Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

GAMMA PHI BETA 3 S igma Chapter has provided its members with enduring bonds of sisterhood and transforma ve lessons in leadership for the last 109 years. Reflec ng on her own remarkable Sigma journey, Cindy Emig Penzler '78 shared her perspec ve on the impact GPB con nues to have on her life. "I was ini ally drawn to Gamma Phi Beta because of its reputa on of having some of the friendliest and smartest women at KU," Cindy recalled. "The humor, inclusiveness, and feeling of sisterhood kept me engaged from the very beginning." Throughout her undergraduate years, Cindy took pride in the values and achievements of Sigma. "Our house truly represented kindness and sisterhood. It was a point of pride that we consistently earned one of the top GPAs among all sorori es." Cindy's involvement extended beyond mere membership as she took on leadership roles such as new member director (formerly known as pledge trainer), and a er reflec ng on her favorite memories from the chapter house, Cindy emphasized the significance of the li le moments that le a las ng impact. From borrowing a dress for a fraternity party to hear elt piano performances by her sisters, she cherishes the camaraderie of a close sisterhood. Gamma Phi Beta played a pivotal role in shaping Cindy's professional journey, providing her with invaluable leadership skills and a founda on of kindness and social grace that she carried into her interac ons with pa ents and colleagues alike. A er gradua ng with a bachelor's degree in biology in 1981, and later from KU's medical school in 1985, Cindy embarked on a fulfilling career in ophthalmology that spanned over three decades. "Trea ng cataracts, glaucoma, and re nal disease was such a gi ," she said. "Surgery was challenging and rewarding, and post-op days were always my favorite." Even in re rement, Cindy remains deeply connected to her Gamma Phi sisters through various means, including text messages, phone calls, and cherished gatherings such as spa retreats, lake ou ngs, and cruises. "We do it all, and I love every minute of it!" Cindy is enjoying family life with her husband, two daughters, and five grandchildren. Together, they embark on various adventures from sailing around the world to volunteering at local organiza ons like the Lawrence Public Library. Cindy extends her hear elt gra tude to the Gamma Phi sisters who have played a key role in her life for the last 45 years. "You have enriched my life beyond measure, and I am eternally grateful!" If you'd like to reconnect with Cindy, you can send an email to cpenzler@icloud.com. Cindy (le ) and friends. SISTERHOOD, LEADERSHIP, AND LIFELONG BONDS CINDY EMIG PENZLER '78 SHARES HER GPB STORY W E L C O M E , N E W M E M B E R S ! Jaylee Adams Isabelle Adler Hailey Auslander Lola Bagby Josephine Barre "It was truly the only place I felt like I could be myself and the girls would support me in anything I did, whether it was school, work, or even just hanging out! I knew no ma er what I was doing, I could find someone who wanted to do it with me or would support me through it." Brinklee Bell Ela Bjork Jacqueline Blossom Elizabeth Bouse Sophia Brown Arianna Caffarelli Leyton Clore Parker Cochran Grace Coleman Hayes Courtney Eva Cowan Julia Czyzewski Lauren Deady Hannah Dertzo Anika Ducklow Alison Dufield "Because of the genuine connec on I felt with each and every girl I talked to. I never felt like I had to fake anything to fit in, I felt accepted just as myself. I know I made the best decision because I had the most genuine conversa ons during recruitment, and I make new friends in my PC and other PCs every day!" Kris n Einarsdo r Presley Fansher Lilly Farley Chloe Flowers Abby Fries Megan Frischmeyer Caroline Gorman Josie Gowen Nicole Gross Ainsley Haala Catherine Hackler Abigail Hinrichs Devin Hoover Kayla Houle Jillian Jensen Hadley Johnson Taylor Karlson Eldana Kebede Charlo e Kerr Meredith Kolb Kareena Kumar Sophie Lamm Mary Mansheim Elizabeth "Izzy" McClure Grace Meecham Natalie Merley "I have never been surrounded by a more welcoming group of girls who share so much uncondi onal love." Delaney Nachbar Rosemary Ngo Malia Nicholas Taylor Polsak Maren Rapp "Simply because every conversa on was like talking to the person I felt I was or the person I wanted to become. When every girl was so genuine, kind, and outgoing with me, I could immediately tell I'd meet my lifelong friends." Kendall Redhage Reagan Redick Emma Rogler Caterina Rudolph Delaney Rupp Lizzy Schell Alayna Schmid Amanda Smith Ashley Sobolewski Carley Sommer Serenity Sparks Kylee Thompson Natalie Traul Kenzy Ulrich Ashlyn Van Horn Brooke Wahlund Reese Weimerskirch Sophie Weinrich Madelyn Wiese Nevaeh Williams Kinsey Willoughby-Neal Claire Winklhofer Isabella Wood Mia Wood Taylor Yeater

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