Alpha Delta Pi - University of Kansas

Tau Tales 2 Ann Simms '75 Encourages All Alumnae to Reconnect Tau Chapter Experience Is a Lifetime Bond W hen Ann Simms '75 enrolled in the University of Kansas in the fall of 1971, she had no idea that a sorority could have so much of an opportunity for leadership. Ann was able to serve in many leadership positions during her undergraduate career, including pledge trainer for one year and vice president for two, finding her niche in Tau Chapter, as well as something she truly enjoyed. "Living with the young women at Tau Chapter made my college experience very memorable and provided a great environment for both learning and growing personally," she said. After graduating with a bachelor of science in accounting, she went to work for Motorola in a variety of finance roles for the company. "I think that one of the great values of being in ADPi was developing leadership and people skills, and those skills have definitely helped me throughout my career," Ann said. "I strongly encourage all members of ADPi to get engaged in leadership of the chapter at whatever level interests them." Now Ann is the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the American Planning Association, a notfor-profit membership organization with approximately 40,000 members. Looking back on her days in the Tau Chapter house, Ann was able to manage work and play with a variety of mentors who were available to her because of the alumni support. "Elizabeth Kemp Houghton '36, who was on the House Committee, was a great advisor and mentor to me and the chapter. Her guidance was invaluable at the time. Now I have had the opportunity to go back and see my daughter, Amy Simms '03, join ADP. It was truly a special moment for us," she said. Still keeping up with her sisters, Ann has taken cruises with Jane Replogle Rhoads '75, JoLetta Larson Woolwine '75, and Lynn Hebein Atkinson '75. "We had a great sense of pride while in the chapter and we accomplished a great deal," Ann said. "It was wonderful to be part of the ADP sisterhood and I am glad to be able to still keep up with my sisters." Fondly reminiscing on the barn parties the chapter used to have and the 100th anniversary celebration last May, Ann encourages alumnae to get involved and reconnect with each other. "It is always a wonderful and refreshing to take a trip to visit Lawrence, the university, and the ADP house," she said. "Visiting campus and the house is a way to be a great example to our younger members of what it means to be an ADP for life." Ann resides in the Chicago area with her husband, Chuck. Their four children are all out of college and on their own. In her free time, Ann enjoys golfing, water sports, and outdoor activities. Ann can be reached at simmsann@comcast.net. Alumna Recounts ADPi Memories Sara Dickey Goodburn '83 Shares Memories of Her Time in Tau S ara Dickey Goodburn '83 has never regretted her decision to join Alpha Delta Pi. "Once I pledged, there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I wanted to remain a part of the chapter throughout college," she said. "I joined because of the women I met during recruitment and the general feeling that I had when I was in the house. I loved my sorority experience during my collegiate years and have stayed friends with many of my sisters throughout my life." As an undergraduate Sara served as the Rock Chalk Chair, Executive Vice President, and President of Tau Chapter. "The chapter provided me a safe place to learn how to be a leader," Sara said. She also remembers the great mentors that were in place for her during her collegiate days. Women like Chapter Advisor Claire Krizov, Delta '74, Marilyn McDowell, Gamma Mu '51, Ann Havenhill '56, Vicki Lilly '64, Kris Shields '69, and former Province Director Kathleen Ruediger, Alpha Eta '66. "They all provided wonderful, shining examples of what it means to be Alpha Delta Pi for a lifetime," Sara said. Sara graduated with a bachelor of science in journalism with an emphasis in the broadcast management/sales area. After spending a few years in radio, she changed her career path and became a full-time mom to her two sons. Still involved in community service, Sara spends time volunteering for a variety of organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House, PTAs and Booster Clubs, Scouts, and she is Vice President of the Shawnee Mission School District's Board of Education. Sara has also been involved with Alpha Delta Pi, serving on Tau's Corporation Board from 1994 to 2000 as well as an International Officer since 2001. Currently she is the Panhellenic Relations Director for District 5 of Alpha Delta Pi and serves on the District 5 Team, training and mentoring collegiate members who serve as Panhellenic delegates in 23 chapters in the midwest—including her own Tau Chapter. Embracing Alpha Delta Pi's lifetime impact, Sara has truly valued her Tau Chapter days and continues to assist the chapter, urging undergraduates to make the most of their collegiate experience and to make memories that will last a lifetime. "There is not a room in that house that doesn't bring back memories. I remember waiting for the new members to arrive on Bid Day, I remember our stylish blue, matching Laura Ashley dresses, and the diamond-shaped name tags, our cooks, Alice and Emmy, and our house director Mom Withers. I remember the disappointment when we didn't make Rock Chalk and the two times when we did. I remember a ton of special times in the house. But, mostly, I remember my sisters. It was a truly special group of women. And, I've continued to make cherished friendships with Alpha Delta Pis from all over the country over the past 20 years." Sara resides in Roeland Park with her husband, Kelly. She continues to serve the local school board but also finds the time to attend her son Kyle's football games and son Corey's drama performances. Contact Sara at sadigo@ sbcglobal.net.

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