Gamma Phi Beta - University of Oklahoma

GAMMA PHI BETA W hen Lauren Millender '14 went through recruitment, she was convinced that she wanted to be in a different sorority. However, she decided to try Gamma Phi Beta during the new member period and soon discovered how many growth opportunities the sorority offered. Lauren was thrilled to be able to use her creative abilities, and she auditioned for and became the lead for U-Sing. Later, she was also the lead in Scandals and recalls Psi Chapter placing first two years in a row. Lauren remembers having a whole semester of fun when she roomed with one of her best friends, Bethany Renee Shetley "There are always new collegians coming through, and they're so hungry for mentorship and friendship. That's what has kept me around and what looped me in early." Lauren encourages alumnae to get involved, whether with Psi or another chapter. Many opportunities can be done remotely, and Lauren welcomes sisters to email her if they have questions. "I love seeing alumnae get connected; you just get so much out of it, and it reignites your passion for the sorority." '14. She also has fond memories of traveling around Europe with Carsyn Abrams Crater '14 during spring break of their senior year. Lauren is grateful for the friendships she gained in Psi beyond those in her class, like her mentor, Stephanie Brickman '89, who has been an encouraging friend. As a chapter advisor, Lauren has witnessed the impact that these intergenerational friendships have on young women. It has been fulfilling for her to be a friend to the collegians and to guide them. "There are always new collegians coming through, and they're so hungry for mentorship and friendship. That's what has kept me around and what looped me in early." Lauren has been a chapter advisor for three and a half years and has enjoyed helping make Psi Chapter run smoothly. At Convention in June, the efforts of the chapter were recognized through several awards. In addition to receiving the Mary A. Bingham Award for the first time since 1998, the chapter also won an award for public relations; the advisory board that Lauren chairs received an award of excellence! "That was just an amazing experience and really affirmed all Lauren during her time as chapter advisor when she was graduating with her master's and moving to North Carolina. Lauren (right) and her Gamma Phi mentor, Stefanie Brickman '89, at Convention 2024 with the awards they received. Lauren (left), Katie Colitz, University of Florida '16, and Julia Rodriguez, University of Florida '16 at Real Leadership Institute in Palm Springs in June 2023. Serving Psi Serving Psi Giving Back Is Fulfilling for Lauren Millender '14 of the hard work we've put in over the last two years," Lauren shared. Lauren herself received Gamma Phi's Volunteer Excellence Award. "I had known that I was being nominated. My supervisor, Rachel Singer, Southern Methodist University '09, sent me the nomination essay she put together; that alone was all I needed in life. I had just read some of the sweetest words about my work ethic and what I've dedicated to this chapter. Then actually winning was kind of shocking." Outside of her service to Psi Chapter, Lauren keeps busy as an organizational science doctoral student at UNC Charlotte. While she enjoys what she does and the research is interesting, it is hard work and can be difficult to balance. After she graduates, she and her husband plan to move back to North Texas, where Lauren hopes to get a job as a professor. In her free time, Lauren enjoys Pilates and walking her dog. She also cherishes a tradition with her husband where on Saturday mornings, they go to a coffee shop to hang out, get some work done, and get their household aligned. You can connect with Lauren at lgm6601@yahoo.com.

• Cover