Sigma Kappa - University of Florida

Through the Years In April we will celebrate 65 years of Beta Tau sisterhood. Here is just a glimpse of the many memories created. 3 Sigma Kappa Amanda Banister Rone '00 Cherishes Genuine Relationships of Sisterhood A manda Banister Rone '00 found Sigma Kappa to be a way to make a big school feel much smaller. Being in the sorority ensured she never got lost in the shuffle at the University of Florida. But the sorority was so much more than that; Amanda was "proud to be a member of a great group of women. I loved the fact that everyone was so real and down to earth. Even though we were all different from each other, I never felt out of place." As an undergraduate, Amanda appreciated the involvement of alumnae in recruitment and other chapter activities. "I really looked up to those ladies, most of whom were working and had families. They made me realize that the sorority didn't stop when we graduated. Sisters are sisters for life, and that's an amazing relationship to have." When Amanda got engaged shortly after graduation, a pledge sister arranged for Amanda to have a candle-lighting ceremony at the sorority house. "It was amazing," Amanda said. On her wedding day, Amanda wore her pearl ring and had a candle lighting at the reception. "It was really nice to have those elements incorporated into such a special day." Two of the bridesmaids were Beta Taus and several more sisters attended the wedding. Amanda is now a behavior analyst with a private company in Gainesville. She works with individuals who engage in problem behavior to teach them the skills necessary to be more successful and independent. She credits Sigma Kappa with helping her with time- management skills and giving her the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone to meet new people. The friendships of the sisterhood is something she doesn't take for granted. "Sigma Kappa gave me confidence that there was a group of amazing, beautiful, smart women who wanted me to be a part of their sisterhood. I felt special then, and I still feel special now." Amanda stays in touch with many members of her pledge class through Facebook and stays up to date on chapter activities. Amanda and her husband, Robert, live in Gainesville with their daughter, Peyson, who will be two in February. She enjoys running, reading, shopping at Target, and spending time with family and friends. Contact Amanda at banister@ufl.edu. Lee's husband, Wynn, spent 24 years in the Air Force; Lee entered the civil service, finding work at each base they were stationed, including New Mexico, twice in Germany, New York, California, twice in Italy, and Virginia. After Wynn retired in 2001, Lee left civil service to become a DOD contractor. "Though the companies have changed along with the various duties, I have been in the same organization for 16 years because I enjoy the work so much," Lee said. Reflecting on her time in the chapter, Lee cherished the many traditions of Sigma Kappa and the friendship the sisterhood provided her. "I loved the excitement of pinnings and engagement ceremonies and the fact that there was such a ceremony so that we could all share in a sister's happiness," Lee said. She valued her time in the chapter house and described it as "a place to come home to, to share the ups and downs of daily life. One is never alone as a sister!" Lee found it difficult to keep in touch with her Beta Tau sisters when her husband's position in the Air Force required them to move frequently. She encourages alumnae and undergraduates to stay in touch with sisters who mean something to you. Lee and Wynn live in Hampton, Virginia, with their Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, and two orange alley cats. She is an avid knitter and reader. The couple has one daughter, Erin, who was born in Germany during their second military assignment. Erin has followed in her father's footsteps and is a major in the Air Force. Her worldwide assignments have allowed Lee and Wynn to continue their travels to Japan and Italy. Contact Lee by e-mail at leehancock@cox.net. Lee Petersen Hancock '71 Applies Sigma Kappa Practices Ability to Meet People Valuable to Military Wife

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