Gamma Phi Beta - University of Kansas

SIGMA NEWS 2 Thank You, Generous Sisters O ur sincere thanks go to each sister who has made a contribution to Sigma Chapter. Your gifts make possible the neces- sary work that happens at our Gamma Phi Beta home. Listed here are the donors to the fall 2017 appeal. If an error has been made in recording your gift, we sincerely apologize. If a correction your giving record is needed, please send it to Sigma Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta, P.O. Box 3796, Lawrence, KS 66046. Robin C. Beery '85 Trish Bailey Boger '69 Marcia Nelson Cassidy '58 Sara Clawson Colt '60 Cindy Schuler Davidson '74 Lisa Miguelino Duchman '91 Karlene Howell Ferguson '58 Brenda Diehl Gast '73 Kelle Burmeister Gilmore '97 Jane Lillis Gochis '87 Jeanne Gorman '70 Mary McDonald Gosney '73 Gail Schuler Jennings '73 M. Suzanne Kastner Kerwin '57 Margaret Longwood Lamb '50 Barbara Elliott Machin '68 Jananne Hewett McLaughlin '75 Mary Stout Mize '47 Janet Goldsby Myers '64 Ann May Williams Overman '53 Sally Ossian Smith '60 Dinah Wolters Schuler '56 Sandra Miller Shutler '58 Dr. Ellen Winkler Slicker '66 Jessica Townsend Teague '74 Janel Zellers Wait '91 Mary Sharon Cole Wells '54 Full Circle Kelly Stavros Simari '80 Reconnects with KU, ΓΦΒ Chapter Officers President Jamie Maddox '15 kugphipresident@gmail.com Membership Vice President Nina Ricci '16 kugphimvp@gmail.com Administrative Vice President Gabi Cameli '15 Public Relations Vice President Taylor Arneson '16 Financial Vice President Kaylee Byers '16 Education Vice President Jordan Heath '16 Panhellenic Affairs Vice President Molly Kuehl '16 House Manager Kate Zucker '16 W hen it came time for Kelly Stavros Simari '80 to choose a college, she knew where she wanted to go—the University of Kansas. The Overland Park native found her- self majoring in business, joining Gamma Phi Beta, and marrying Rob Simari, a University of Kansas medical student, shortly after gradua- tion. Life then took Kelly and Rob on a journey outside of Kansas, and for 30 years, the couple raised their family in various places through- out the U.S. In 2014, the Simaris returned to Kansas and were reconnected with their alma mater. "My attachment to KU was always there, even when we were out of Kansas," Kelly said. "Now I've reconnected with Gamma Phi sis- ters, friends, and the university; I've come full circle in my relationship with KU." The couple returned to Jayhawk territory when Rob became Executive Dean of the University of Kansas School of Medicine and now serves as the Executive Vice Chancellor. Since return- ing, Kelly has geared up her volunteer efforts by working with the Ronald McDonald House charities, Sigma Chapter's house corporation board, and at the KU Hospital where she holds babies in the NICU. "It's very reward- ing. Human contact can assist with the healing process and sometimes parents cannot always be there," she said. "It feels like you can add comfort to their day." Before moving back to Kansas, Kelly was a stay-at-home mom to four children and ran a small personalized sta- tionery business out of her home for 18 years. "I stayed at home with our kids for 28 years and that is something I was so fortunate to do and took advantage of the chance to be avail- able to them," she said. "I also did a lot of volunteer work for the kids' schools, church, and a variety of community organizations." Last September, Kelly was asked to join the house corporation board and decided to see for herself what Gamma Phi Beta is like today and is thoroughly impressed with the leadership skills she's seen in active sisters. Kelly sees how alumnae volunteers stress the importance of morals and values and believes Greek life will thrive as long as members remain focused on those important characteristics. "They're focused on a mission and it's truly great to be a part of it," she said. "I think it's important for women to stay in touch with Gamma Phi Beta and KU. There are so many wonderful advantages to staying connected with friends, classmates, and sisters." Kelly and Rob live in Mission Hills and she can be reached at thepaperstudio@gmail.com.

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