Pi Beta Phi - Oklahoma State University

PAGE 7 Oklahoma State University GETTING STARTED Coming from a small town in Northwest Oklahoma, Dee Rippetoe Richardson '72 initially found OSU's campus to be a bit intimidating. On the last night of recruitment, she was drawn to a group of students when she heard the song, "When You Choose Pi Beta Phi." "My hometown friends, Nancy Graalman '70 and Darla Kehn '70, and the new friends I found soon swayed me to make Pi Phi my home," she says. PI PHI PRIDE Dee has been a proud Oklahoma Beta since the day she signed her pledge card in August 1971. "The pride I gained as an undergraduate has remained for the 49 years I've been an alumna," she says. As a student, Dee was proud of the chapter's high academic achievement, intramural championships and philanthropic service. As an alumna, she attended her first Pi Phi Convention in 1989 and was proud to witness Oklahoma Beta win the Balfour Cup. SWEET MEMORIES In the early 1970s, the chapter held sit-down dinners in the dining room every night during the week. "We sang, we talked, we laughed! Many of us would gather in the card room, with Melissa McKee Phillips '72 at the piano, and sing Pi Phi songs or Dobie Gray's 'Drift Away.' Even 50 years later, I think of my Pi Phi sisters whenever I hear that song on the radio." SHAPING YOUNG MINDS After earning a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Spanish, Dee followed her parents' footsteps and began a 42-year career in teaching and language arts administration. "My mom and my senior English teacher instilled a love of reading and literature in me," she shares. She later earned a master's degree in English education. A HEART TO SERVE In the early '80s, Dee joined the Lawton-Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, Alumnae Club to meet other Pi Phis as a newcomer to the city. "That connection began my lifelong commitment to supporting the sisterhood with my time and my dollars." She served as President of the Lawton and Oklahoma City clubs as well as in other roles as needed. Patty Price Castle '43 then recruited Dee to serve as Alumnae Province President for Southern Oklahoma and North Texas. After moving to OKC in 1991, her service moved to the legislative committee, which she chaired in 1999 at the Houston Convention. "Most recently, I have served three years on the Undergraduate Scholarship Committee and currently serve on the Stewardship Committee for Pi Beta Phi Foundation." In 2015, at the Chicago Convention, Dee received the national Evelyn Peters Kyle Angel Award for Club Service. In 2019, she was named Pi Beta Phi's Panhellenic Woman of the Year in OKC. In 2022, she received her Golden Arrow, commemorating her 52 years as a loyal alumna. GIVING BACK Dee made her first donation to Pi Phi in 1983. "It wasn't much, but it was a beginning, and I've maintained that commitment to support the sisterhood's programs and initiatives." After the Oklahoma Beta Centennial in 2019 when the discussion for a new 324 began, Dee was inspired to contribute because Oklahoma Beta gave her four years as an undergraduate and continues to give in her Golden Arrow years. "I'm honored and Pi Phi proud to support the Continuing Our Oklahoma Beta Sisterhood at 324 campaign and hope that others will think on the things that Oklahoma Beta has given and continues to give. No contribution is too small." STAYING BUSY Dee has lived in Oklahoma City for 32 years and retired from teaching seven years ago. In 2016, with "a little nudge" from Nancy Payne Ellis '75, Dee helped to organize Ring Ching Readers, Oklahoma City's book club interest group. "I may serve as the facilitator, but all participants share in the love of reading and friendship." Currently, 54 alumnae receive the book club's email news, and a core group of 15 attend when they can. Dee enjoys reading for pleasure, watching PBS' Masterpiece, antiquing and eating lunch for longer than 20 minutes. Returning the Favor D E E R I P P E T O E R I C H A R D S O N ' 7 2 S H A R E S W H Y S H E G I V E S "Oklahoma Beta has been integral in almost all aspects of my personal and professional life, helping me to become the best version of myself." If you'd like to reconnect with Dee, send an email to deerichardson71@gmail.com.

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