Gamma Phi Beta - University of Oklahoma

PSI SOONERS GAMMA PHI BETA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA • SUMMER 2021 A s we've recently reflected on what Gamma Phi Beta has meant to us, we've thought a lot about how 1105 College Avenue has served as a cornerstone for Psi Chapter. Our beloved home away from home has provided thousands of women an environment in which to bloom at the University of Oklahoma for more than 100 years. While the Psi Chapter house is near and dear to our hearts, there's no denying that a major renovation is needed so it can be a premier home for our amazing collegians and future Gamma Phi sisters. By contributing to The Next Century of Psi capital campaign, you can ensure 1105 College Avenue will remain a welcoming place on campus where the sisters following in our footsteps can thrive and live Gamma Phi Beta's core values to the fullest. Many chapters on campus are upgrading their facilities and building larger houses to fit their growing sisterhoods. Alpha Gamma Delta completed its rebuild in 2016, Chi Omega underwent an interior renovation in 2019, Kappa Kappa Gamma completed an addition and interior renovation in 2020, Tri Delta will be embarking on an interior renovation and addition of a chapter room and a storm shelter this year, and Alpha Chi Omega will begin its rebuild this year as well. It's no secret that to maintain our impressive pace of growth and achievement at the University of Oklahoma, we must provide a modern facility that allows for a bigger yet safe and comfortable living and learning environment. After a year of feeling disconnected from each other, it's even more important that the young women of Psi come together under one roof. Today, Psi has grown to 308 active members, which is one of the largest sisterhoods on campus. Sisters recognize the responsibility they have to each other and to Gamma Phi, and they've stayed focused on academic excellence, achieving a chapter GPA of 3.77. Our active sisters are also committed to philanthropy and fostering a sisterhood that supports not only its members but the OU and Norman communities as well. However, Psi Chapter is quickly outgrowing the space available in our chapter house, and we must act now to ensure ΓΦB's future at OU. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the 116 alumnae, friends, and undergraduates of Psi who have collectively raised more than $940,000 toward our $1.5 million goal behind the scenes since the beginning of this campaign. For sisters who want to join this campaign, we would be thrilled to have your support. We will be sending more information on how you can participate in the coming weeks. We assure you that no gift is too small when it comes to making a difference for Psi Chapter. Preparing for The Next Century of Psi W hen Paula Rozicki Roberts '84 thinks about Psi Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta, the first three words that come to mind are authentic, compelling, and catalytic. AUTHENTIC Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, as a freshman in 1983, she boarded a plane with two suitcases, ready for something totally new. From the beginning, the women of Gamma Phi Beta made her feel like she was home, affirming her choice to have taken a leap and attend the University of Oklahoma. "They genuinely cared about me and wanted to hear my story—it was their authenticity that drew me in, and I felt truly blessed to join our incredible sisterhood," she shared. "Gamma Phi was the support system that helped me explore and stretch past my comfort zone." The Gamma Phi sisterhood not only offered her a solid foundation during her time at OU but led to lifelong friendships and opportunities that extended beyond college. It set her up to be her best self by trying new things, including serving as pledge class president, pledge trainer, and as an OU Panhellenic recruitment counsellor. "Life with my sisters at Psi brought out the best in me even though I was so far from home," she explained. "It gave me the space and confidence to grow into my potential." CAPTIVATED BY THE PSI SISTERHOOD Paula Rozicki Roberts '84 Gives Back to Gamma Phi to Plant Seeds of Growth (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 3)

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