Hillery said. Alpha Xi alumnae and undergraduates alike look forward to another successful and meaningful Convention in Palm Springs, California, in 2020. A fter growing up as an only child in a small town in Southern Illinois, Karol Hargis Davis '57 was initially intimidated by the thought of moving 700 miles from home to attend SMU. Those worries where quickly laid to rest after going through recruitment where she had the opportunity to acquire the sisters she always dreamed of having. "Gamma Phi Beta provided me with such great friendship and warmth," Karol said. "I knew that that was exactly where I belonged." As a senior, Karol had the privilege of serving as chapter president. This impacted her professional life by teaching her the responsibility of mentoring, working as a team, and confidence. "When I became a teacher, I used those same tactics, ideals, and values," Karol said. After a career change, Karol became one of only 25 women in the state of Texas in 1982 given the opportunity to become a State Farm agent. "I went from teaching and leading 130 high school people to a scratch agency starting with 30 clients and growing to more than 5,000 clients in State Farm in Paris, Texas," Karol stated. Karol lost her husband, JT, to CTE induced Alzheimer's in 2016 after more than 55 years of marriage. She realized she needed to do something to help her move forward. Touching on the memories she had during her time in Gamma Phi Beta, she decided that a reunion was in order. "I just started randomly calling one or two of my sisters, and had such a positive response," Karol said. "It was so gratifying. I soon found myself feeling so much better and had a purpose for each day; I couldn't wait till I found more sisters." As reunion preparations are still on going, Karol was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit 3030 Daniel. "The house looked great, especially on the outside, though the inside looks in need of some repair," she said. "However, our house is honorable, she is lovingly cared for, and has protected many Gamma Phi Betas, but we need to allow her the dignity of fading away." Outside of reunion planning, Karol is involved with a group of Ft. Worth alumnae who are in her age bracket. "We always have a lovely lunch, fellowship, and share our experiences with Gamma Phi Betas from all over," she said. "While we have some Alpha Xis and sisters from other chapters, the important thing is the quality of people in this group. Each one is talented beyond belief and are ladies that radiate a joyfulness of life." Karol lives in Granbury, Texas, with her two dogs, Tripper and Scruffy. She enjoys spending time with her two sons, four grandchildren, and two great- granddaughters. If you would like to reconnect with Karol, you can reach her at jtdavis2@icloud.com. It Feels Like Home Karol Hargis Davis '57 Reflects on the Impact of Sisterhood Anna Muhlenbrugh Stucker, University of Kansas '44, Carlotta Khalifah Norman '58, and Karol Hargis Davis '57 during Gamma Phi Beta's house dedication at TCU this spring.

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