Sigma Kappa - University of Florida

5 Beta Tau A nne Kehoe Lanier-Hedrick '55 passed away in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 9, 2020. She graduated from the University of Florida with bachelor's degree in education and went on to obtain her master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, which was the first major of its kind in the nation. While at UF, she was prominent in campus activities such as president of Panhellenic Council, vice president of Sigma Kappa, Florida Union Social Board, Pep Club, Phi Kappa Phi Sweetheart, and Greek Week Council. She became incredibly active in Sigma Kappa as that was the sorority house on campus that had air conditioning! She spent several years as an elementary school teacher in Alamogordo, N.M., Gainesville, Fla., Fullerton, Calif., and Carbondale, Ind., where she and her husband raised their daughter, Anne "Anita." Anne was a devoted volunteer and mother, serving as a Girl Scout leader and winning awards for her leadership in the troop and as a cookie leader. She loved to travel both with family and by herself. Trips included traveling through Europe, going on an African safari, traveling in India by elephant, and taking a motorboat upstream in the jungle in the Amazon, just to name a few of her numerous adventures. Naturally, Anne was a great fit at Rhein Travel as a travel agent in Carbondale, becoming part owner of Thunderbird Travel. She helped people find the enjoyment in the new adventures of foreign countries that she had experienced. She was active in the organization Business and Professional Women and later joined Outreach Neuro Rehab, where she counseled and assisted several head- injured young men. Anne was happily a crazy "cat lady" and will long be remembered for the many cats (and cat items) who found love at her house, sometimes seven at a time! Alzheimer's eventually took over and took her life, but she retained her kind personality, wit, and strength throughout this ordeal. She is survived by her daughter, Anita (Kevin), along with her only grandchild, Dylan (Celeste). She is greatly missed by all who knew her. Remembering a Vibrant and Well-Traveled Sigma Kappa Sister Anne Kehoe Lanier-Hedrick '55, May 24, 1933—May 9, 2020 T he women of Sigma Kappa have shown their passion, loyalty, and leadership this past year, not only on the University of Florida campus but within the community. The past year has presented many challenges, but the women of Sigma Kappa have stayed strong and committed to Sigma Kappa's values by focusing on our sisterhood, community, academics, and philanthropy. Beta Taus Give Back Beta Tau sisters raised more than $18,000 for the Alzheimer's Association and participated in a socially distanced Walk to End Alzheimer's last fall! We also hosted our first-ever virtual philanthropic event, Sigma Singo, and we were able to raise $680! This spring, the women of Sigma Kappa at UF put on Sigma Kappa's annual Pasta Buffet and raised $3,920 toward the Sigma Kappa Foundation. The ladies of Beta Tau also prepared about 250 care packages for the staff at UF Health Shands Hospital to show appreciation for their hard work during the pandemic. Personal and Cultural Growth Sigma Kappa sisters at UF also implemented a diversity and inclusion chairwoman this year and stayed committed to implementing steps to foster positivity, growth, and change within Beta Tau Chapter. Additionally, the University of Florida Sigma Kappa Chapter was awarded the Three Star Standards of Excellence Award, which is the highest honor a Sigma Kappa chapter can receive! Our former president, Emily Little '17, was awarded the Dr. Helen Mamarchev Greek Person of the Year Award, as well as the James E. Scott Living the Ritual Award for her outstanding leadership, drive, and compassion. Going Above and Beyond The active sisters of Sigma Kappa are involved in various campus organizations at UF, such as the Student Government Senate, Florida Blue Key, Order of the Omega, Gator Growl, Danza, Sister Support Ambassadors, Preview Staffers, The Big Event, Project Makeover, March of Dimes, FYF Peer Leaders, Best Buddies, Panhellenic Counselors, and various positions in the Panhellenic Council Activities and Communication Director's Board. Sigma Kappa overcame the many obstacles the pandemic brought during the last year and accomplished so much. The young women following in your footsteps can't wait to see what the future holds for us all! Loyally, Amanda Vega '18 Chapter President ufsigmakappapresident@gmail.com Sigma Kappa Values Serve as Guideposts for Beta Tau Chapter Amid Challenging Year Focused on Philanthropy, Diversity and Inclusion Chairwoman Position Created Sigma Kappa Beta Tau's 2021 Executive Council

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