Kappa Kappa Gamma - Texas Tech University

The Kappa Connection Meet Alumna Volunteer Laura Vinson, Epsilon Upsilon '88 dream boldly. live fully. 3 Ginger Gilbert Clark '59 has volunteered as manager of the Assistance League of Denver. She is a member of P.E.O., a women's organization dedicated to helping young women have the opportunity to attend college, and is a tennis and pickleball enthusiast. She resides in Centennial, Colo. Email: glccolo@yahoo.com Sharon Smith Burum '68 recently served as an adjudicator for the Southeastern Theatre Conference. She has completed 11 years of service on the American Association of Community Theatre's national board and directed the 25th anniversary "Cinderella" teen theatre in Duncan, Okla., where she resides. Email: seburum@gmail.net Joan Birdwell Reese '73 lives in Dallas, Texas, and works full time from home as an RN case manager. Email: joanreese1@yahoo.com Emma Braden Lanier '17 married her college boyfriend, a KA, on May 4, 2024. She resides in Midland, Texas. Email: braden.emmakate@gmail.com Family Ties For alumna volunteer Laura Vinson, Epsilon Upsilon '88, Kappa Kappa Gamma is more than just a sorority—it's a family tradition. "I pledged in 1988 at Baylor University," she shared. "All three of my older sisters were Baylor Kappas, with my oldest sister, Carolyn, being a charter member." Watching her sisters' experiences cemented her desire to join, and she remains grateful for the friendships and connections that followed. The Kappa Difference Laura has found continued inspiration in the Kappa women she has encountered throughout her life. "The members are always bright, hardworking, fun, energetic, and driven," she explained. The diverse experiences Kappa offered shaped Laura both personally and professionally. "Being in a sorority introduced me to women from different walks of life, as I was from a small town," she said. "There are so many unique personalities and different ideas for using our gifts and talents." While living in Lubbock for the past 25 years, Laura has worked alongside many Delta Psi alumnae she first met through volunteer and community groups. A dedicated volunteer, Laura has given more than a decade of service to Kappa Kappa Gamma in various leadership roles, including chapter advisor for VPO, KKG alumnae co-president with Kati Gormley Adams '91, and an ex-officio member on the House Committee. Career and Service After earning a bachelor's degree in political science and history, Laura began her banking career in a specialized department catering to women navigating transitions or who were managing high net worths. "We also had a Travel Club called the Butterflies who flew all over the world as hostesses to this fabulous group." Today, she is currently employed as market president of Prosperity Bank-Lubbock. Laura "Though I was not a Delta Psi, I have been so embraced by their alumnae and am truly grateful for my later-in-life friendships!" has also served her community in various roles, including as former president of the Lubbock ISD School Board and a former United Way Campaign Chairman. Words of Wisdom Laura's advice to undergraduates reflects her dynamic approach to life and leadership. "Be the person who speaks up first to say, 'I'll do it!'" she encourages. "Don't be afraid to ask questions; be happy and full of energy; be professional but don't take yourself too seriously; be a good colleague; and never be untruthful." If you are considering getting involved as a volunteer, Laura wants you to know it's worth it. "Perhaps you want to get back in as your daughter prepares for college, maybe you want to meet a different set of friends, or perhaps you truly like mentoring! Regardless, know that you will rekindle warm and familiar feelings from when you were with Kappas in college," she said. Staying Active Laura and her husband, Mark, are busy with family and community involvement in Lubbock. They have a daughter, Barbara Ruth, Epsilon Upsilon '18, and one son, Thomas, who is engaged to the daughter of Patti D'Alise, Epsilon Upsilon '86, whom Laura met at Baylor! In addition to her work and family life, Laura volunteers with other organizations such as UMC Health System and Foundation and United Way. If you'd like to contact Laura, send her an email at laura.vinson@prosperitybankusa.com. Help Us Grow the Sisterhood Submit Your Recruitment Referrals To submit a reference, log into kappakappagamma.org/write-a- reference. The online system submits references directly to the membership team. You can also send recommendation letters to: Iris Hernandez #9 Greek Circle Lubbock, TX 79416 Alumnae News

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