Gamma Phi Beta - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

A SLICE OF PI 2 Housemother Tracie Diehl Loves Being There for Pi Chapter Women Making this House a Second Home Making this House a Second Home T racie Diehl caught her first glimpse of Greek life when her eldest daughter joined a sorority at Kansas State University. She recalls how close her daughter was to her housemother and found it comforting knowing she had someone to watch out for her two and a half hours away from home. "I thought the housemother had a dream job and admit that I was a little envious," Tracie joked. Fast forward to Tracie landing that dream job at Pi Chapter. She is now in her eighth year as housemom and has loved it. "I like being someone that the women can come to with any problem or something to celebrate," she shared. "In addition to getting to hear the women talk about their daily joys and challenges, I've loved watching them as they graduate and begin their careers. Attending so many weddings, and now watching as they start their own families, is extremely rewarding." Every day is different for Tracie as housemother. One of her main duties is working with the contractors to keep the house operational and looking beautiful. Otherwise, she tries to be prepared for anything and remain flexible, knowing that she works with the most supportive house corporation board. In this role, Tracie has a simple goal: "To continue to help this house be a second home to every girl. The chapter changes a little with each new pledge class. I want to help every year be the best year for every member." In addition to serving as housemother, Tracie has been the store manager at White House Black Market for the past 10 years. Prior to moving to Nebraska, she owned and operated her own beauty salon for 31 years. While Tracie was never in a sorority, all four of her daughters were. Her two eldest attended Kansas State, and her youngest, identical twins, chose different houses at UNL. "Having identical twins in houses across from one another always led to some fun confusion during recruitment," Tracie recalled. The youngest were both recruitment chairs in their junior year and presidents in their senior year. Tracie has two grandsons, Emmett (9) and Eli (6), who live in Kansas City and are "the greatest thing in the world." They love visiting their Gigi in the Gamma Phi house. In addition to spoiling her grandsons, in her free time, Tracie enjoys reading, sewing, and keeping Amazon in business. You can connect with her at diehl.tracie@gmail.com to learn more about her role as housemother. "I've always loved the saying, 'Find something you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life.' My life as housemom at Gamma Phi Beta is proof that it's true." Dorothy "Danny" Armstrong Shanahan '51 says, "I am in pretty good health but need help, as I can't see to drive. I stay busy at 91 playing bridge two times a week and cooking and cleaning for myself." Danny lives alone in Highlands Ranch, Colo., where she enjoys spending as much time as possible with her huge family of 31 members. Email: danshan5@comcast.net Mary Belle Baldwin Beach '52 enjoyed a total of three 90th birthday parties this past February. She enjoys watching sports events and spending time with her family of nine grown children. She resides in Lincoln, Neb. Agnes Anderson Olson '52 shares, "My husband, David, passed in October 2020. My family includes three children, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren." Agnes works growing chardonnay grapes in Healdsburg, Calif. Email: aggieolsn@gmail.com Rosemary Weeks Thornton '54 is able to live alone in Lincoln, Neb., with assistance. She has four children who visit for the holidays. She stays busy with church, violin playing, Friends of Nebraska, and concerts. "Friends and kids keep me going!" Email: rlwt3405@gmail.com Betty Tomsen Kempf '57 is enjoying her 26th year of retirement with her husband. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in June. The couple lives in Kearney, Neb. Email: bettykempf38@gmail.com Barbara Trites '63 has led an interesting life with experiences in organizational leadership, commercial real estate/economic development, global travel/exchange programs, small business ownership, and as a death and dying consultant. She is living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Email: barbaratrites1@gmail.com Mary Parilek Roberts '66 is retired and volunteering at the local hospital near her home in Highland Park, Ill. She enjoys visiting her grandkids. Email: tappy_parilek@hotmail.com Shirley Stimbert Burnham '72 devotes her time to crafts, gardening, grandkids, and baking. She lives in Beaverton, Ore. Email: shirley.burnham6@gmail.com Diane Korinek Johnson '74 continues to live in Omaha after her husband, Mark, passed in June 2021. "My life story continues in chapters yet unknown," she shared. "I am thankful for my health, friends, and family, and for a marvelous teaching/administrative year. GPB forever!" Email: northpole537@gmail.com A l u m n a e U p d a t e s Tracie and her daughters celebrate bride Ivy. Tracie and her daughters celebrate bride Ivy. From left: Emily, Amanda, Ivy, Eden, and Tracie. From left: Emily, Amanda, Ivy, Eden, and Tracie.

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