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Senior of the Week May 17th - 24th

2010-05-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

The AMAZING senior of the week is....

Nicole Vargo!!!

Hometown: Lancaster, CA

Year you joined sorority and pledge class: Fall 2008, Beta Upsilon Pledge
Class

Major: Sociology
Minors: Business Management and Educational Studies

Discuss your favorite position/involvement you have had in Gamma Phi Beta.
        One of my favorite experiences in Gamma Phi was Greek Week 2010. Even
though we did win the entire thing, one of the events was a Cardboard Boat
Building competition. The boat had to be built of just cardboard and duct
tape, and had to be paddled for a total of 15 minutes at the ARC pool.
When I undertook this task, I knew it would take a lot of work, but I drew
up plans and set out to work. It took days of work, and a large amount of
both cardboard and tape. But when the day finally came I was super nervous
because the boat was under a lot of speculation because of its large size
and long build (It was about 7-8 feet long). But let me tell you, all of
my anxiety was for nothing because the boat turned out fantastic and was
by far the best boat of the competition.

What are your post-graduation plans?
        I am currently looking to enter the field of sports management and am
seeking employment with professional sporting agencies across southern
California.

What did you expect out of the sorority when you joined? Were all those
expectations fulfilled?
        I truly had no idea what to expect when I joined Gamma Phi, all I knew
is I wanted to play intramural sports. I can easily say that not only have
I had an absolutely amazing time playing sports with my sisters and
serving as the Sports Chair last year, but that I’ve gained more than I
could ever expect. I always look forward to the sports games and practices
way in advance, and luckily my sisters are just as athletic and
competitive as I am; so we very frequently win! So in that aspect, my
expectations were definitely fulfilled.

Describe something you will take with you from your undergraduate
experience as a Gamma Phi Beta.
        I will take with me fond memories and experiences that have helped shape
me as a strong leader in the working world.

What advice would you give to your younger sisters?
        Don’t be lazy. You really can do it all if you set your mind to it. Of
course there are and always will be priorities, but Gamma Phi experiences
can be a large part of your college life if you let them.

Senior of the Week May 10th - May 17th

2010-05-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

The sister of the week is the effervescent

Christine Chou!!!!!! aka “Chou Chou”

Hometown: Fremont, CA

Year you joined sorority and pledge class: Fall 2007 Beta Rho!!

Major: International Studies and Business Management

Discuss your favorite position/involvement you have had in Gamma Phi Beta.

This year’s Crescent Classic – I was the Zeta coach and we won the video game tournament!! It was super intense

What are your post-graduation plans? Travel and hopefully find a career in special event planning or management

What did you expect out of the sorority when you joined? Were all those expectations fulfilled?

I didn’t know what to expect coming into the sorority, but since then I’ve met a diverse crowd of chill girls and now I have over 100+ sisters!

Describe something you will take with you from your undergraduate experience as a Gamma Phi Beta.

The many silly memories I shared with my sisters J

What advice would you give to your younger sisters?

College is short – make the most out of it! Which means, don’t be a granny and go have fun!

Senior of the Week May 3rd - May 10th

2010-05-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

The amazing Senior of the Week is...

Christine Cameron!!!

Hometown: La Crescenta, CA

Year you joined sorority and pledge class: Fall 2008, Beta Upsilon J

Major: Film & Media Studies

Discuss your favorite position/involvement you have had in Gamma Phi Beta.

My favorite involvement in Gamma Phi has been all the sisterhood activities! I love watching all the sports, supporting sisters participating in philanthropies, watching Songfest practice, making trips to Yogurtland, etc. It’s nice to have a group of girls that I can just hang out with and have a good time.

What are your post-graduation plans?

After graduation I plan on staying in Irvine and finding a job. As a film major I really want to work on productions, and I’d like to start out by working for Disneyland and then perhaps moving on to work for Disney studios. I also have an invitation to work on a production in Florida with a friend of my Dad, who happens to be a producer!

