Sigma Kappa - University of Florida

SK Through the Years In April we will celebrate 65 years of Beta Tau sisterhood. Here is just a glimpse of the many memories created. Beta Tau ConnSKtion 4 N ancy Carter Marks '60 decided to join Beta Tau because she enjoyed the company of the women in the chapter. She is grateful for her time in Sigma Kappa for helping her learn important lessons she carried into her professional life. "I learned how to get along in a group situation and enjoyed developing close friendships," Nancy said. Nancy received a bachelor of science and a master of special education and occupational therapy from the University of Florida. She had a fulfilling career as a therapist in many settings, including home health private patients and nursing homes. She worked at the University of Florida and was head of the department of occupational therapy for two years. Nancy is now retired and interested in reconnecting with members of her pledge class. She would like to get in touch with her best friends from that time, including Susan Charles Fraser '62 and hopes she and others will e-mail her. When her husband, Tom, retired as a law professor from Stetson Law School in St. Petersburg, Florida, the couple started adopting and rescuing special needs dogs. They currently have 23 dogs, many of which are blind or have other disabilities. Nancy describes her interest in helping these animals comes from her desire to "help the underdog." After nearly losing their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to a serious neurological disease, Nancy and Tom got connected with Canine Estates, a rescue organization in Palm Harbor, Florida. "Tom and I love dogs, particularly special needs, senior dogs," Nancy said. Nancy and Tom live in Ocala, Florida, and have one daughter and twin grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way. She enjoys photography and playing her Yamaha keyboard. You can contact Nancy at tmarksiii@cfl.rr.com. Nancy Carter Marks '60 Roots for the Underdog Stephanie Sigmon '90 Sees Chapter Values in Everyday Life Recruitment Teaches Members to Be Confident and Poised S tephanie Sigmon '90 recalls a pivotal moment when she realized Sigma Kappa was the right place for her. "When I was still a new member, the chapter had a sleepover at the house. A friend of mine dropped me off, but I soon realized I had left things at home that I needed. A Beta Tau sister offered me her car keys to go get my stuff. I didn't even know this woman and she trusted me with her car." This proof of the strength of sisterhood bonds reassured Stephanie that she had made the right choice. Family matters kept Stephanie from being more involved during her undergraduate years, but she reengaged with the chapter while working on her master's degree and has stayed involved as an alumna. She is proud to note that she knows most of the Bea Tau pledge classes from 1992 through 2000. Recruitment is one of Stephanie's favorite and most influential memories with the chapter. "Part of being confident and poised in my everyday life comes from the recruitment process." She stays involved with the Zeta Chapter at George Washington University, working with them on the recruitment process. "I love being able to share all the things I can, such as how to have general conversation with someone you just met, and present yourself in a way that isn't embarrassing." Stephanie has a bachelor's degree and master of elementary education from the University of Florida, as well as a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree. She is currently a math specialist and has worked in the field of education for 14 years. She credits Sigma Kappa for giving her the confidence to continue her education. "I think because I learned so much about myself in the chapter, I now feel comfortable in a leadership role in my job, working with teachers instead of students." Stephanie lives in the Washington, D.C., area where she enjoys participating in sprint triathlons and adores her pitbull, Big Boi. Contact Stephanie at sdsigmon@hotmail.com.

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