Kappa Kappa Gamma - The Ohio State University

Kappa Kappa Gamma 3 a s the first member of her family to be interested in a Greek organization, Page deCourcy thorson '85 joined Kappa Kappa Gamma at The Ohio State University in 1984. The benefits of sorority life were numerous for Page, but even after graduation she did not understand how special the Beta Nu bond was until she had three children of her own. All three daughters, tristan '10, erica '11, and Charlotte '13, joined Beta Nu. After becoming reengaged with those in her own pledge class, Page was pleased to learn that, aside from the effect of technology and not using the intercom system to page each other anymore, Beta Nu still captured the essence of what she loved so much as a collegiate. "The atmosphere of the chapter—the friendships, pride, and sense of fun—is exactly the same," shared Page. Traditions and songs fostered even more meaning as she got to share the experience with her daughters. The unique connection as family and sorority sisters was special to witness, and sharing her pin with each of her girls was a gift. The Thorsons have always been active within Beta Nu and on campus. Tristan served as Vice President of Academic Excellence and is now finishing up law school in Washington, D.C. Erica, a senior, co-chaired Ohio State's Homecoming and has supported many campus wide events. Charlotte is a sophomore living in the house and is involved in dance team and majoring in fashion and retail studies. One of the traditions most cherished by Page was candle passing. She shared that she was lavaliered during her time in Kappa, which today is similar to being "Facebook official." Receiving a pin from her now husband and being a part of two engagement ceremonies senior year were also incredibly memorable times as an undergraduate. Page is so proud to see how gratifying Kappa has been for her daughters, and how the Beta Nu experience has provided so much for their family. Now, some of her daughters' closest friends are daughters or nieces of those very dear to Page, helping to make a new tradition of participating in initiation, bringing back happy Kappa memories, and getting to enjoy watching their families grow up together as sisters. Although it can be hard to maintain close contact with your pledge class, the Thorson girls believe it is worth making the effort. "Watching my daughters have the same great experience and getting back in touch with my Kappa friends has reignited the sense of pride I felt when I first joined in 1984!" Page says. E-mail: pagethorson@aol.com a FaMily aFFair Spotlight on Page DeCourcy Thorson '85, Tristan Thorson '10, Erica Thorson '11, and Charlotte Thorson '13 W hen Lyndsey Johnson Zorich '01 was in the midst of a family crisis, pledge sisters, many of whom she had not seen in years, made the unexpected drive from all over Ohio, and even Houston, to support her. For this reason and many more, Lyndsey has been amazed at the long-lasting impact being a part of Beta Nu has had on her life. Living in the house was something she cherished, and she did so for three years. Lyndsey says that one of her favorite memories was sitting around the couch for the first few seasons of The Bachelor. Another favorite pastime in the Kappa house was, of course, the snack kitchen. Lyndsey recalls how minute it seemed at the time, but small things like hanging out in a little kitchenette late at night are what made those lasting friendships. Lyndsay was a business student and also paid her way through school. She applied for a scholarship with the Kappa Foundation that helped her to focus on school and less on the financial load. Still very much the business woman, Lyndsey is a non-profit fundraiser in Houston, creator of the blog High Heels and Handlebars (www.highheelsandhandlebars.com), a wife, and mother to two little ones under the age of two. When Lyndsey moved to Houston, she was overwhelmed with the Kappa network already established in the area. Between her Beta Nu sisters and new friendships in Houston, Lyndsey had a Kappa-filled bridal party. Even her sister-in-law is a Kappa. One of the things Lyndsey noted as an alumna is just how easy it has become to stay connected with your pledge sisters. "Social media and Facebook have completely changed the landscape," she says. You can constantly update each other with photos, texts, and e-mails. That way, despite distance, we can just pick up where we left off without missing a beat. "It is never too late to reconnect," shares Lyndsey. Even though it might be years or decades since you have seen your sisters last, those connections made in the chapter may fade, but they will never disappear. She urges anyone who is interested in becoming involved to do so. After all, Lyndsey's decision to reach out to the alumnae in Houston is a large part of why she loves her new home city so much. E-mail: lyndseyzorich@gmail.com Kappa Kappa gamma: a Sisterhood for Life Spotlight on Lyndsey Johnson Zorich '01

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