What did you expect out of the sorority when you joined? Were all those expectations fulfilled?

I did not really know what to expect at first, I had heard about sororities over the summer before UCI from a friend who is a Kappa Alpha Theta at UC San Diego. I listened to her tell me about how she made such awesome friends, and I really wanted that experience as well. I got way more than I expected, I have made lifelong friends and met people that have changed my life. Joining Gamma Phi was the best thing that could happen to me.

Describe something you will take with you from your undergraduate experience as a Gamma Phi Beta.

I will definitely take more confidence with me as I move into my place in the working world. I know I have so many people that will support me no matter what I want to do, and I know they will be there for me when times are hard. It is the strength of my friends that gives me strength and confidence to be myself and succeed.

What advice would you give to your younger sisters?

My advice would be to go to as many Gamma Phi activities as you can! Lately I have been pretty busy, and I wish I had more time at UCI to stay in the chapter and get more involved! Sounds cliché, but time goes by really really fast and you gotta get it while its there in front of you!

Senior of the Week April 26th- May 3rd

2010-04-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

The fabulous Senior of the Week is....

Leah Bautista!!!

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Year you joined sorority and pledge class: Fall 2007, Beta Rho!!!

Major: Business Economics with a Minor in Accounting

Discuss your favorite position/involvement you have had in Gamma Phi Beta. My favorite part about being in Gamma Phi is being a Big Sis. I am proud to be a role model for my Littles and hope to guide them in sharing the same great experiences in this sisterhood that I had.

What are your post-graduation plans? I plan to go to graduate school for an MBA. Or maybe I will work full-time in the accounting or financial field.

What did you expect out of the sorority when you joined? Were all those expectations fulfilled? I wanted to join a sorority to meet new people and get involved. Gamma Phi definitely went beyond in fulfilling my expectations of joining a sorority. I couldn’t have imagined all the opportunities available to me, from social events, to philanthropies, scholarships and even job opportunities.

Describe something you will take with you from your undergraduate experience as a Gamma Phi Beta. I will always remember what it takes to promote the highest type of womanhood and apply it to my future endeavors.

What advice would you give to your younger sisters? Get involved, whether it is holding a position or even just coming out to events. The best sorority experience comes from the effort you put in to it. And honestly, being with your sisters shouldn’t take effort because there is a special bond that makes you want to be with your sisters. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be around such wonderful ladies like us Gamma Phi’s.

Senior of the Week April 19th-26th

2010-04-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our lovely senior of the week is....

Kailee Ann Shearer!!!!

Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga

Year you joined sorority and pledge class: Beta Xi (2006)

Major: Biological Sciences

Minor: Cultural Anthropology

Discuss your favorite position/involvement you have had in Gamma Phi Beta.

During my second year in the chapter I was elected as our Administrative Vice President. I remained in this office for two years and truly cherish the time I had as a member of the Executive Council. I was able to gain a better understand of how our chapter is run administratively and was able to work with some of our Gamma Phi Beta International leaders.

What are your post-graduation plans?

As of right now, I plan on attending Pharmacy school in Fall of 2011. I’m going to take a few months off from school, head home and spend as much time as I can with my family because I miss them all so much.

What did you expect out of the sorority when you joined? Were all those expectations fulfilled?

I actually was dragged out to recruitment by my two best friends from high school and had no real intention of joining a sorority. I seriously believed all of the stereotypes we are taught growing up were true and I wanted nothing to do with that image. Basically, after the three of us ended up with bids from Gamma Phi, I began to understand how different and unique our chapter truly was. I was expecting to come into this house where there were over 100 girls who were friendly on the outside but catty and manipulative behind you back. After a week of being in Gamma Phi, all of those previously conceived notions were shattered. Our house was filled with girls who were real and who appreciated who I truly was. I never felt judged or that I had to put on a front to fit in. My sisters truly loved me for who I was and didn’t want to change anything about me. In the end, I realized how true and genuine our sisterhood really is and am so glad I ended up joining.

