Gamma Phi Beta - Southern Methodist University

(Continued from page 1) 2 | Crescent Corner Mindy has the chance to visit the chapter house almost every time she is on campus. "I have to admit that I always feel welcome at the house. Even though it has been 20 years since I have lived there, I still feel like my 20-year-old self would fit in with the women in the chapter today." She encourages alumnae who may have lost touch with the chapter over the years to reconnect in any way that fits them. Whether it is volunteering with undergraduate or alumnae chapters, or staying connected with sisters who were in Alpha Xi at the same time, Mindy encourages alumnae to remember that "the most important thing is to keep Gamma Phi Beta as a part of your life." She reminds alumnae, "There is research that demonstrates that the experiences of undergraduate sorority members are enhanced by their interaction and involvement with alumnae. I cannot stress enough how integral this is to a collegiate chapter's success! Especially for those alumnae who live in Dallas, I'd encourage them to volunteer—even if it's simply to bring snacks during recruitment. It will make such a positive impact." Mindy was recently elected to serve on the International Council as the education vice president for Gamma Phi Beta where she spends quite a bit of her time still involved with making a difference for Gamma Phi Beta. Mindy lives in Oxford, Miss., and will be married to Tim Noss in December. You can reach her at mjsutton@gammaphibeta.org. Making a Difference for Gamma Phi Beta Faced with Changing SMU and Greek Landscape, Alpha Xi Forms Housing Subcommittee T he landscapes of SMU has drastically changed in the last several years. In addition to the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in 2013, older residence halls were renovated and new buildings erected to embrace technological advances and provide larger learning spaces for students. Many changes have been made to the Greek houses at SMU as well. Several fraternities were relocated due to SMU expansion and six of the eight sororities have demolished their existing houses and rebuilt with larger chapter rooms, modern kitchens, and additional bedrooms. The beginning of renovation and construction to Greek houses was prompted by new safety regulations such as mandatory fire sprinklers. At the time, some sororities, including Gamma Phi Beta, chose to cover the cost of installing the sprinklers over the summer and not pursue a larger renovation. Since then, however, the rising costs of maintaining an aging home has prompted the Alpha Xi Affiliated House Corporation (AHC) to create a subcommittee to explore housing options. This subcommittee will be composed of Gamma Phi alumnae and categorized into alumnae engagement, building, and finance. You are encouraged to write if you would like to be involved in the subcommittee when returning the enclosed biographical update. You can participate in person, via e-mail and/or conference call, or on an "as needed" basis based on your talents. Please share your areas of expertise on the questionnaire. Fall New Members Natalia Albores The Woodlands, Texas Melissa Chambers Sam Ramon, Calif. Trilokya Guttapalli Hyderabad, India Caroline Snyder Bellevue, Wash. Emma Woods Plano, Texas CHAPTER OFFICERS President Emily Grabarkewitz '14 grabarkewitz@smu.edu Administrative Vice President Margot Johnson '15 Education Vice President Sara Ellington '15 Financial Vice Presidnet Savannah Jackson '14 Membership Vice President Natalia Arce '15 narce@smu.com Panhellenic Affairs Vice President Kristin Kapusta '15 Public Relations Vice President Anna Beth Bowden '14 Moonball winning team displays their trophy. Sisters enjoy popsicles at the start of fall recruitment.

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