Gamma Phi Beta - University of Oklahoma

PSI SOONERS GAMMA PHI BETA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA • SPRING 2021 A lthough the challenges of 2020 are not yet over, 2021 is off to a great start for Gamma Phi Beta. The collegians returned to campus on January 23 for another unique semester; there will be no spring break this year, for example. HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE In partnership with local and state officials, OU Health Services at Goddard Health Center on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine to students, faculty, and staff in alignment with the Oklahoma State Department of Health phased plan for distribution. There is no cost to receive the vaccine. Whether you live in Oklahoma or elsewhere, we encourage you to keep up with your local guidelines and, if you are able, get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. Together, we Psi sisters can help end this pandemic. 2020 SUCCESSES With the new year also came fall 2020 grade reports, and we are thrilled to announce that it has been a strong year both for Psi Chapter and Greek life at OU. The all-Panhellenic GPA was 3.51, and Psi achieved an overall GPA of 3.57. We are also ranked 10th overall in Greek life and sixth within Panhellenic. We could not be prouder of our active sisters for their remarkable achievements in such a challenging time. A SEASON FOR CHANGE This past year has been a time for us all to adapt to new realities, and we at Psi Chapter must also think about our future beyond COVID. One thing that hasn't changed is the ever-growing competition that is modern housing on campus. The House Corporation is weighing its options to help our home remain competitive at OU; we will have more to share at a later date. In the meantime, all we ask is that you think back on your own active years with Psi and what the Gamma Phi experience means to you. We hope and pray that the next newsletter will find you all in safer and brighter times. Until then, please keep our sisters in your thoughts, and let's all do our part to keep ourselves and one another healthy as these challenges near their end. In IIKE, Kristin Brickmin Hulin '91 House Corporation President, Psi Chapter jbkhulin@yahoo.com New Year, Same Strong Sisters Psi Celebrates Success, Looks to the Future A GAMMA PHI BETA AT HEART Maryanne McManus Fischer '40 Enjoys Lifelong Rewards of Psi Chapter Sisterhood J oining Gamma Phi Beta was a natural choice for Norman-native Maryanne McManus Fischer '40. Although she waited until second semester of her freshman year to join, it's only because she was holding out hope of going to school in California, pending her father's approval. "My older brother was at the University of Southern California and was seeking permission from my father for me to join him out there, but he said not until I spent a year closer to home," Maryanne shared. She pledged Gamma Phi Beta at OU in April of her freshman year and already knew several women from Norman in the chapter at that time. "I felt comfortable with Gamma Phi Beta," she said. Growing up during The Great Depression was followed by World War II during Maryanne's college years. When WWII came along, her brother, (Continued on page 3)

• Cover