Describe something you will take with you from your undergraduate experience as a Gamma Phi Beta.

One of the many things I will take away from my undergraduate experience as a Gamma Phi is the necessity of time management. Being thrown into the rush of college life can be overwhelming, like it was for me my freshman year, but having the sorority helped anchor me, giving me a foundation to build off of. Gamma Phi helped me develop not only life skills, such as interview techniques or the ability to literally strike up a natural conversation with anyone, but also helped me to develop as a woman in regards to emotional maturity and overall character traits.

What advice would you give to your younger sisters?

The best advice I can give to younger sisters is that you get out of the sorority what you put in. Don’t just go through the motions of being an active member by only attending meeting and the required events; reach out and seriously get involved. Some of the best times I can remember throughout my four years here definitely involve me and my sisters with random late night coffee or ice cream runs, random beach hang outs, participating together in volunteer work and just chilling with each other after meetings or events. Truly cherish those times, they’ll be gone before you realize.

Senior of the Week April 12th-19th

2010-04-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Senior of the Week is...

Anne Ryan!!!!

Hometown: Redding, Ca (Northern California) and Billings, Mt

Year you joined sorority and pledge class: Fall 2007, Beta Rho

Major: Criminology, Law and Society

Discuss your favorite position/involvement you have had in Gamma Phi Beta.

My favorite position/involvement in Gamma Phi was helping with the Fall 2009 pledge class as assistant new member educator. I enjoyed getting to know the pledge class, and loved getting to share all of the information that I have learned throughout my time in Gamma Phi with our incoming girls. This experience helped me relieve some of my favorite memories from the beginning of my time in the chapter, and helped me share my love and passion for Gamma Phi Beta.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I plan on attending law school, and then working either in the juvenile justice system, or as a judge in the district courts.

What did you expect out of the sorority when you joined? Were all those expectations fulfilled?

I expected to make friends and participate in several activities, but I had no idea the quality of friendships that I would be able to form. I expected to form friendships that were similar to the ones I had made through extra-curriculars in high school, but I was surprised to be able to form such strong connections so quickly. The girls in Gamma Phi have surpassed my expectations, and have truly earned their label as my sisters. I have found a second home in Gamma Phi, and could never have expected the experience to affect me the way that it has.

Describe something you will take with you from your undergraduate experience as a Gamma Phi Beta.

The friendships that I have made throughout my time in Gamma Phi will come with me throughout the rest of my life. Not only have I been able to help my community, participate in sports and build professional skills that will be beneficial to me as time continues, but I have done so alongside my sisters. We have been able to bond in a truly unique way, and have developed a connection that is unlike any other. My sisters have been there with me through my highs and my lows, and I am confident that they will continue to be there for me as time continues.

What advice would you give to your younger sisters?

I would advise younger girls to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to them throughout their time in the chapter. Take the time to get to know your sisters -whether that means participating in a philanthropy, helping during recruitment, or having a random coffee date- take advantage of it. The more involved you are able to become, the more powerful experience you will have. You may be surprised by the things you are able to learn about each other, the sisterhood and about yourself.

SENIOR of the Week April 5th-12th

2010-04-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Spring quarter is devoted to honoring our Seniors who have put so much into our chapter since the will be graduating and living their legacies behind. In honor of this tradition, instead of just picking a sister of the week, we're going to pick a Senior of the Week. The first lovely senior to be chosen is...

Czarina Colada!!!

Hometown:

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Year you joined sorority and pledge class:

Fall 2007; Beta Rho :)

Major:

Biological Science with a Minor in Sociology

Discuss your favorite position/involvement you have had in Gamma Phi Beta.

Definitely being Public Relations Vice President!! It really allowed me to be creative and I got to be involved with many components of the chapter like socials, philanthropy and sports. It was a lot of work, but always rewarding to know that I help relay all of our achievements throughout our community!

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am currently in the process of applying for internships in the medical field. Within the following year I plan to apply for grad schools.

