Gamma Phi Beta - Southern Methodist University

ith the 2017-18 school year in full swing, the Alpha Xi Chapter's motto is "new year, new chapter!" Over the summer, we elected a passionate, new philanthropy chairman, Taylor Kramer '16. We also planned a new retreat called Gamma Phi Day, as well as welcomed our new chapter advisor, Valerie Hall, University of Oklahoma '07. With these exciting changes, we are determined to do our absolute best this year. PURSUING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Achieving a 3.47, Gamma Phi Beta has seen a remarkable improvement with an increase in our chapter GPA, which places us above the all- women and all-Greek averages. Even with such a great improvement, Scholarship Chairman Alexandra Dykeman '16 and Education Vice President Margot Johnson '15 are still determined to improve this average by making revisions to our scholarship contract. PHILANTHROPICALLY FOCUSED Alpha Xi Chapter held our major philanthropic event, Moonball, which consists of a three-on- three basketball tournament, on October 21. We are happy to announce that we raised $4,283 for our local Girls on the Run organization. This transformational learning program for 8- to 13-year-old girls teaches life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running. It was a wonderful event, and we are excited to continue our philanthropic endeavors in 2018. PREPARING FOR RECRUITMENT We are already preparing for recruitment in January, and Membership Vice President Hillery Lemon '16 created a new recruitment plan that we will continue to utilize well into the future. She has a passionate team who is eager to meet the members and teach them Gamma Phi Beta's values and traditions. THANKFUL FOR ALUMNAE SUPPORT We would like to thank the alumnae who attended SMU's Homecoming festivities, where we won third place in the float building completion. We thank alumnae for their support, and we encourage you to stop by the chapter house if you ever find yourself in the Dallas area. In IIKE, Kristin Kapusta '15 Chapter President kkapusta@smu.edu (440) 665-7589 NEW YEAR, NEW CHAPTER Alpha Xi Stays Dedicated in Academics and Philanthropic Events Gamma Phi Beta | 3 Left: Alpha Xi members enjoy a day of sisterhood fun in February. Middle: Hillery Lemon '16 in Venice, Italy, in June. Right: The executive board at the REAL Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, in February. Recruitment Efforts in Full Swing for Spring 2018 Southern Methodist University's recruitment will be held Thursday, January 18, through Sunday, January 21, with preference in the morning and bid day activities in the afternoon. The chapter looks forward to welcoming new members to our sisterhood in 2018. Alpha Xi Fast Facts Alpha Xi volunteered more than 804 hours in the spring 2017 semester. Alpha Xi sisters achieved a 3.465 in the spring 2017 semester, which is above the all-women and all-Greek averages. 21 Alpha Xi members will graduate during the spring 2018 semester. Alpha Xi sisters are involved in a number of student organizations, including Active Minds, SMU Ambassadors, Mustang Heroes, AED, Mustang Mavericks, SMU Ballroom, Relay for Life, Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity, The Mob, and club volleyball. Melissa Gladden | St. Louis, MO Emily Herrera | Dallas, TX Kavita Liyanage | Colleyville, TX Katie Mixon* | Plano, TX Summer Rye | Phoenix, AZ Elizabeth When | Dallas, TX * Legacy Welcome, New Members

• Cover