Gamma Phi Beta - University of Missouri

2 ALPHA DELTA HILITES D ana Roberts Knapp '85 immediately clicked with her future sisters at Alpha Delta Chapter during recruitment week and "Instantly felt at home." Together, Dana and her sisters would go on to form lifelong bonds and create memories that will last forever. Homecomings, Greek Weeks, Pledge Mom Hunts, walkouts, candle lighting ceremonies, going up the front staircase the first time after initiation, date parties, and exchanges were all events that Dana loved during her time as an active member. "There are so many great memories in the 808," Dana said. "From watching MTV in the TV room to staying up late with sisters, and laying on the roof when it got to 60 degrees, there was always something to do with sisters!" The sisterhood of Alpha Delta has lived on in Dana's heart along with the incredible friendships that have lasted for 36 years and counting! "We have traveled together, been in each other's weddings, became godparents to our kids, and been there for one another in the ups and downs of life," Dana said. She has also made connections with sisters from other chapters since moving to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1990. After moving, Dana immediately got in contact with the local Gamma Phi Beta alumnae group since she didn't know anyone aside from her husband, Craig. She ended up serving as a chapter advisor for Beta Kappa Chapter at Arizona State University and sat on their House Corporation Board for a few years. "During that time, I got to go to a couple of International Conventions," Dana said. "It was so cool to have this instant connection with women when I moved across the country." Though she lived hundreds of miles away, Dana has remained connected with Alpha Delta throughout the years. When she learned about It's Our House! The Campaign for 808 Richmond, she knew she wanted to get involved. "When I heard about the room-naming opportunities, I thought it was the perfect way to memorialize my closest friendships made inside the walls of the 808 with Sandy Brewer Sullivan '84 and Judy Dillon Dueker '83," Dana said. "This allows our friendship to live on long after we are gone." Her favorite aspect of the renovation plans is the expansion of the original chapter house. "When I go back to the 808 it will be the same house I lived in and loved, only bigger and better," Dana said. Dana encourages all Alpha Delta alumnae to consider joining the cause and supporting the capital campaign however they can. "No contribution is too small, so do what you can," Dana said. "By giving, you become a part of the renovation that will live on for at least the next 100 years." She wants other young women to have the same opportunities that alumnae of Alpha Delta have experienced for years. "It's our turn to step up to help the next generations of strong, confident women thrive in the same way we did," Dana said. "You can take the girl out of the 808, but you can't take the 808 out of the girl!" Outside of her support of Gamma Phi Beta, Dana is an attorney in a small plaintiff's personal injury law firm started by she and her husband, Craig, in 1992. They have two children, Elizabeth and Andrew. Their son, Andrew, was diagnosed with autism in 2001, which Dana says helped get her priorities straight. "Work had to take a back seat so I could help our son," Dana said. "I have learned so much in this journey—even how to cook!" She says that the most important thing her family has learned is to celebrate every gain, no matter how small. "Baby steps add up over time," she said. "Staying home also meant I could spend more time with our daughter, and I credit that for how close we are today. I'm blessed!" Dana is looking forward to seeing all of her sisters again at Alpha Delta's centennial celebration in 2021. "It's going to be great feeling the energy of the sisterhood come together from all ages and parts of the country." Dana lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona, and can be reached at roberts@ krattorneys.com. Follow her on Instragram at Helpfulhealthyhints where she shares little tips she learned during their autism journey about being healthier. Eternal Sisterhood Dana Roberts Knapp '85 Offers Her Support to Alpha Delta to Help Future Generations of Sisters Dana Roberts Knapp '85 (back) with Sandy Brewer Sullivan '84 and Judy Dillon Dueker '83, the sisters she dedicated her room in the chapter house to.

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