Sigma Kappa - Purdue University

A Home for All Renovated Bum Room Embodies Sisterhood, Function, and Comfort A long overdue update of the Bum Room occurred in 2022 thanks to generous contributions from more than 100 sisters. We've raised the entire $25,000 renovation budget to put our sisterhood, function, and comfort at the heart of our chapter's home. In 2021, under the leadership of former Corporation Board President Christine Stoecker '83, a renovation was approved to meet the needs of members, and update the decor. The Bum Room has remained a much loved and used space at our beloved 427 Russell Street. It continues to serve as a hub for sisterhood, relaxation, studying and, of course, viewing favorite shows and movies. So many of us have fond memories of watching our favorite soaps, making senior chords, or staying up late talking in the room. Interior designer and former Corporation Board President Cinda Zimmack Terry '76 did some initial designs, got input from the collegians, and reenvisioned the space. Cinda also designed the formal living room. We are so thankful for Cinda's generosity of talent and time to the chapter. Changes included new lighting, a refurbished fireplace, new furnishings, fresh paint, new flooring, and reorganized storage. The space continues to celebrate our shared history and legacy with many Sigma Kappa items. The changes were completed in summer 2022 and look incredible. The Bum Room has been updated numerous times since the house was built in 1952. Many of us recall the wrought iron furniture with colorful flower cushions that were the primary (and yes, uncomfortable) furniture in the late 1970s and 1980s. If wrought iron could talk, the stories she would tell! "It has been inspiring to read the stories and memories of our alums about their beloved Bum Room," Corporation Board President Christie Gillespie '85 said. "It has been equally inspiring to witness the generosity of our alumna." While a picture paints a thousand words, there's nothing like seeing the Bum Room in person. Please register to attend the 75th anniversary online at givebutter.com/3tJqnD or call Betsy Liley '83 at (765) 418-6151 to register via phone. W e all benefit from our Sigma Kappa experience—often in terms of friendships and values, and sometimes in our professional lives. Linda Craig '80 was blessed with both in her career, becoming a successful leader in the tech industry. When Linda retired, Beta Sigma came knocking with a new opportunity: to serve the sisterhood as chairman of our 75th anniversary event. "My pledge sister Linda Neff '80 approached me on this new position, and I was excited to reconnect with Beta Sigma." Linda C. is also one of our newest House Corporation Board members, and creating a fun and successful anniversary event is her first main objective. "Our vision is to sustain and nurture our alumnae and collegiate network by connecting alumnae with the collegiate sisters at Purdue," she said. As event chairman, she will work with the steering committee and alumnae volunteers to build a celebration that boosts sisterhood engagement in the long term. "This will be a fun-filled weekend to reunite old friends and meet new sisters, visit the ever-changing Purdue campus and the Beta Sigma Chapter house, share our experiences, and learn more about today's Greek life—all while sharing songs, stories, memories, and friendship." When Linda looks back on her own collegiate years, she sees many fond memories with her sisters—from recruitment skits and meeting potential new members to Christmas philanthropy events, football games with fraternities, and years of friendship and camaraderie. "I learned how to live with a diverse, intelligent, funny group of women. We had good times and bad times, all of which helped us grow as women." As a first-time volunteer, Linda has had a remarkable experience working with her fellow board members and reaching out to sisters old and new. "I'm learning that no matter your age or your pledge class, we all have something in common: we share Sigma Kappa values and experiences. The sense of fellowship and friendship transcends time." Linda lives in Madison, Wisconsin, and enjoys photography, volunteering, and traveling. If you'd like to ask her about our 75th anniversary or just reach out to chat, you can find her at ljcraig13@hotmail.com. 2 The Bum Room is well loved, and we hope you come by and see it in person. A T I M E L E S S S I S T E R H O O D What Linda Craig '80 Is Learning from Our Anniversary "I'm learning that no matter your age or your pledge class, we all have something in common: we share Sigma Kappa values and experiences. The sense of fellowship and friendship transcends time." "The Bum Room is the heart of our family home, a gathering place to work, play, and encounter your future best friend. Your contributions relit a fireplace dimmed for decades, creating a cozy space filled with symbols unique to us and photos of our family and the places generations of Sigma Kappas have loved at Purdue. Never underestimate the value of these changes and the impact on those who will live in and visit our home." —Cinda Zimmack Terry '76

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