Phi Gamma Delta - University of Kansas

www.kufiji.org 3 S ince 2008, House Mom Jackie has served as the heart and soul of Phi Gamma Delta at the University of Kansas. As she retires, she can look back on nearly two decades of guiding young men through their college years as a steady, trusted presence through some of the Chapter's most challenging and triumphant times. Jackie's path to FIJI began in Baldwin City, Kansas, where she was a house mom at Baker University. "A woman I met there kept saying, 'You know, you'd have a lot more opportunities in Lawrence,'" Jackie recalled. Encouraged by the idea of joining a larger university community and with help from a friend connected to KU, she applied and soon found herself stepping into a house that needed rebuilding. "When I started, the Chapter was just coming off probation," she shared. Despite the uncertainty, Jackie saw potential. "It was a little scary, but I looked at it as a challenge. I thought, these guys are all so great—we can work hard and make this better." Her early years with the Chapter left the strongest impression. "The guys could have said, 'There's only 30 of us, we're done.' But instead, they dug in and worked hard," Jackie said. "It was like a giant family." Over time, Jackie became the Chapter's property manager, fixer, and mentor. "I'm kind of a hologram," she joked. "I float around making sure nothing's blown up." Her mornings began early, usually around 6:30 a.m., getting breakfast out. "Then I just wait for what happens!" she explained. "You just have to be ready for anything." Despite the chaos, it's the members who made it worthwhile. "They can't be in a room together without messing around, but they're also so kind. If I ask them to do anything, they are always ready and willing to help." Watching them grow has been her greatest reward. "To see them go from immature freshmen to skilled leaders as juniors has been just an honor to experience," she said. Jackie points to a national program introduced a few years ago as a turning point for the Chapter's culture. "Once, I would never have seen freshmen and seniors hang out together. Now, they go golfing," she said. "There's so much respect for the house and each other. They don't just love FIJI—they live the values it stands for." The most frequent words of advice she shared with the undergraduates were always heartfelt. "I tell them to be good to each other," she said. "And that they are stronger than they think, they're not victims, and they can overcome anything." House Mom Jackie Reflects on 16 Years with FIJI LEGACY OF As she retires, Jackie will be returning to Indianapolis, where she'll be close to her two children and five young grandchildren. She is eager to begin this exciting new chapter. "I'll still be taking care of people," she laughed. "A lot of the same things, the kids will just be different heights." To the Undergraduate and Graduate Brothers, Jackie's words of thanks are simple: "It's been a gift. For 14 years, you've trusted me to do what I thought needed to be done. I'm so impressed with what you have done to make this Chapter work and the time, the energy, and love you dedicate to FIJI." As the Brothers of Phi Gamma Delta look ahead, they'll carry Jackie's influence with them—not just in the well-maintained house she cared for, but also in the values she lived every day: resilience, humor, and belief in the strength of young men growing into the best versions of themselves. Jackie and Mom's Club President Shannon McKee at the recent Mom's Weekend dinner. Jackie was honored and received gifts of flowers and a check. LOVE

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