Sigma Kappa - University of Florida

3 Sigma Kappa W hen Carol Bogan Steiner '63 joined Sigma Kappa, things were much different at the University of Florida. There were only about 2,000 women at the university at that time, compared to the more than 19,000 today. The 40-50 women of Sigma Kappa in the '60s all lived in the chapter house if they wished. Carol viewed the house as a home away from home and she was able to develop close relationships with the other sisters living there. Carol's favorite memories from living in the chapter house were, "Doing things with friends, talking, laughing, singing, going out to dinner on weekends, playing intercollegiate sports, Homecoming weekend activities, and house decorations." She made lifelong friends in her time at Beta Tau that she continues to see regularly. You can read more about the friendships and travels of the seven sisters who have kept in touch through the years in her article, "A Friendship Good as Gold," which was featured in the spring 2016 issue of Sigma Kappa Triangle. Serving as both the Pledge Tainer and President for Beta Tau, Carol had the chance to develop skills as a mentor, communicator, and leader throughout her undergraduate years. She earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from UF in 1966. After graduating, Carol married her husband, Jim, and moved to Cape Canaveral, where he worked for Boeing and she worked as a public health nurse for Brevard County Health Department. After moving to Atlanta in 1969, Carol continued her work as a nurse, earning her master's degree in nursing with a specialty in public health nursing from Emory University in Atlanta. Carol taught at Georgia State University for five years, helping develop their BSN program. After teaching, she worked for the Georgia Division of Public Heath for 30 years. In those years, Carol accomplished a great deal in a variety of departments—developing and implementing programs, training nurses across the state, conducting public health research, and obtaining federal funding for new cancer control programs. In reflecting on how Sigma Kappa shaped her career and all she has accomplished in life thus far, Carol said, "Sigma Kappa gave me the warmth, friendship, and security I needed as a young woman to make my way on the big UF campus so I could grow, learn, and develop into a confident, nursing professional, ready to enter the working world. Sigma Kappa was a key anchor." Carol and Jim continue to live in Atlanta, Ga., today. They have one child, Harmon, who teaches cello and lives in Connecticut. Carol and Jim enjoy day hiking on the National Scenic Appalachian Trail (A.T.), where they have hiked 800 miles of the 2,190 total miles of the A.T. They are currently writing a book, The Appalachian Trail Day Hikers Guide, Slackpacking Downhill to Fine Wine and Accommodations in Georgia and North Carolina, to be released in 2017. You can reach Carol at carolsteiner@hotmail.com. T he Beta Tau Chapter of Sigma Kappa has had an amazing year. In the spring, we participated in multiple external philanthropies held by other Greek organizations. We also hosted our annual fundraiser for the Sigma Kappa Foundation, Sigma Sweets, where we raised close to $4,000! We also hosted our biennial father/daughter weekend, where chapter members attended a basketball game and went skeet and trap shooting with their fathers. Our NeW HOme Throughout spring and summer 2016, it was exciting to watch our brand new house be constructed, with the project reaching completion at the beginning of the fall semester. We are so grateful and humbled by our amazing new home and look forward to the memories we will make in it. WelcOme, NeW members After recruitment, we were lucky enough to welcome 87 women into our chapter on Bid Day as part of the fall 2016 new member class. In addition to our new members, we are extremely proud of all that our active chapter women have been accomplishing. Our very own Lucy Toman '14 was named Executive Director of Project Makeover, and we had three women tapped into Florida Blue Key throughout the 2015-16 school year. The positivity is only growing as we dive into the rest of the fall semester. On behalf of the chapter, I would like to thank our alumnae for their continued support to us, which allows Beta Tau to continue to thrive. It was great to see many familiar faces at the Grand Opening of our new house on September 18. Please feel free to come visit the chapter at any time! Loyally, Kylie Werk '13 President sigmakappapresident@gmail.com Settling into Our New Home Talley Ewald '14 and Emily Owens '14 participate in an annual philanthropy, Beta Bring It On, as part of the UF Competitive Cheerleading Team. Live with Heart Sigma Kappa Helps Develop Successful Alumna Carol Bogan Steiner '63

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