Kappa Kappa Gamma - University of Missouri

THETA NEWS | 2 Kappa Kappa Gamma Inspires Sabra Tull Meyer '46 to Follow Her Dreams Passion for Art Flourished in Theta Chapter and Beyond F or some, pledging a sorority can be a new and unfamiliar process, but Sabra Tull Meyer '46 always knew she would be a Kappa Kappa Gamma. "Kappa has always been part of my life and family," Sabra said. Her mother, Sabra Niedermeyer Tull '22, was active as an undergraduate member and as an alumna, serving on the Theta Chapter House Board for a number of years, which piqued Sabra's interest in joining the sisterhood from a young age. "I remember going to the chapter house at 10 years old with my mother and I thought it was magical," Sabra said. "I never thought of becoming a part of anything else." During her time as an undergraduate, Sabra felt a strong sense of belonging and was heavily involved in the chapter through the various social opportunities her Kappa membership afforded. Her favorite memories include decorating for sisterhood events and formals. "One year, I created silhouettes mounted on paper doilies of all of our members for a Valentine's Day dance," Sabra recalled. "It was an exciting time." From a young age, Sabra enjoyed drawing and creating art-based projects for school. "I have always been fascinated with faces and the human form," Sabra says. "I enjoy working from live models." Sabra graduated from the University of Missouri in 1949 with her bachelor of arts degree. She went on to receive her master of arts in 1979 and a master of fine arts in 1982. Sabra taught at Stephens College for more than 10 years, as well as at William Woods University for two years and decided to retire in 1989 to focus on sculpting. She has sculpted a number of bronzes throughout her career, but her favorite piece is the bronze sculpture of the Lewis & Clark Expedition in Jefferson City, Mo. "I enjoyed the historical research needed to create this monument," Sabra said. She has also had the opportunity to work with a number of notable figures, including Kansas City Chiefs players, Bob Barker, Norm Stewart, and other public figures. Her work may be seen in numerous public locations and found in private collections across the nation. As an artist, Sabra says her experiences in Kappa Kappa Gamma helped her find inspiration. "Kappa inspires you to follow your dreams," Sabra stated. "The friendships I made in Kappa Kappa Gamma had a major impact on my life and my career." As an alumna and former teacher, Sabra advises undergraduate Kappas to persevere by never giving up on their dreams and knowing that it is never too late to start a new career. "I went to graduate school at 49," Sabra said. "If there is something you love to do, do it." Sabra lives in Columbia, Mo., and enjoys traveling. She has four children (James, John, Sabra, and Shelley), five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. If you would like to reconnect with Sabra, she can be reached at jimandsabra@gmail.com. To view more of Sabra's artwork, visit www.sabratullmeyer.com. Sabra Meyer '46 next to her Lewis and Clark expedition sculpture in Jefferson City, Mo. Alumnae Update Chapter Eternal Jane Clancy '44 entered Chapter Eternal on May 12, 2017, at age 91. She was born October 28, 1925. Alumnae News Lorette McClatchy Goetz '39 is 97 and lives in Santa Fe, N.M., where she enjoys walks to the plaza and the occasional Kappa alumnae gathering. Marietta Jonas Jayne '41 lives in Kirksville, Mo., and received her 75-year member pin last year. Katherine Bork Kleppe '48 is loving retirement after 29 years of teaching middle school. She volunteers at the local Veteran's Hospital, enjoys taking care of her roses, and driving her car. E-mail: corajeankleppe@gmail.com Shirley Schwan Harris '52 lives in Miami, Fla., where she enjoys playing bridge. Her daughter lives in Costa Rica, while her son works for R.B.C. in Minnesota. Her granddaughter graduated from a school in South Carolina. Karen Keck Albin '62 always enjoys the Theta News and especially liked the alumnae feature article on Vivian Eynatten Benedict '59 and Susie Eynatten Hughes '63. E-mail: kalbin4260@hotmail.com Donna Gross Dienstbach '66 is excited that the ladies in her pledge class turn 70 this year, and she will be attending a reunion in Estes Park, Colo., to celebrate. Donna celebrated the last reunion with her sisters in Park City, Utah, in 2015. E-mail: ddienstbach@aol.com Helen Hamshaw Hatridge '69 is a retired school counselor, who has been involved in community philanthropy. She has served on the board of Community Services League and Truman Heartland Community Foundation. Helen also worked for Christ United Methodist serving in Caring Ministries and now serves as co-lay leader for Heartland District of Missouri Methodist Church. E-mail: dhatridge@att.net Lisa Hosfield Cochrane '74 retired in late 2015 from Allstate Corporation, where she worked in the marketing division. She serves on the board of directors for both Symbria Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and does marketing, brand, and advertising consulting. E-mail: lisadianecochrane@gmail.com Kimberly Seth Smith '78 was a contributing writer for the book Wedding Etiquette for Dummies by Sue Fox. She was also an adjunct professor in communications at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. Kimberly plays piano semi-professionally around the St. Louis area. She is also an active member of the Saint Charles Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. E-mail: smithkaja@sbcglobal.net Jennifer Kircher Benson '82 lives in Shawnee Mission, Kan. Her daughter, Sara Benson '14, is a senior. E-mail: jenben@kc.rr.com Jamie McCormack Quirk '90 has enjoyed a career in elementary education for more than 20 years. She was a classroom teacher and is now a school coordinator for the International Baccalaureate at Field Elementary School. Jamie also works for the IB Educator Network as a workshop leader, site visitor, and consultant. E-mail: gquirk@spsmail.org Jeanna Hehl Basnett '03 moved from San Diego, Calif., to Honolulu, Hawaii, where her husband is on active duty with the United States Navy. She and her husband enjoy going to the beach, hiking, and traveling. Jeanna would love to swing by to see the house and say hi to Mom and meet everyone. E-mail: jeannabanett@gmail.com Paula Chapman Kuhl '07 is a third-grade teacher at Lindbergh School District, as well as a fitness instructor. She and her husband, Kurt, recently celebrated their third anniversary. E-mail: paulamchapman@yahoo.com Suzanna Thorne '11 lives in Columbia, Mo., and is finishing her third year of graduate school, where she is working toward her doctorate of physical therapy. E-mail: smtkw7@mail.missouri.edu

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