Sigma Kappa - Missouri State University

3 Sigma Kappa Where's Boomer? Cathy Johnson Smith '66 Writes MSU Children's Book S pending her life involved in education, Cathy Johnson Smith '66 has served and supported students in a number of fashions. While she only taught in a physical school for a short time, she went on to begin a tutoring program and volunteer in various school projects, enhancing the educational services in her community. As president of Grundy County Friends of the Arts Council for 30 years, she booked at least two educational programs a year for the schools in her area. But the true highlight of her involvement was being a member of the MSU Board of Governors. "It was an amazing honor to be appointed to the MSU Board of Governors," she said. "I am proud of many of the Board's accomplishments during my tenure." During her time as chairman of the Student Affairs Committee, she helped start the prestigious Citizen Scholar Award. This subcommittee also made certain to address many of the students' concerns. Throughout her seven years on the board, Cathy also visited other college campuses, where she noticed children's books being sold in bookstores that featured the campus and university mascot. Seeing these books sparked Cathy's imagination. "I decided it would be fun to have a different kind of book than the other universities had," she said "The idea was to do a book that showcased our campus and featured Boomer in several places. Sometimes he would be hard to find in the pictures, so the reader could ask 'Where's Boomer?'" With that, the creation of Where's Boomer? was born. It was Cathy's hope that children would enjoy finding Boomer in the book and want to visit MSU's campus when they were older. The book could be seen as an early recruitment tool and help readers and potential students become familiar with the campus. Additionally, she hoped to make enough money from sales to establish a scholarship. It took around four years from the first idea until Where's Boomer? was completed. Cathy had to determine all the logistics of the book, including the size, number of pages, and costs, on top of finding an illustrator. "There were a lot of steps working with college officials and the publisher, creating text and talking with the illustrator, working with MSU campus photographers, and getting permission to use the collegiate logo," she said. Cathy and her husband, Troy, paid all of the expenses for the book and turned over the rights and profits to MSU. They also dedicated the profits to be used for scholarships for MSU students. Where's Boomer? is exclusively available on campus in the MSU bookstore. During her own time at MSU, Cathy earned her degree in elementary education before later earning her master's. Though she disliked the recruitment small talk, it is safe to say this Sigma Kappa experience helped prepare Cathy for many of life's situations and she can now walk into a room and strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. Today, Cathy spends her time volunteering and spending time with grandchildren, ages 3-14. She and Troy enjoy traveling to new places throughout the U.S. and live in various places throughout the year, including Florida, Trenton, MO, and Leawood, KS. Cathy can be reached at cathys71@aol.com. Living With Heart Alanna Flath Bree '92 Awarded for Her Commitment to Serving Others W ith her roommate and best friend, Chris, by her side, Alanna Flath Bree '92 decided to partake in recruitment as a sophomore as a way to meet new people. Thankfully, becoming a Greek member ended up being much more than that, and to this day, Alanna remains proud of her Sigma Kappa sisterhood. "Being a member gave me the opportunity to develop a philanthropic focus. It was also a great chance to develop leadership skills," she said. "Best of all, it allowed me the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships with amazing women." Through Sigma Kappa, Alanna developed valuable interpersonal and leadership skills that have served her well throughout her career. It also helped her develop a passion for philanthropic work, which led her to a career that focuses on mission work. "I have a heart for children affected by albinism in Tanzania who are often placed in orphanages due to misconception, lack of education, and social injustices regarding their condition. To be able to share my medical skills and love with these children is a true joy." Following her time at Missouri State, Alanna was a research assistant at Washington University in St. Louis. She then earned her M.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, completed her dermatology residency at Saint Louis University, and finished her fellowship training in pediatric dermatology at Northwestern University. Alanna was director of pediatric dermatology at Saint Louis University, followed by a position as assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine at Texas Children's Hospital. Today, she owns her own practice, A Children's House for Pediatric Dermatology, and is founder and executive director of a nonprofit organization, A Children's House for the Soul. The nonprofit encourages and unites children and families affected by skin conditions and birthmarks by providing opportunities for social, emotional, and spiritual support. "I truly love my job and making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve," she said. For her work, Alanna was awarded for her excellence in public affairs by the Missouri State University Alumni Association as a 2017 Bear of Distinction. She advises current students to keep an open mind, respect others, realize failures are blessings in disguise, and do things outside of their comfort zones. "Truly live with heart. Realize that each day is a gift," she said. "Try to live in the present and remember you can't change your past or control your future, so don't spend valuable energy trying to do so. Follow your passions and never underestimate the power of a smile or simple act of kindness. Live to make the world a better place." Alanna has many fond memories of her undergraduate years in Sigma Kappa. From late night talks, romantic comedy watch parties, and Homecoming, she finds herself smiling when looking back on her collegiate experience. She and her husband, Doug, an interventional cardiologist, have two children, Sam and Kendyl. In her spare time, Alanna enjoys spending time with friends and family, remains active in her church and community, and loves traveling, good food, and making other's happy. She can be reached at alannabree@sbcglobal.net.

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