Sigma Kappa - University of Kansas

Page 2 H H H Sigma star C ollege students often seek a home away from home. That's exactly what Andrea Bates '17 found at Sigma Kappa at the University of Kansas. As she went through fall formal recruitment, she knew she would find lifelong friends. Xi Chapter was a place where she would find opportunities to challenge herself and grow in all aspects of her life. "Without knowing it at first, I was gaining one of the best support systems that life could offer," Andrea said. "I have been supported through each position, class, and career goal I have strived for, and I know that, wherever life takes me, I have my Sigma Kappa family for support." Through Xi and its members, Andrea held various leadership positions that showed her where her true passions lay and pushed her to grow. She not only learned about herself, but the other Sigma Kappas as well. "I feel like I've become more confident not only in my strengths, but also in my ability to note my opportunities for growth and to lean into that rather than shy away from any challenges that come my way," Andrea said. Along with the challenges came fun and community. Andrea has a passion for musical theater, so when she had the opportunity to be the Xi Chapter director for Rock Chalk Revue (RCR), she jumped on it. It was the best of both worlds because she could spend time with her sisters and engage in community service. Winning RCR was an amazing experience for Andrea and her castmates. It made her hard work as a director worth it. RCR created many highlights in Andrea's collegiate experience, and she will never forget that. Andrea cherishes the moments she had with her Xi sisters. Whether it was hallway chats, late- night study sessions, or banner-making, it was wonderful to create new and lasting memories. "It's always those memories that remind me of how special and unique my time was at Xi, and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of something so much bigger than I could've imagined when I ran home to Sigma Kappa on Bid Day," Andrea said. Andrea was heavily involved in the sorority that contributed so much toward her personal growth. She served as vice president of standards and values as well as vice president of philanthropic service. Also during her time at KU, Andrea was the community engagement coordinator at the Heart of America Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. She is pleased to have participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's every year, and it was special to her to come together with other members to support research on the disease and make an impact. Sigma Kappa and the memories Andrea created remain a key part of who she is today. She now serves as a leadership consultant for Sigma Kappa and feels lucky to meet officers from various chapters to better understand what their college experience is like. Andrea is excited to have recently started virtual and in-person visits; her days are packed with scheduling meetings with officers and communicating with collegians for resources, reports, and more. Andrea enjoys meeting with other leadership consultants to brainstorm solutions to problems, talk through ongoing events, and be a support system for one another. "I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all that Sigma Kappa has given me," Andrea said. "I've grown into a new person due to my collegiate experience but was always able to keep my values and past as a guide to support me along the way. I wouldn't be the person I am today without Sigma Kappa, and I'm so glad that I am able to give support back to the organization that gave me so much." As a musical theater fan, Andrea loves spending her time watching and listening to musicals. She has participated in musicals from middle school through college, and she truly loves the community. She also enjoys walking around her town and exploring the city she calls home. Connect with Andrea at andyybates@gmail.com. Leadership and Living with Heart Andrea Bates '17 Shares Her Gratitude for Sigma Kappa Thank You, Loyal Donors Join Your Sisters in Building the Future T hank you the following women who donated more than $3,700 in response to our spring 2021 appeal. Donors are recognized by lifetime giving to our annual campaign program. If there is an error in recording your gift, please contact our campaign coordinator at agriffith@penningtonco.com. Triangle Society ($1,000 to $4,999) Lauren Bennett Cameron '66 Linda M. Bacheller '89 Dove & Heart Society ($500 to $999) Diane Danley Sandidge '48 Velma Gaston Farrar '53 Julianne Sawyer '54 Deanna Dalbom Weeks '62 Joan Howard '63 Judith K. Walton '65 Judi J. Polson '74 Erin L. Brown '03 Violet Society ($100 to $499) Jane Bock Fortin '51 Rita Harris Clifford '60 Judith Fraser-Flamer '61 Betty McLain Brown '62 Kay Kauffman Gilbert '67 Mabel Dunbar Liebert '69 Sally A. Swetnam '69 Diane McCarthy Knowles '71 Janet Schulenberg Wiens '78 In honor of Her Pledge Class Stephanie King '81 Kathleen Brangan Held '92 Megan Kopff '05 Mystic Bond Society (Up to $99) Norma Smith Pettijohn '58

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