Sigma Kappa - University of Kansas

H H H Sigma star Page 4 to be paid off over time. As you pay over time, we can pay over time. Once again, many, many thanks to all who have worked so hard on this campaign, and to all who have been so generous with their donations. If you have not sent in your pledge, please help ensure the future of Sigma Kappa at the University of Kansas by doing so before our campaign ends. Please join us in this worthwhile endeavor today. Loyally, Pat Scherrer Stelmach '42 Kristen Schutte Helling '93 Capital Campaign Co-Chairman Capital Campaign Co-Chairman patstelmach24@gmail.com kristenhelling@yahoo.com Cheri Stelmach Beaver '74 Caren Brandenburg, Zeta Delta, Xi Corporation President Tennessee-Martin '82 csbeaver@nspjarch.com Xi Chapter Advisory Board Supervisor caren12@kc.rr.com Campaign to End December 31 (Continued from page 1) KrisTen Gable Tierney '74 TaKes The Xi spiriT across The Globe K risten Gable Tierney '74 made an immediate connection with the women of Sigma Kappa at the University of Kansas. They had a lot in common, coming from similar backgrounds and sharing the same interests, which really stood out to Kristen. Those initial relationships have resonated today, staying strong 40 years later. Those caring, positive members of Xi made Kristen's experience in Sigma Kappa, and KU, what it was. "Sigma Kappa added a great deal to my overall feeling for KU," said Kristen. "My husband, Mike, and I support several areas of the university since we know we wouldn't have gotten as far if we hadn't both received such great educations from there." Kristen received a BSN from KU and moved to Texas after getting married in 1978 ("Several of my Xi sisters stood with me on my wedding day!"). She worked in the ICU in two hospitals in Texas and came back to Kansas City twice to take a critical care course. Kristen became a nursing supervisor before she and Mike left for Bahrain in 1991. "I worked for the ministry of health teaching nursing students for nearly five years before moving back to Missouri City, Texas, where I started my master's degree as an acute care nurse practitioner. I completed that in 1999 and began working for a private hospital in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, where we lived from 1997 to 2000 when we moved to Singapore. There, I worked for the U.S. Embassy for four years. I was one of two nurse practitioners who worked with three State Department doctors in the health unit. "We left Singapore in 2000 and moved to Kuwait, where I worked for the U.S. Embassy for four years. I returned to the U.S. and worked at the University of Kansas hospital for two years while my youngest son finished high school. In May 2009, I returned to Kuwait to reunite with Mike. We left Kuwait in October 2010 and moved to Nigeria, where I was unable to find work and retired my ACNP license in December 2014. I maintain my RN license in Kansas and Texas in case I want to teach someday." Working in two embassies is something Kristen will always remember and be proud of as she was able to serve her country while overseas. The requirements for practicing as a nurse practitioner have changed (a Ph.D. is necessary now), so Kristen advises all young women in the field to start studying early and, regardless of their area of study, to gain the highest education they can. "It's worth the work." Similarly, supporting Xi Chapter's campaign was also worth it for Kristen. A competitive spirit was what helped her decide to give back. "To stay on top of anything, you have to be competitive. We weren't that way as a chapter for many years, but bringing our house in line with others on campus shows that we as alumnae care about the current state of the place we called home. It doesn't matter how much you give; anything helps to ensure our house looks as amazing as it possibly can." Kristen and Mike live in Overland Park, Kansas, and have two sons: David, who received his chemistry degree from Kansas State University, and Brian, a graduate from KU with a petroleum degree. Kristen loves to travel and plan trips. They have seen quite a bit of Africa during their time living there. She also enjoys Brazilian embroidery or three-dimensional embroidery, and is a member of the International Brazilian Guild, having made over 50 pieces of work in the last 20 years. She hopes to one day go to the national seminar in Oregon to become a certified teacher. You can contact Kristen at mk_tierney@yahoo.com. l ast spring, Xi celebrated 25 years with Chef Dennis Hill. In addition to a surprise dessert and celebration after a weeknight dinner, the chapter presented Dennis with a scrapbook commemorating his time working with Sigma Kappa. The scrapbook was given to Dennis at the Sushi and Sisterhood Alumnae Luncheon in April. Surrounded by collegiate members, alumnae, houseboys, former houseboys, and his family, Dennis told everyone how he became a houseboy and eventually the Xi Sigma Kappa chef. Through tears and laughter, we celebrated the unforgettable 25 years we have had with Dennis, and we look forward to many more. Well-Seasoned Celebrating Chef Dennis' 25 Years with Sigma Kappa

• Cover