Gamma Phi Beta - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

A SLICE OF PI 2 S orority life often begins by finding your home on campus. Crystal Larsen Kutilek '91 had prior exposure to Greek life through her brother and parents; her mother is an alumna of the Gamma Phi Beta chapter in Kearney. "They encouraged me, as I was moving two hours away, and I wanted to find a home away from home," she said. "I wanted to find a group of girls that would help me grow as an individual, push me to be the best I could be, and develop friendships for a lifetime." Fortunately for Crystal, Pi Chapter offered exactly what she hoped to find. "The friendships that I have made by serving with these women, I will cherish for a lifetime." Working through undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Crystal's Gamma Phi sisters motivated her to find the right career path for her future. "Being around positive and academically focused women helped me find my path," Crystal said. "The sorority gave me a healthy balance of academic and friendship support, which many students need during this chapter of their life." Crystal earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from UNMC-Lincoln. She has worked at the Lincoln Surgical Hospital, a physician-owned hospital, for 24 years, where she is a physician liaison RN and a same-day surgery RN. Outside of nursing, Crystal recently began her third year as the vice president of property management for the Pi Chapter AHC Board. A few years ago, Crystal contacted Pi Chapter after reading about open volunteer positions in the chapter newsletter. Looking back now, she has no regrets in reaching out to serve the chapter that helped her so much as an undergraduate. "The friendships that I have made by serving with these women, I will cherish for a lifetime," she said. "None of us are from the same pledge class; I didn't know any of them. I am amazed by their leadership. I have enjoyed their new friendships, and all of them are true to what Gamma Phi stands for: love, labor, learning, and loyalty are represented by all!" Just as she opened her mind to new opportunities in college, Crystal urges undergraduates to have that same mentality. "Life will happen fast enough. Enjoy the fun moments you have living in and visiting the Gamma Phi house. Being involved may not be for you now, but someday that newsletter may sit on your desk and your heart might lead you back to where it all started!" "I wanted to find a group of girls that would help me grow as an individual." Reminiscing on her active years, Crystal enjoyed living in the same house with her Pi sisters and always having someone to talk to. Date parties, class songs, pledge sneak, Fran and Mable's cinnamon rolls, and other fun memories are highlights of her experience. She has enjoyed keeping in touch as well as reconnecting with sisters and sharing memories. Crystal's daughter, Brooke Kutilek '21, recently joined the sorority as a third-generation Gamma Phi. This unique bond was only strengthened as the family mourned the passing of Crystal's mother to pancreatic cancer in September 2020. "The three of us were very close. She would be so proud and excited for the both of us and the new memories we will experience." Crystal celebrates 26 years of marriage to Bill Kutilek in July 2022. They have two children, Ladd and Brooke. The family enjoys golfing, biking, road trips, and the lake house and cabin where they enjoy the outdoors. You can connect with Crystal and learn more about helping the chapter at ckutilek27@gmail.com. Gia Alicea Derby, Kan. Sydney Beck Fairway, Kan. Hope Belcastro Omaha, Neb. Ella Brester Sioux City, Iowa Avery Brost Lincoln, Neb. Avery Daniels Kansas City, Mo. Sydney Emanuel* North Bend, Neb. Charis Erickson Lincoln, Neb. Hallie Fisher Grant, Neb. Lisa Fruehling Grand Island, Neb. Meg Gross Bellevue, Neb. Emma Heisey Elkhorn, Neb. Gracie Jones Chadron, Neb. Abby King Lenexa, Kan. Avery Koeneke Manhattan, Kan. Tenley Kozal Waverly, Neb. Audrey Kuta Topeka, Kan. Paige Labahn Sioux Falls, S.D. Abby LaSure* Bennington, Neb. Abby Leardi Leawood, Kan. Ellen Magnusson Oakland, Neb. Katence Matthews McCook, Neb. Carleigh McFarlane Waterloo, Ill. Lindsey McNeely* Falls City, Neb. Norah Meysenburg Elkhorn, Neb. Jessica Meza Lincoln, Neb. Nevaeh Morrow Hasting, Neb. Amy Nguyeb Lexington, Neb. Abby Nichols Geneva, Neb. Maddy Nuzum Council Bluffs, Iowa. Grace Schafer Bellevue, Neb. Nikoleta Skoufis Papillion, Neb. Abby Skouse Spring Hill, Kan. Ava Stanek* Omaha, Neb. Marli Taubert Pipestone, Minn. Jayla Terlson Papillion, Neb. Mia VanLeeuwen Lyons, Colo. Gabrielle VanVeldhuizen Sioux Falls, S.D. Natalia Vazquez Papillion, Neb. Liv Vetter Fargo, N.D. Allison Walbracht Lincoln, Neb. Kassidy Wilcox* Indianola, Neb. Maggie Wilcox* Surprise, Ariz. Lily Young Cedar Rapids, Iowa *Legacy LED BY THE HEART PI CHAPTER'S INFLUENCE ON CRYSTAL LARSEN KUTILEK '91 DURING AND AFTER COLLEGE "Enjoy the fun moments you have living in and visiting the Gamma Phi house. Being involved may not be for you now, but someday that newsletter may sit on your desk and your heart might lead you back to where it all started!" From left: Connie Wollenberg Heinrich '91, Kelly Vasina Peddicord '91, and Crystal Larsen Kutilek '91 tailgating at a Husker football game in fall 2021. Crystal and Brooke Kutilek '21 celebrating Mom's Day together. Welcome, New Members!

• Cover