Sigma Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority at the University of Kansas
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1539579
GAMMA PHI BETA 3 "Gamma Phi Beta felt like home from the very beginning," Ka e Lomshek '14 shared. "The women I met during recruitment were genuinely kind, confident, and grounded—exactly the kind of people I wanted to surround myself with." These strong, driven women inspired Ka e to grow, lead, show up fully as herself, and pursue her goals with purpose. Gamma Phi was a space where she was both challenged and supported. "Through Sigma, I've learned how to lead with authen city, serve with heart, and stay grounded in values that truly ma er." Though Ka e grew up in Lawrence, Gamma Phi introduced her to a new kind of home. "Even though I was just minutes from where I grew up, GPhi gave me a fresh start and a place where I truly became my own." Serving alongside her sisters during philanthropy events was fun and meaningful, and holding leadership posi ons, a ending chapter events, and collabora ng with her sisters taught her to communicate effec vely, lead with confidence, and navigate challenges with grace. In her career, Ka e works in event rentals and planning and has had the opportunity to work on weddings, corporate gatherings, community celebra ons, and more. "What I enjoy most is helping clients bring their vision to life. Whether it's cura ng the perfect rental pieces or managing logis cs from start to finish, there's something so fulfilling about seeing all the planning come to life in one beau ful, memorable experience." Ka e is also a Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader. "Being a cheerleader for the Chiefs has been one of the most incredible and transforma ve experiences of my life." Ka e didn't make the team the first two years, but she persevered. "It took me un l my third try to make the team, and that persistence taught me so much about resilience, growth, and trus ng the ming of your own path. It made finally earning that uniform even more special, and I've carried that perspec ve with me every single season since." Now in her sixth season, Ka e has grown as a leader, teammate, and role model. "The friendships I've formed, the memories made, and the impact we've had off the field are things I'll carry with me forever." With deep roots in Lawrence and KU, Ka e and her sister, Mackenzie '12, began a business, Local Love. "Our goal is to be a trendy bou que for all cheering on their favorite local teams with a focus on merchandise to fit the sports teams here in town and Kansas City with affordable prices!" Ka e has loved sharing the Gamma Phi experience with Mackenzie, and her family means everything to her. "My family has always been my biggest cheerleaders, showing up for every big moment, encouraging my dreams, and reminding me to stay grounded in who I am." Katie Lomshek '14 experienced multiple Super Bowl seasons as a Chiefs Cheerleader. PURSUING PASSIONS F our Sigma sisters, Karen Maxwell Kessler '66, Connie Carney Erickson '67, Becky Wilson Flax '66, and Shan Rohleder Glandon '66 con nue to make memories as they vaca on together. Some of the loca ons this true and constant foursome have explored is Door County, Wisconsin, two mes; Denver, New York City, Chicago, Savannah, Providence, Rhode Island, San Antonio, Glacier Na onal Park, and Washington DC. The trips began when Becky's husband passed away and Connie invited her to her home in Door County, Wisc. Connie said, "I'm going to fly you here and you can stay in my house and do whatever you want. Talk to me or not talk to me, and I'll put my arms around you." Shan and Karen both found out about it and said, "Hey I want to come too!" And this was the beginning of their trips together. SISTERS REUNITED When she's not making memories with her family or friends, Ka e loves staying busy, cleaning and organizing, working out, or being crea ve through scrapbooking, cra ing, or DIY projects. To reset and refocus, she enjoys mindless reads or flipping through mo va onal quotes or devo onals. Ka e loves returning to KU for Homecoming and a ending sisters' weddings. "Those reunions are filled with laughter, storytelling, and a reminder of how lucky I am to be part of a sisterhood that truly lasts." You can connect with her at klomshek@gmail.com. If you have a recent photo of a pledge class trip, reunion, or other fun ac vity with your Sigma sisters, send a high-resolu on JPEG file to kugphiahcsecretary@ gmail.com. Be sure to include a cap on with full names of everyone featured and pledge class years. We will do our best to put them into one of our newsle ers. Karen Maxwell Kessler '66, Connie Carney Erickson '67, and Becky Wilson Flax '66 at Glacier Na onal Park with the Red Bus. This was the only trip Shan Rohleder Glandon '66 was unable to a end. Top: Shan Rohleder Glandon '66 (right) and Connie Carney Erickson '67 at a meet up in Tulsa. Bo om: Members of the 1990 pledge class celebra ng 35 years of sisterhood in St Petersburg, Florida. From le : Sherry Burch Bridges, Jocelyn Young Baker, Amy Tieperman Colucci, Julee Hawk Goeser, Jennifer Brownlee Blumberg, Tara Smith Leinbach, and Nancy VanLerberg.