Delta Gamma - Texas Tech University

Gamma Xi Anchor 5 S isterhood is not only for four years, it is for life. For Sandra Harper '72, this could not ring more true. Sandra found sisterhood and a home away from home at Gamma Xi. "Being at a large university, I was determined to connect with a smaller group of individuals who shared similar interests. Gamma Xi is a prominent sorority at a university where Greek life plays a significant role in student leadership—it provides you with a network that encourages you to become the best version of yourself and to be successful in virtually every aspect of your life," she says. Sandra is thankful for the valuable skills, leadership experience, and lifelong friendships that Gamma Xi provided, and she is giving back to secure a future for the chapter. Sandra knows an attractive, well-maintained chapter house is a tremendous source of pride for undergraduates and alumnae alike, and supporting the capital campaign is important to her. "Through this campaign, it is my hope that undergraduates and alumnae have an incredible place to gather and share memories, and that the house will be attractive not only to current members but prospective members as well. Gamma Xi strives to maintain a certain level of professionalism and having a professional, elegant- looking chapter house will attract quality members. I encourage all alumnae to support the campaign actively and financially. By doing so, we can ensure for years to come that Gamma Xi stands among the most highly regarded sororities at Texas Tech." After graduating, Sandra pursued a career in teaching and earned her master's and Ph.D. Today, Sandra works as president of McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. She credits much of her professional success to the leadership experience she gained during her days in Gamma Xi. "Leadership opportunities in a fairly substantial group of peers helped me significantly. You learn how to interact with people of different backgrounds and fields of interest, which is critical in any career you choose to pursue," she says. As an alumna, Sandra stays connected with Gamma Xi sisters and has enjoyed the annual alumnae gatherings over the past 25 years. "Always make an effort to reconnect with sisters. Having that network of friends has been life-changing for me, and I highly encourage all alumnae to do the same," she says. Sandra and her husband, Dave, have two sons, three granddaughters, and a grandson, ranging in age from 3 to 11 years old. When Sandra is not hard at work, she enjoys spending time with her family. You can contact Sandra at harper.sandra@mcm.edu. Sisters for Life Sandra Harper '72—Why I Gave W e want to hear from you! Alumnae are encouraged and welcome to keep us up to date on personal news about your family, career, activities, and contact information. As sisters of Gamma Xi Chapter, we want to utilize the Gamma Xi Anchor as a way to keep in touch. Please send information for publication in future issues to our alumnae relations coordinator at astoops@penningtonco.com. Judith Hightower Ribble '57 reports that her first granddaughter, Natalie Ribble, pledged Delta Gamma in January 2015 at Furman University in South Carolina. "I can't explain how this makes this old grandmother feel. Natalie and I are so close now. Sisters forever. Never take your membership for granted; it can change you even as a 77 year old." Nancy lives in Lubbock, Texas. E-mail: jasoribble@sbcglobal.net Vicki Vannoy Nixon '70 was elected president of the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee. She resides in Lubbock, Texas. E-mail: nixon5220@aol.com Barbara Dale Wilkins '80 and her husband, Tommy, helped found the Texas Tech University Alumni Association RGV Chapter in Rio Grande Valley. The couple lives in McAllen, Texas. E-mail: tbrjwilkins@gmail.com Julia Wood Shoemake '86 was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2014 and had a double mastectomy in May 2015. "It's been a journey, but many of my sweet pledge sisters have been there for me." Julia lives in Dallas. E-mail: rjshoemake@sbcglobal.net Laura Bandel '89 has reached her goal of visiting all seven continents as of February, and surpassed visiting 60 countries and 47 states as well. She and her husband are approaching their 15th wedding anniversary. Laura's daughter, Meredith, just started eighth grade and Charlotte is in fifth. They are honor students and involved in several activities. Laura is an avid runner, running four marathons so far, including Chicago and New York, and recently the Marine Corps marathon in Washington, D.C. She lives in Flower Mound, Texas. E-mail: lbandel@yahoo.com Nicole Heinlein McDonald '05 has joined Keller Williams Realty in Lubbock. If you are buying or selling, look her up! E-mail: nicold.mconald@kw.cm Sally Dierschke Kurz '07 graduated in May from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas with her M.D., got married one and a half weeks later in her hometown of Wall, Texas, then one week later moved to St. Louis, MO, to begin her residency in family medicine at Mercy Hospital. She was accompanied the whole time by her two sisters, both Gamma Xi alumnae. Sally loves her new life in St. Louis! E-mail: sallyakurz@gmail.com Sara Hafer Fitzgerald '07 graduated with her MBA from TCU in August and got married in September to Robert Fitzgerald, who is an attorney in Fort Worth. Robert received his undergraduate degree at Sewanne: The University of the South and his J.D. from Charleston School of Law. They plan to remain in Fort Worth. E-mail: sara.hafer@yahoo.com Deenie Redding Kurtz '07 got married in April—it was a beautiful ceremony! E-mail: deenie.redding@gmail.com Erica Peters Hoyt '09 recently married Jason Hoyt. The couple lives in Dallas and Erica teaches at Richardson ISD. E-mail: Erica.peters@risd.org Alumnae News

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