UNK Alpha Phi Delta Xi Chapter
- Founded in 1963
- Alpha Phi’s second chapter in Nebraska
- Has initiated 1,444 members since its founding
By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Five decades of University of Nebraska at Kearney Alpha Phi women gathered on campus recently to celebrate 50 years of sisterhood.
“We had women from all five decades – from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s – plus over 100 current collegian members,” said Tracy Lungrin, an Alpha Phi and the reunion organizer.
In early October, the 50th anniversary reunion of UNK’s Alpha Phi chapter included a reception at Kearney Country Club with music by UNK student Lanny Fuller and a welcome by Dean of Student Affairs Joe Oravecz. Activities also included campus tours, including a tour of the Alpha Phi house that was built in 1991, and tailgate party at the Alumni House followed by the Loper football game against Lindenwood University.
“Everybody found their sisters that they haven’t seen forever. There was tons of chatter, constant chatter. It was great,” Lungrin said.
More than 300 Alpha Phi members also attended the “Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence Banquet and Celebration” at the Younes Conference Center. Humorist Juli Burney entertained the crowd, and Alpha Phi International President Linda Boland spoke at the dinner.
“Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alpha Phi’s beloved Delta Xi chapter,” Boland said during her speech. “We celebrate your commitment to sisterhood, scholarship and service. We celebrate the collegians and alumnae alike who hail from UNK and represent their university and fraternity with honor and pride. We celebrate your belief in lifelong, never-ending friendship. You are a true source of inspiration for Alpha Phi.”
Twelve charter members attended the celebration and were given charter pins. “That was really special because they were the first members of our chapter back in 1963,” Lungrin said. “We wanted them to feel really honored.”
Founding advisors Barbara Bush and Jane Smith, both of Kearney, were also given charter pins.
Alpha Phi members came from 18 states, including Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Arizona, California and Florida.
“Your college experience, if you do it well, is such an important time for growth in your life,” Lungrin said. “People were saying, ‘These women supported me, they helped me grow, they’ve been the bridesmaids in my wedding, they’ve been there for the good times and the bad.’ They wanted to come back and participate in that original sisterhood.”
The importance of the event, Lungrin added, was reconnecting people to the organization and the university.
“They didn’t just come back for their connection to Alpha Phi, they came back because of their connection to Kearney. So many of them have not been here for years. When they were walking around the campus they couldn’t believe how much is the same, and how much has changed. It was really neat to see.”
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Source: Tracy Lungrin, tracy.lungrin@gmail.com
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
That was such a warm and wonderful weekend. Thanks again to those who worked so hard to put together a great celebration and to those who travelled near and far to re-connect and reflect and renew our friendships!