Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

SIGMA NEWS 2 our uniqueness. It's our differences that make us truly beau ful." Sophie has loved being back in pageantry. She grew up compe ng but took a break in college to focus on school and Gamma Phi. Post- gradua on, she married, built her career, and started a family. "I'd never really considered compe ng in the married division, but now that the kids are a li le bit older and I have a li le bit more flexibility with remote work, I have found space for it in my life again." She recently won the tle of Mrs. Kansas 2025! Sophie and her husband, Jeff (a KU Phi Delta Theta), will celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary this fall. Jeff is the assistant controller at KU Endowment. They have two boys, Ford and Whit, who are the light of their lives. "They s ll humor me by le ng me walk them through the house and point out all my old composite photos." Sophie and Jeff love watching their kids pursue their passions, which o en involves sports. Sophie spends the rest of her me reading, playing tennis, trying to improve her golf game, and watching most of the PGA tournaments on TV. She also serves on the Friends of the Lied Center Board. You can connect with her at blackwell.sophie@gmail.com or on Instagram @mrskansas2025. "I am and will forever be truly grateful for all the joy Gamma Phi has brought into my life—then and now!" –Sophie Blackwell Lamb '04 A LOVE FOR SISTERHOOD (Con nued from page 1) S pring semester has flown by, and our members are working hard to finish strong with chapter ac vi es and sharing our sisterhood. We recently got a pickleball net for members to take me to play outside with fellow sisters. We are enjoying the beau ful weather in Lawrence, which has allowed us to be outside when we are not studying! We have had many amazing events this semester—with more to come. We started with our Valen ne's Day social, Blindsided by Love. Real Wellness Week was a big success, with yoga classes, op onal permanent jewelry, a self-defense class, puppy therapy, and a group walk. Thanks to Madelyn Wiese '23 for planning such an amazing full week! We are proud to announce our chapter achieved a 3.6 GPA for Fall 2024, one of the highest GPA's in Sigma Chapter history! We con nue to emphasize the importance of scholarship as our members work hard to achieve their academic goals. Our new execu ve council and chapter officers are doing an excellent job leading the chapter, offering new ideas, and planning programs. Our sisterhood chairman, Ainsley Haala '23, organized a fun bowling event. During finals week, we will enjoy a refreshing coffee or choice of drink at the local 151 Coffee to take a break from studying. Our Moonball Basketball Tournament, led by Philanthropy Chairman Hope Joyce '22, was a huge success, raising more than $6,000 for Girls on the Run. Members had a great me coaching teams from various KU groups. This event con nues to raise more each year, In fact, Sigma Chapter was proud to be recognized in the Spring 2025 Crescent magazine as a fundraising champion last year, and we hope to con nue our success! We had a wonderful me celebra ng Moms and Special Guests Weekend in April and honored our gradua ng seniors with fun events during Senior Week. We celebrated their many accomplishments and contribu ons to our chapter, campus, and the Lawrence community, and we wish them the best in their post- gradua on plans. We are proud to recognize several of our members on the KU Spirit Squad! Rose Ngo '23 and Mya Davis '22 cheer on the Spirit Squad, and Lauren Finke '22 and Clara Wolfe '24 are members of the Rock Chalk Dancers. Sigma is already preparing for Fall 2025 recruitment, holding workshops for our members. We are so fortunate to have Courtney Voorhees Muehlberger '13 and Ka e Rogler Kuehl '13 as our recruitment advisors and are so excited to plan recruitment week with them. As always, we appreciate your recommenda ons for new members. Please send them to kugphirecs@gmail.com. We are so apprecia ve of our chapter advisor, Evin Burde e Wood '90, who provided guidance. Evin's dedica on, leadership, and commitment to Sigma make a long-las ng impact, and we are truly grateful for all she has done! Be sure to check out our website at kansasgammaphi.squarespace.com, created by Abby Lim '21 and Megan Childers '22. It includes updates, photos, and informa on about Sigma. 1339 is always open, and we would love for you to stop by when you are in Lawrence! In IIKE, Julia Czyzewski '23 Chapter President A Fantastic Spring Sisterhood, Philanthropy, and Activities Celebra ng St. Patrick's Day with our sisters! Pictured: Ashley Sardelli '24, Grace Zimmerman '24, Evelyn Mazur '24, Helen Hornback '24, Ma ly Brumley '24, and Meg Henry '24.

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