What did you expect out of the sorority when you joined? Were all those expectations fulfilled?

I came to Gamma Phi Beta expecting the find great sisters and great college experience. I can truly say that I got that and more!

Describe something you will take with you from your undergraduate experience as a Gamma Phi Beta.

Gamma Phi Beta has really transformed me into the woman that I am today. I have gained “life skills” that will help me as I transition into my post-graduate life. I have also made amazing friends and memories that will stay with me long after I leave UCI.

What advice would you give to your younger sisters?

My advice would be to take advantage of any opportunities that come up! Whether that means holding a position or simply participating in a philanthropy, really make the effort to get involved. It helps you get to know your sisters better and those will be the times that you make your best memories in Gamma Phi Beta. I remember making the flower arrangements for recruitment, and regardless of how late it was we all had a great time hanging out with each other!

Crescent Ball 2010

2010-03-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

Every year Gamma Phi Beta hosts a beautiful formal dance and this year's Crescent Ball wasn't just beautiful, it was gorgeous! The following is a picture of the decadent interior of the venue.

The beauty of the venue was further reflected in details, such as the place settings that made every Gamma Phi and their guest feel classy while eating the delicious dinner.

This enchanting evening was the product of expert planning by Gamma Phi Beta's very own Internal Social Chair, Rebecca Chu.

Instead of speculating on how Rebecca made this wonderful night possible, we simply asked her to recount her experiences planning the event for all of you:

"Hi! My name is Rebecca Chu and I am the Internal Social Chair for Gamma
Phi Beta.  I had the pleasure of planning our Crescent Ball which is our
formal dance that occurs during Winter Quarter.  This year our formal took
place at Celebrations at Turnip Rose in the Grand Newport Plaza.  Planning
this event was amazing, stressful, and yet the most rewarding experience
that I will ever have.  It taught me to prioritize my time and to be more
organized.  I definitely had to be on top of things and keep track of a
lot of different people such as the photographer, the DJ, the bus company,
and above all the venue.  But the night was beautiful.  Everyone was
dressed up; the girls wore gorgeous dresses and their dates cleaned up
nice in a suit and a tie.  The venue offered above and beyond with its
special lighting and delicious food and desserts.  The DJ mixed music and
we danced the night away.  It was a memorable night that I will never
forget!  And a night I hope my sisters will never forget either.  All I
can hope for is to create a memory for my fellow Gamma Phi Beta sisters
that they will be able to cherish for years to come."

Undoubtedly, every Gamma Phi cherished the special evening, especially the award winners! True to Gamma Phi Beta formal tradition sisters in the chapter nominate their fellow sisters for various awards and this year they were:

Fashionista: Lisa Recio

Miss Congeniality: Christina Bui

Social Butterfly: Lauren Barnes

Most Likely to be the Prettiest Future Mom: Nancy Kantzavelos

Best Big and Little: Sam Okawa and Jenn Fujitani

Studious: Danielle Hontz

Funniest: Whitney Shepard

Gamma Phi Beta Woman of the Year: Christina Rios

These extraordinary women were given a tiara and got to feel like a princess for the duration of the evening. But the truth is, everyone felt like royalty at Crescent Ball 2010 thanks to the amazing event planned by Rebecca Chu!!!!

Sister of the Week Mar. 15-22

2010-03-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

The fantastic sister of the week is.....

Stephanie Barnes!

Hometown: Desert Hot Springs

Year: 3^rd

Major: Biological Sciences

What are your hobbies/interests?

I love to play sports, especially basketball, and watching reality tv shows is my addiction, sadly.

What’s your dream job?

If I could do anything in the world I would want to either travel the world spreading peace and hope to third world countries (particularly teaching English and what not) or be a professional basketball player.

When and why did you join Gamma Phi Beta?

