Gamma Phi Beta - University of Nebraska-Lincoln

A SLICE OF PI 4 W hen her coworker from Ak-Sar-Ben and the older sister of one of her closest high school friends encouraged Lori Lorenz-Byrne '89 to go through recruitment at Nebraska, she went in planning not to pledge but to enjoy the experience. "On the last day of recruitment, I ended up melting (crying—we are talking big tears) at Gamma Phi because I felt such an incredible pull and acceptance to join their sisterhood. Thank you to Sarah Spinharney Walsh '88 and Coe Hult Gruber '86 for encouraging me to join such an amazing and life-changing sisterhood." Coming from a small town, Lori found a community in her Gamma Phi sisters. When they're together, Lori and her sisters fondly look back on the wonderful times they shared as collegians. "It is like time has stood still as they are so vivid, and we laugh just as hard as when we first experienced them." Some of Lori's favorite memories are phone and door duty, themed parties, late-night studying ("or social bonding when we should have been studying") in the formal room, and one innovative Halloween costume where she dressed up as a Christmas tree and her friend as a present. "I was wrapped in lights and had to stand by the outlet the whole night so I could stay lit." During recruitment her sophomore year, Lori was voluntold to help organize the scholarship component as the scholarship chair was unable to attend recruitment. Lori was later selected to be the scholarship chair. "I was blown away that they felt like I could lead this area for our stellar academics. That was the first vote of confidence from my sisters that built my confidence and inspired me to continue to pursue additional leadership positions." "When others believed in me, I started to believe in myself, and I think that helped prepare me for my career." Lori has enjoyed a rewarding career with the University of Nebraska Foundation, where she is the executive vice president of advancement and campaign director. Through her roles, Lori has been able to give back to the institution that gave her so much. "Every day, I learn something new at the university or meet a donor whose life has been changed due to their experience at the University of Nebraska," she shared. "One of the first donations I secured, the donor handed me a check and hugged me. I thought it was so strange, but it was that 'ah ha' moment of understanding that I helped them achieve something that may not have otherwise been possible." Lori has enjoyed working on the current campaign, "Only in Nebraska," and raising $3 billion in private support. Lori is the youngest of four children who all attended Nebraska (though she is the only one who went Greek). Her daughter is a Theta, and her son attends UNO. Lori has a supportive husband, Matt, and three rescue animals: two dogs and a cat. In her free time, Lori loves spending time with her family and friends and traveling. Before COVID, her family went abroad every other year, visiting Australia and Italy. They also have a condo in Colorado. "We believe the secret to happiness is always having a trip planned." B E I N G B E L I E V E D I N HOW GPB PREPARED LORI LORENZ-BYRNE '89 FOR HER CAREER LO R I'S G A M M A P H I R E F L EC T I O N S "When I reflect on my college experience, the singular most impactful thing without a doubt is my experience in Gamma Phi Beta. College is the time to discover your authentic self and let that person shine. Being involved in a sorority is a great opportunity to discover what makes you authentically you. Use your unique abilities to strengthen your sisterhood and show your sisters that leadership looks different for everyone." You can connect with Lori at lori.byrne@nufoundation.org. "They built my confidence by believing in me and supporting me on the good and not-so-good days while creating lifelong friendships."

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