Gamma Phi Beta - Southern Methodist University

2 | Crescent Corner Gamma Phi Provides for Life After School Recent Graduate Olivia Varah '14 Shares Impact of Alpha Xi h e t r a n s i t i o n from life in college to the working world presents unique challenges. For Olivia Varah '14, the transition has been no different, but the skills and lessons learned in Gamma Phi have proved valuable along the way. Olivia's positions as membership v i c e p r e s i d e n t , a s s i s t a n t membership vice president, T-shirt chairman, and Panhellenic junior delegate all contributed to the growth and strength of Alpha Xi. Before graduating in December, Olivia's dedication to the chapter was recognized at Alpha Xi's Founders Day as she won both the Gloria Swanson Nelson Panhellenic Spirit Award and the Virginia Forsythe Vint Pride and Commitment Award. She even had the honor of meeting Gloria Swanson Nelson, Psi, University of Oklahoma ʼ40 as she was present at the Founders Day celebration. Her role in her positions on the executive board not only strengthened Alpha Xi, but strengthened her own character and skill set. "Gamma Phi prepared me by allowing me to step into leadership positions, providing me with the opportunity to gain experiences in areas I wouldn't have otherwise," Olivia said. "I learned how to manage a budget, create plans for workshops, how to work with Jackie Hilger Graves '37 lives in Aurora, CO, where she attends a few daytime events and enjoys playing in bridge marathons. E-mail: jackiehgraves@msn.com Mary Barkley Dominey '50 enjoys living in the same town as her two grandchildren, three great- grandchildren, and oldest son. Mary lives in Conroe, TX, but still drives to her old town of Groveton to play cards with her friends there. Sue Traylor Sturgeon '51 wrote a novel, Jenny's Time, that tells the tale of a young graduate of a university in Dallas who travels to France where she is mysteriously drawn into Cluny in the Middles Ages. The book is available on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble. E-mail: suetsturgeon@cox.net Martha Tomlinson Mickolas-Minton '55 recently celebrated her 82nd birthday. Martha and her husband, Ben, enjoy golfing, swimming, and fishing. They live in Pointblank, TX. E-mail: mminton@awesomenet.net Peggy Earthman '57 retired in 2000 from her career as a teacher in Dallas. She taught for a total of 42 years and received the Teacher of the Year award and Perot Outstanding Teacher award in that time. Peggy received a master's in elementary school supervision from North Texas State University. In her retirement, Peggy enjoys volunteering at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, gardening, and shopping. She lives in Dallas, TX. Susan Livingston Johnson '65 retired from the field of education at the end of 1997. She has held a variety of jobs since then, including a bed and breakfast hostess and manager, an office manager, a cashier at Walmart and at a restaurant, and a gift shop cashier at the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum. Sue lives in Leadville, CO. Holly Hawkins Bowler '70 has enjoyed joining her local Gamma Phi Beta Atlanta Alumnae Chapter. "It's great that Gamma Phi Beta stays with you through the years," she said. E-mail: hhbowler@comcast.net Candace Ayars '74 is teaching and mentoring doctoral students in health education in Topeka, KS. Candace also ran for the Kansas State Senate in 2016 as the democratic nominee. E-mail: drayars@ mail.com Julie Vaupel Monson '74 is a grandmother of five and lives in American Fork, UT, where she enjoys rubber stamp art and genealogy. E-mail: jamstamper@gmail.com Kendi Brown Wampler '76 is beginning the 26th year of her dance studio in Weatherford, OK. She and her family live on a small farm in Duke, OK, and her husband, John, has recently retired after 26 years as a district attorney. Both of Kendi's sons graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2016. She enjoys spending her time volunteering with the all types of people and advisors, and how to communicate, inspire, and encourage women." These areas of growth for Olivia gave her confidence as she began her career as a Business Analyst at JCPenney's Corporate Headquarters. "Making the transition is difficult and lonely as you try to navigate the real world—paying bills, starting your first real job, and making new friends. Being a Gamma Phi has helped make the transition easier in more ways than I could have ever imagined," Olivia said. "Everywhere I go, I meet Gamma Phis from other schools, and I find amazing support and friendships from them. The strong groups of women beyond the walls of the chapter house and from all Panhellenic sororities has astounded me and there is an instant bond formed, which has helped me through the highs and lows of my first six months out of school. This support has made me appreciate my time in Alpha Xi more, and I cannot wait to give back to new graduates and in my local alumnae chapter. The words 'It's not four years, it's for life' have never resonated with me more." Olivia lives in Dallas and enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new restaurants with friends, and is training to be a barre fitness instructor. If you'd like to connect with her, you can reach her at olivia@varah.com. Olivia Varah '14 and Gloria Swanson Nelson, Psi, University of Oklahoma ʼ40, at Founders Day last fall after Olivia won the Gloria Swanson Nelson Panhellenic Spirit Award. Continued on page 4 Alumnae News

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