I joined Gamma Phi in Fall 2009 in order to get the chance to really experience college and enjoy it! I can honestly say that Gamma Phi has actually made me enjoy being on campus and participating actively in many different activities as where before I was mostly depressed because I thought I was going to graduate without any thing to look back on; mostly without those friends that stick around for your entire life. But now I sleep easy knowing that I have finally found my home here at UCI.

Describe Gamma Phi Beta in three words.

Inspiring, loving, and everlasting friendship

Talk about one of your favorite Gamma Phi Beta memories.

My favorite moment thus far would have to be at Big Sis revealing when I found out that Brittany Davis is going to be my big. I remember being so nervous and scared for so long about whom my big was going to be but then once everything was over and done with and we were taking pictures in the foyer, it was really one of the happiest moments of my life.

You graduate tomorrow. What will you miss most about being an undergraduate Gamma Phi Beta?

Seeing my sisters everyday on campus and off and the activities we get to participate in.

Sister of the Week Mar. 8-15

2010-03-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

Our lovely Sister of the Week is....

Kelsea Wallace!!!!

Hometown: Irvine, CA

Year: 3^rd year

Major: Political Science

What are your hobbies/interests? Shopping, my doggies, friends, and family

What’s your dream job? Entertainment Lawyer

When and why did you join Gamma Phi Beta? 2009. I joined because I was a transfer student new to UCI and I really wanted to get to know great quality people, and get myself more involved.

Describe Gamma Phi Beta in three words. Great College Experience

Talk about one of your favorite Gamma Phi Beta memories. My favorite experience so far was participating in Pikes of the Caribbean with my sisters. It was the first major Greek event that we had participated in since getting our bid. Myself, along with a bunch of girls, participated in a “stake out” in front of the Tri Delta house in order to capture a Pike. This event is so memorable because it was the first real bonding time I had with active members, and also new Beta Chi’s. I remember Stephanie Barnes jumping over a fence to tackle one of the pikes. I hadn’t laughed so hard in my entire life!!

You graduate tomorrow. What will you miss most about being an undergraduate Gamma Phi Beta? Being able to be an active member of the undergraduate Gamma Phi Beta. I would miss all my friends who, even though will always be in my heart, will be going separate ways to achieve their academic and lifetime goals. I will miss having an incredible social life with girls who truly care about my well-being and me. Most of all I will be happy that I came out of Gamma Phi Beta with my future bridesmaids. <3

Sister of the Week March 1st - March 8th

2010-03-01T02:32:00.000-08:00

The new sister of the week is....

Jenn Bui!

Hometown: Santa Ana forever!! (I live in Garden Grove now though….)

Year: 2nd year

Major: Public Health Science with a Management Minor

What are your hobbies/interests?

TIESTO!!!!!

What’s your dream job?

To plan major events such as music festivals and listen to good music all day long.

When and why did you join Gamma Phi Beta?

I joined my 1st year. It just felt right!

Describe Gamma Phi Beta in three words.

Beautiful, Classy Ladies =)

Talk about one of your favorite Gamma Phi Beta memories.

Setting up for Pref Day the night before…. It was so late and we were all so delirious! It was a lot of work, but being around my sisters made it so much more fun. Get some!

You graduate tomorrow. What will you miss most about being an undergraduate at Gamma Phi Beta?

Running into my sisters on campus.

Sister of the Week Feb. 22- Mar. 1st

2010-02-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

Our sensational sister of the week is.......

LAUREN AUERBACH!!!!

Hometown: Irvine, California

Year: Sophomore

Major: Criminology

What are your hobbies/interests? I really enjoy running at the gym and Irish Dancing...anything to keep me active. I also love to curl up with a good book, watch movies, and baking, not cooking :)

What’s your dream job? My dream job is to work in the FBI as an intelligence analyst

When and why did you join Gamma Phi Beta? I joined Gamma Phi my freshman year in 2008. I knew Gamma Phi was the house for me after I met my grandbig, Ashley the first day :) Also at the end of recruitment, the only song that I could remember was Forever, so I figured it was a sign.

