Gamma Phi Beta - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

A SLICE OF PI GAMMA PHI BETA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN • SPRING 2021 T his spring, our members are inching their way back toward a semblance of normalcy, but they are still facing the impacts of COVID-19— whether on an individual level or through family and friends. As I mentioned last fall, COVID-19 has posed many challenges for our undergraduate leadership and active members. These young women have faced this uncertain reality with bravery and perseverance. To obtain the highest grade-point average out of all sororities on campus during this tumultuous time is truly remarkable. I have had the pleasure of working with our new undergraduate leaders, who are determined to maintain the safety of our members—those who live in the house and those who visit (with their mask on, of course) to quickly grab lunch or catch up on a school project. Last year, at the suggestion of our wonderful alumnae, the 415 Fund was established to help members who realized financial strain due to the unknown and unforeseen consequences of COVID-19. Financial hardships included current members or their family members losing their jobs or our members making sacrifices to ensure the safety of those around them who were immune-suppressed or otherwise at high risk. Alumnae stepping up to donate to the 415 Fund has made it possible for these young women to continue their membership and participation without concern of having their good standing put into question due to economic reasons. From the beginning, the goal of the fund was $20,000. I am so happy to report we have surpassed the halfway mark of our goal. This achievement would not be possible without our loyal alumnae; we cannot thank you enough. The impact of the 415 Fund will go far beyond one semester and one member—it will be felt for years to come and will provide our members the ability to continue their membership, which we all know extends far past the conclusion of an undergraduate career. As we look to the future, we again expect capital projects to consist primarily of repairs and general maintenance. As a board, we remain vigilant to utilize our financial resources in a prudent manner, especially faced with these unique times. Yet again, based on years of sound stewardship and support, Pi Chapter's financial situation is not in question. Thank you for your support and dedication to Pi Chapter. Please consider supporting our current sisters facing ongoing financial hardships by donating to the 415 Fund and helping us reach our goal. If you wish to donate, please send such donations to the address below. I appreciate your consideration and support. Pi Chapter Gamma Phi Beta House Corporation P.O. Box 22770 Lincoln, NE 68542-2770 In IIKE, Kara E. Brostrom '09 FACING CHALLENGES HEAD-ON Pi Chapter Raises Over $11,000 Toward 415 Fund T he Pi Chapter sisterhood has so much to share this spring! We enjoyed a fall full of virtual bonding through sisterhood, regular meetings, and even a Building Strong Girls philanthropy week that raised $2,287 for Girls on the Run. In the fall, we had three sisters tapped into Omicron Delta Kappa, one of the three senior honor societies on campus. Congratulations to Victoria Pedersen '18, Ally Miller '18, and Taylor Boeke '18. Additionally, four of our members were accepted into Order of Omega, the Greek honor society: Lexie Fiedler '18, Sydney Mallum '18, Taylor B., and Chloe Higgins '18. Lexie F. was also elected vice president of risk education and well-being on the Panhellenic Council. To cap off a successful fall, we earned a 3.73 chapter GPA, the highest of any Greek chapter on campus! Seventy-two of our members received a 4.0 GPA. We are so proud of the academic dedication of each member, and we cannot wait to pursue further academic excellence. Many of our members have been accepted into various graduate school programs, including: Aly Schroder '17 (osteopathic medicine), Rachelle Johnson '18 (education and psychology doctoral programs), Olivia Stanek '17 (law school), Clare Morehouse '17 (physical therapy), Taylor Schendt '17 (physician assistant), Brooke Schmidt '17 (optometry), Corbyn Ayer '17 (educational administration master's), Madison Han '17 (medical school), Bria Foley '17 (medical school), Claire Wynne '17 (speech-language pathology), Lacey Jessen '17 (speech-language pathology), and Emma Mantel '17 (terrorism and political violence graduate programs). Emma M. is also a finalist for a Fulbright scholarship to Malaysia! Sisters Succeeding Pi Chapter Looks to Close the Spring Semester Strong Mikayla Algeo '19 and Christine Trinh '20 at Big/Little Reveal. (Continued on page 2)

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