Sigma Kappa - University of Kansas

Page 3 H H H Sigma kappa Supporting the Sisterhood Advisor Tiffani Neely '85 Reflects on Her Sigma Kappa Experience V olunteerism is one of the unique assets that sets Sigma Kappa apart from other sororities. "We strive to help others," Tiffani Neely '85 said. She herself is a volunteer for Xi Chapter of Sigma Kappa as vice president of membership advisor and continuous open bidding (COB) advisor. Being these advisors is especially special to Tiffani as she joined Sigma Kappa through COB, which became the "best decision I made during my collegiate years," she said. Xi Chapter gave Tiffani the opportunity to be a leader. As a social extrovert, Xi Chapter utilized and developed her talents. "Organizing, planning, executing toward an end goal is what I love," Tiffani said. Tiffani served as vice president of membership and president of Xi Chapter. It was the perfect fit for Tiffani to grow as a person, leader, and sister. When asked to become an advisor, she never hesitated and happily accepted. Even in the uncertainty of today, Tiffani is an optimist and has great plans for the future of Xi Chapter. "Every day is a fresh start," Tiffani said. "I believe we will persist and be stronger than before." Tiffani is able to stay positive through advice she received that influences her today. "Knowledge is potential power" and "act the way you want to feel" keep Tiffani motivated and dedicated to her goals. "Be mindful, thoughtful and purposeful. Always set goals and take a chance," Tiffani said as advice she lives by and offers to undergraduates as they navigate these strange times. Tiffani believes in the sisterhood of Sigma Kappa that has gotten her through the best and worst of times. "Time may pass but when my Xi sisters get together, we pick up where we left off. We support each other. We encourage each other. Our paths may have gone different directions, but we always care, laugh, cry, and love together," Tiffani said. Besides volunteering and advising for Sigma Kappa, Tiffani loves to spend time with her family. She is immensely proud to be a mother of her two children, Tack and Scout. Reach out to Tiffani to reconnect at tlhnee@hotmail.com. IN MEMORIAM Elva Huslig Fellers '72 passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2019, at 66. She spent 40-plus years as a microbiologist before retiring from St. Francis Hospital. Elva shared 42 years of marriage with her husband, Dan, and they had eight children. She was an active member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church, as she worked funeral dinners, attended daily masses, and prayed the rosary daily. Elva's hobbies included praying, gardening, sewing, cooking, baking, canning her garden vegetables and jellies, and reading. ALUMNAE NEWS Zelina Higginbottom Hickox '47 is thankful she can stay in her home at 91. Her eyesight is failing, but her three children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren are nearby. Zelina would love to see the improvements to the chapter house. She lives in Fort Collins, Colo. Email: zelinahickox@centurylink.net Margaret Culp Bradley '49 lives with her daughter in Omaha, Neb. She turned 91 in December and is healthy and doing well. Phyllis King Griffin '55 has wonderful memories of attending KU and living in the chapter house. At 85 and living in Williston, Fla., she unfortunately isn't able to make it back to Lawrence to visit the chapter house, but wishes Sigma Kappa a successful future. Diana Brinton Cowan '60 is enjoying retirement by quilting, hiking, and playing with her border collie. She lives in Port Townsend, Wash. Email: 16pete.dc@ gmail.com Jackie Hawkins Kraft '63 recently moved to Edmond, Okla. Once she's settled, she wants to get involved with the local alumnae chapter. Email: jackie. kraft@outlook.com Pamela Budd Behan '67 wants to figure out why America doesn't guarantee everyone health care. Pamela invites all her sisters to read her book, Solving the Health Care Problem, which was published in 2006. She lives in Fort Collins, Colo. Email: behanp07@gmail.com Ellen Hollsberg '67 traveled to Kansas City in 2019 and made a side trip to see her alma mater for the first time since the late 1970s. She saw many changes and much growth on campus. Ellen is glad that Sigma Kappa is thriving. She resides in Atlanta, Ga. Email: greenie107@hotmail.com Jane Winchester McLaughlin '67 and her husband, Chet, moved south of Louisburg, Kan., and built a new home on several acres. They have an orchard, blackberries, etc. Chet picks the berries and Jane sells jams and jellies at the local market along with organic fruits and vegetables from their garden. Email: janecwinchester@yahoo.com Kaye Meyer Ostermann '67 and her husband, Alan, are enjoying life in Abilene, Kan. Alan has Parkinson's, so their activities are limited. She is proud of the chapter's accomplishments. Email: kayebabeostermann@gmail.com Linda Westphal Cherner '68 and her husband, Bob, are enjoying retirement. In the past year and a half, they've traveled to Egypt and Peru. They recommend visiting both countries if you love history and the structures created by ancient cultures. Linda and Bob volunteer usher at the symphony, Orpheum Theatre, and the Broadway Series. They love spending time with their grandchildren and volunteering at their schools. Linda and Bob live in Phoenix, Ariz. Email: llcherner@gmail.com Kendra Gooch Schoeman '82 retired from teaching in 2017. She lives in Leawood, Kan. Email: k_schoeman@ hotmail.com Debbie Chassy-Slack '85 and her husband, Lee, were married in November 2018, in Hawaii. She lives in Savoy, Ill. Email: luvmylife2007@yahoo.com Ann Shannon Suarez '85 and her family moved to Charlotte, N.C. They enjoy the ocean and mountains. Email: tall889201@ gmail.com Pamela Croyle Weinhold '85 works at KU Medical West and lives in De Soto, Kan. Her son, Sam, graduated Alumnae Update (Continued on page 4)

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