Describe Gamma Phi Beta in three words: dependable, enthusiastic, friendly

Talk about one of your favorite Gamma Phi Beta memories: My favorite memory was definitely Big Sis Reveal. I was beyond excited to find out who my Big Sis was and to be welcomed into our once tiny, yet now rapidly growing family, who I've become incredibly close to <3

You graduate tomorrow. What will you miss most about being an undergraduate Gamma Phi Beta? I will miss the little, random moments that bring you close to your sisters. Moments like, watching the Bachelor after meeting on Mondays with girls in the house, or running errands at a shady 24 hour Walmart with a sister, or even just having girls around that you can trust for advice. These are the moments that bring people close, and I'm so thankful I've had the chance to experience so many of them!

Sister of the Week Feb. 15-22

2010-02-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

The fabulous Sister of the Week is.....

Christy Toma!!!!!!

Hometown: Torrance, CA

Year: 1st

Major: Business Administration

What are your hobbies/interests? Hanging out, going to the beach, and shopping J

What’s your dream job? I’ve always wanted to have my own clothing store or go into marketing.

When and why did you join Gamma Phi Beta? I recently joined last quarter during fall recruitment because throughout high school, I’ve always had a close group of friends that I could always count on. I wanted college to be a meaningful experience that I could share with amazing people and I was able to find that in Gamma Phi Beta.

Describe Gamma Phi Beta in three words. Inspiring, loving, and cheerful!

Talk about one of your favorite Gamma Phi Beta memories. One of my favorite memories was the Big Sis reveal. It was really fun to see everyone so excited and happy to find out who their big sis was.

You graduate tomorrow. What will you miss most about being an undergraduate Gamma Phi Beta? I would miss being able to see my sisters on a daily basis and all the fun times I’ve had with them. I’d also miss all the random moments that turned into great memories.

Alumni Relations Chairwoman

2010-02-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

Dear family, friends, and alumni,

As the new Alumni Relations Chairwoman, I wanted a chance the chance to introduce myself and welcome you to the Gamma Phi Beta blog. :]

My name is Arianna Piqueras and I'm a third year majoring in Psychology and Social Behavior. If you have any questions concerning alumni relations email me at apiquera@uci.edu

My job as Alumni Relations Chairwoman is to keep you updated and included in our lives here at Delta Eta. This blog is our informal way of providing a glimpse of our sisterhood to all of you. We've got many more Sisters of the Week to come and an eventful rest of the school year planned including our Formal Dance, Parent's Day, Crescent Classic, and much much more!

We all hope you will enjoy our reading our blog :) Keep checking back for picture and story updates on all our amazing events! Be sure to bookmark this page, so you can easily find us at the click of your mouse.

Feel free to make comments on posts, and you can send any questions regarding the blog to gammaphiblog@gmail.com.

Hope you're having a great day!

Sincerely,

Ari Alumni Relations Chairwoman

Sister of the Week Feb. 8 - 15

2010-02-08T15:40:00.001-08:00

The wonderful sister of the week for Feb. 8th - 15th is.....

Riley McLens!!!!!!

Hometown: Alameda, CA

Year: Sophomore

Major: I’m undecided right now, but at the end of the quarter I will be
declaring Political Science and Criminology, Law and Society

What are your hobbies/interests? I enjoy reading, baking, watching
movies, hanging out with my sisters!

What’s your dream job? I want to work for the DA’s office as a lawyer.

When and why did you join Gamma Phi Beta? I joined Gamma Phi Beta fall
of my Freshman year (last fall). I went through during formal recruitment,
and I just found a connection with the girls that I talked to. I thought
that Gamma Phi was down to earth and I didn’t feel like I had to put on a
front; I could be comfortable being myself.

Describe Gamma Phi Beta in three words. Classy, encouraging and amazing

Talk about one of your favorite Gamma Phi Beta memories. The first
thing that came to mind was Retreat this past summer. We rented a house in
Hermosa on the Beach. It was amazing getting to know some of the girls
that I hadn’t had a chance to really talk to before. It is experiences
like that which really make me feel like a part of the sisterhood.

