Delta Gamma - University of Kansas

Sue's decision to attend KU came as a mix of practicality and the influence of friendships. Growing up in Webster Groves, Missouri, she explored smaller schools initially; however, the prospect of KU's proximity combined with its distance from home—and the support of friends who were also attending—solidified her choice. "I thought, why not? It's close enough, yet far enough away," Sue recalls. The independence of living away from home was a stark contrast to her upbringing, where phone calls home were rare and mostly reserved for emergencies. Starting her KU journey in 1965, she quickly embraced the challenges and freedoms of college life. Joining DG became another defining moment for Sue. Navigating the recruitment process, she was fortunate to have her pick of Chapters, ultimately selecting DG because "it just felt like home." The sense of belonging and camaraderie she found there helped her transition into university life. Sorority life provided Sue with more than just a social network—it gave her a foundation for leadership and a space to grow. "It made a big place much smaller," she reflects. Through DG, Sue learned the importance of supporting women and fostering a sense of community, values that would influence her leadership style in the years to come. Sue's later role as mayor of Lawrence built on the skills and values she developed at KU and Delta Gamma. Reflecting on her time leading the city, she highlighted the importance of courage and collaboration, drawing parallels to the activism she observed during her time on campus. She credits the February Sisters, a group of student activists who advocated for women's studies and childcare at KU in the 1960s, as an inspiration for bold leadership. "They had the courage to say, 'We need change,'" Sue says, noting their efforts laid the groundwork for future generations. As mayor, Sue leaned into these lessons of advocacy and community-building, focusing on initiatives that supported the growth and well- being of Lawrence residents. Her teaching background also played a role, as she saw leadership as an extension of her passion for education. "I think that's why I love doing Leadership Lawrence so much—because I'm still teaching," she explains. Sue Hack's journey underscores the transformative power of education, community, and leadership. Her story serves as a reminder that growth often begins with a leap into the unfamiliar—whether it's choosing a university, joining an organization, or stepping into a leadership role. Sue is Doing Good as a part of her DNA. Her focus and intention on service is clear, as she's impacted multiple generations of leaders and community servants in Lawrence. In Sue's words, "There's real value in being part of an organization that supports women and guides you through unfamiliar environments." This philosophy, nurtured at KU and Delta Gamma, continues to influence her work and legacy. Embracing Change and Empowering Others Delta Gamma page 3 Sue Dickens Hack ' 66 : From KU to Leadership in Lawrence Diana Frey Bird '75 retired from American Airlines Sabre with flight benefits, and she began a career as a technical writer for Princess Cruise Lines. She also enjoys volunteer opportunities with churches around the DFW area. Diana lives in Flower Mound, Texas. Email: rdcbird@yahoo.com Anne Hoyt '77 co-founded Unrefined Bakery with her daughter, Taylor Nicholson, in 2010. They have five wholesale stores and an online storefront. Anne lives in Dallas, Texas, and she has two grandsons with one more on the way. Her son, Barry, is a retired Army Captain, while her youngest, Erin, is a physician. Email: anne@unrefinedbakery.com Allyson Beardsley DiNitto '81 resides in Overland Park, Kan. She has been a school counselor for 35 years, and she enjoys singing in a Kansas City all-women's ensemble. Allyson and Martin celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in December 2024, and they have two young grandsons. Email: adinitto@kc.rr.com Karen Elliott Trees '83 continues to own and manage her family practice and urgent care clinic, Phoenix Healthcare Clinic, after celebrating 13 years of business. She lives in Olathe, Kan. Email: ognp@comcast.net Lori Edwards Lander '88 is the founder of Girls in the Know, a 501(c)(3) that empowers girls to embrace a strong sense of self. She also founded Lori Lander Coaching to help women realize their potential to thrive and live authentic personal and professional lives. Lori resides in Chesterfield, Mo. Email: lorilander3@gmail.com Choosing KU: A Leap of Independence Finding Home at Delta Gamma Leadership Lessons from City Hall Sue Hack's journey from a young woman deciding on a college to becoming the mayor of Lawrence, Kansas, exemplifies the power of choices rooted in growth, belonging, and leadership. Reflecting on her experiences, Sue shares insights into her pivotal decisions—attending the University of Kansas, joining Delta Gamma, and the lessons she's learned about leadership along the way.

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