Delta Gamma - University of Kansas

Anchored In page 2 ANCHORING BONDS Nicole "Nikki" Snyder '12 Thankful for Beta Kappa Friendships A fter transferring to the University of Kansas sophomore year, Nicole "Nikki" Snyder '12 wanted a place to call home. "I was really just going through recruitment for the experience, and wasn't set on a particular Chapter. However, when I met the Beta Kappa women, I felt like I was home and knew I had found my people." From then on, Nikki gained a true sense of belonging as part of the Beta Kappa sisterhood and has not once regretted her decision. Whether watching movies or attending sisterhood events, the Beta Kappa sisters built an unshakeable bond. "When I became part of Delta Gamma, I remember thinking that this is the first time I felt I could truly change the world through philanthropy or helping a fellow sister. Even today, the Chapter still gives me a sense of belonging and accomplishment." After graduating from KU in 2015, Nikki set out to Kansas City with a few Beta Kappa sisters, who have remained her support system every step of her career. She now works for a charter school for refugees and is pursuing her master's in counseling psychology. It is thanks to her membership in Delta Gamma that she found her passion. "During my time at KU, I started a mentoring program at the juvenile detention center in Lawrence, and Beta Kappa helped set the stage for my profession. All of the women pushed me to be the best I could be and I always had hundreds of cheerleaders. Even to this day, my very best friends from Delta Gamma still live with me and cheer me on." Nikki encourages undergraduate members to get to know every one of their sisters in Beta Kappa. Doing so builds solid lifelong relationships that develop into strong connections as alumnae. If alumnae have lost touch with their sisters or Beta Kappa, Nikki challenges them to remember what Delta Gamma still means to them and to fall back on their relationships. "I left college with a huge group of friends who keep me connected to Beta Kappa both directly and indirectly." In fact, a Beta Kappa sister introduced Nikki to her current position on Beta Kappa's House Corporation. "Delta Gamma has molded me into the well-rounded person I am today, so I think it's important for me to give back any way I can." Nikki lives in Kansas City, Mo., and can be reached at nikkisnyder24@gmail.com. When I became part of Delta Gamma, I remember thinking that this is the first time I felt I could truly change the world through philanthropy or helping a fellow sister. Even today, the Chapter still gives me a sense of belonging and accomplishment. Preserving the Sisterhood How Abbey Buchanan '11 Stays Involved with Beta Kappa A lthough Abbey Buchanan '11 was the only person to attend the University of Kansas from her Minnesota high school, she was excited to take on the challenge and meet new people. "I was nervous about the recruitment process, but felt right at home when I met the women at Beta Kappa because they were so outgoing, down to earth, and goofy. Fast forward seven years later and it's those same qualities that have kept me close to my Delta Gamma sisters today." Memories of driving to campus with the life-size Hannah doll in the backseat, watching scary movies in the tube, and long walks to campus all speak to the unique experiences of Beta Kappa members. As an alumna, Abbey enjoys seeing that the Chapter's commitment to diversity remains strong. "It was Delta Gamma's mission to find the women in recruitment that had different interests, backgrounds, and hometowns. This determination has created a melting pot within our Chapter that still gives me a sense of pride for our sisterhood." While the spirit of Beta Kappa has not changed, Abbey is amazed at the Chapter house renovations. "I absolutely love the renovations! The Chapter house is a dream and I'm extremely jealous t h e r e n o v a t i o n s were made after I graduated." Abbey is lucky to be able to visit campus often with her role on the House Corporation board. She learned of the opportunity from a sister in her pledge class, who is now an advisor for Beta Kappa. However, Abbey believes you do not need to hold a leadership position to reconnect with the Chapter. "My sisters and I have a group chat, which makes it feel like we all still live in the same house again. We even have a Kansas City-based Delta Gamma group chat that hosts birthday and holiday events such as Friendsgiving and a Christmas party." Establishing a bond can be as simple as commenting on a sister's social media post to start a conversation or attending local alumnae group events. "I think Delta Gamma really shaped my sense of loyalty and commitment. The Beta Kappa sisterhood goes way beyond your college years and it's special to be a part of something bigger than yourself for generations to come." Abbey is a client partner at Spotlight AR, which is an analyst relations firm in Kansas City that helps innovative technology companies build relationships with industry analysts. "Being a part of Delta Gamma taught me that relationships are everything in life. By building your network, you'll have access to more opportunities throughout your career." She can be reached at abuchanan8657@gmail.com. I think Delta Gamma really shaped my sense of loyalty and commitment. The Beta Kappa sisterhood goes way beyond your college years and it's special to be a part of something bigger than yourself for generations to come.

• Cover