Gamma Phi Beta - University of Oklahoma

PSI SOONERS 2 F or Sarah Whipps Smith '00, Gamma Phi Beta has become a long-term commitment. "Once you live in Norman and you're on the House Cooperation Board, you're a lifer." Originally pledging because of the genuine interest the Psi officers took in her, Sarah shares, "When I was considering other chapters, I just didn't feel that same sincerity. I also knew a couple of girls from my hometown, and that made me feel more comfortable. It was great to have familiar faces alongside new friends." Sarah quickly assumed a leadership role in the chapter, although not in the way she would have planned. "I was the assistant financial vice president. I was just helping the FVP with her responsibilities when she suddenly had to quit. So, I became the financial vice president as a sophomore!" Handling this unexpected promotion was easier with the help of advisor Robin Hollingsead Allen '96. "Shortly after assuming the role, I got a notice in the mail from the IRS that we hadn't been filing our taxes, so Robin had to help me with that!" Sarah remained the FVP for the rest of through her junior year. In the years since, she has served a five-year stint as Psi Chapter's financial advisor, paying forward the support she received as an undergraduate. Sarah encourages current sisters to follow in her footsteps by getting involved in chapter leadership. "Holding even a minor office is important. Even if being in charge isn't really your thing, the chapter house is a great place to practice leadership skills in a supportive environment." When it comes to the current Gamma Phi undergraduates, Sarah is eager to sing their praises. "I am currently the co-philanthropy advisor, and the girls are so incredible." In addition to supporting Sarah's efforts with the United Way board, "I have three Gamma Phis right now that help me coach Girls on the Run, and those girls are outstanding. They are so communicative and on-the- ball." Sarah also recognizes the unique challenges that current philanthropy chairman, Taylor Mashigan '21, faces this year. "She's working on events that were canceled for years due to the pandemic and had to plan from scratch because she doesn't have first-hand experience. I'm very proud." Sarah also keeps her Gamma Phi experience alive by staying in touch with sisters. "I keep in contact with my freshman roommate, Betsy Steele Hedden '00, who also ended up pledging Gamma Phi. We visit Texas and stay at her house, and she comes for a game and stays at ours. It's fun to still have that connection." There's a special place in Sarah's heart for her former advisors, Robin Hollingsead Allen '96 and Margaret West Pape '64. "Staying in contact with them is the reason my husband and I are back in this community," she says. "When I was living in Tulsa, Robin told me, 'I think I can find you and your husband jobs,' so, we moved back to Norman. They've been so influential for such a long time." Still living in Norman, Sarah's husband and two children join her in staying involved in their community, including serving in the PTA and supporting volunteer efforts provided by their church. Their favorite family activities—golf, pickleball, and tennis—help them stay active. If you'd like to reach out to Sarah, contact swhipps26@aol.com to connect. CHAPTER ETERNAL Gloria Cantrell McMurry '46 November 18, 2022 ALUMNI NEWS Lou Ann Skinner '53 has written a book, Footprints Around the Globe, which reflects on her many unique adventures, including living in Africa from 1955-60. She resides in Bothell, Wash. Email: laskinner@comcast.net Phyllis Thompson Brawley '55 shares that her daughter is a Gamma Phi Beta alumna from SMU and a chapter advisor. Phyllis resides in Oklahoma City, Okla. Email: phyllis@colonialcenterlp.com Patricia Farmer Burke '57 is still unpacking after two of her sons moved her to Texas to be closer to them. She now resides in Allen, Texas. Email: pnkburke@gmail.com Patsy Ferguson Trotter '57 graduated from law school in 1990 and worked at the largest law firm in Oklahoma (McAfee and Taft) for 27 years. She is a docent at the George W. Bush Museum and oversees her local library. Patsy has also written a book about a pioneer women attorney in Oklahoma called Leading the Way: A Look at Oklahoma's Pioneering Women Lawyers. She lives in Fairview, Texas. Email: patsytrotter@icloud.com Linda Talkington Curtis '67 enjoys tennis, but her favorite thing is being a grandmother to two special girls. She resides in Dallas, Texas. Email: linda.g.curtis@gmail.com Kay Vaughn Jackson '73 is moving from Ardmore, her home for most of her life, to her dream condo on St. Andrews Bay in Panama City, Fla. She looks forward to being near her older brother. Email: fairwinds.kvj@gmail.com Baily McElreath Taylor '14 shares, "We just moved to Dallas, Texas, and I'm continuing to work as a pediatric ICU nurse. I plan to begin school to become a Nurse Practitioner soon to further the career I've been so passionate about." Email: baileymcelreath@yahoo.com Brittany Letourneau '19 graduated from medical school, OSU-College of Osteopathic Medicine, and matched into pediatric residency at the University of New Mexico. She started her first attending position at Plano Children's Hospital in Dallas as a pediatric hospitalist in October 2022. Email: bsletourneau@gmail.com ALUMNAE UPDATES Sarah Whipps Smith '00 (left in each photo) and Betsy Steele Hedden '00 in 2001 versus 2021! An Accidental Lifer Sarah Whipps Smith '00 Became FVP and Never Looked Back

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