You graduate tomorrow. What will you miss most about being an
undergraduate Gamma Phi Beta? I’m going to miss all of the random times
hanging out and seeing my sisters. It is nice to see my sisters at random
points in the day. Even though UCI is a smaller campus compared to some,
it can seem a little overwhelming at times. Its nice to be able to see a
familiar face walking on Ring Road or in a class and it makes the campus
seem a lot smaller. :)

Sister of the Week!

2010-02-02T13:11:00.001-08:00

As a new addition to the blog, there will be a Gamma Phi Beta sister chosen at random every week and spotlighted in their own post. This gives everyone (parents, alumni, and actives) a chance to get to know the wonderful ladies here at Delta Eta even better.

Enjoy and check back next week!

Without further ado the Sister of the Week for Feb. 1 - Feb. 8 is......

Liz Louie!!!!

Hometown: Riverside, CA

Year: Junior

Major: Business Economics

What are your hobbies/interests?

-I really enjoy being outside and being active. I’ll take any chance to travel somewhere new. Horseback riding is my main passion, but I’m also interested in floral design and playing soccer.

What’s your dream job?

-My dream job is to own my own floral design company, specifically catered to weddings. It would be great to be able to have a job where I had the freedom to be creative, while making arrangements and things that play an important role in someone’s life.

When and why did you join Gamma Phi Beta?

-I joined Gamma Phi Beta during winter quarter of my sophomore year because I was looking to make new friends and find a place on campus that I felt I belonged. After meeting some of the girls, Gamma Phi just felt like home.

Describe Gamma Phi Beta in three words.

-Loving. Classy. Fun.

Talk about one of your favorite Gamma Phi Beta memories.

-One of my favorite Gamma Phi Beta memories is recruitment because it really shows our sisterhood. To see some girls come through the house maybe looking for the same thing I was, and then leaving with a smile on their face was indescribable.

You graduate tomorrow. What will you miss most about being an undergraduate Gamma Phi Beta?

-Graduation tomorrow? Yay! HahaJ What I would miss most about being an undergraduate Gamma Phi Beta would be being on campus and always knowing there is a sister nearby to grab a bite to eat or just chit-chat with.

Creepy Crescent 2009

2009-11-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right! On Saturday, October 24th, we held our annual Creepy Crescent at our house! Like last year, foster children from the YMCA of Tustin came out for fun Halloween activities and games.

As usual, our house was decorated to the max with spider webs, pumpkins, and all things Halloween. Event the upstairs of our house was transformed into a spooky Haunted House. According to many of the costume-clad youngsters at our house, the Haunted House was one of their favorite activities of the day! After ending the day with a swing at a piñata, each child went home with a bag stuffed with goodies, including candy and party favors. And to top it off, they each received a regular sized pumpkin to take home!

Being partnered up with the YMCA for Creepy Crescent has been absolutely wonderful! We couldn't have had such a successful event without their help, as well as the help froma few other organizations in the community. All of the organizations brought along games, party favors, and volunteers. We love being able to reach out to the community with this event, and we love knowing we brought fun and excitement to all the foster children who came :)

This is what a few sisters had to say about this year's Creepy Crescent

"My name is Czarina Colada and I am the current Public Relations Vice President for Gamma Phi Beta. I had the opportunity to work closely with the coordinators of the YMCA to put together Creepy Crescent. We started planning the event in late August and it was so rewarding to see it all come together in October. I would have to say that my favorite part of Creepy Crescent was having the opportunity to play with the children and watch them enjoy all of the activities that our sisters created. Many of them kept mentioning how much fun they were having and it was great to know that our sisters were able to make a great difference for these kids!"

"I had a great time with our Creepy Crescent philanthropy. I'm really glad that my friend told me about the YMCA and forming the partnership with them. The kids who came had cute costumes and many were pretty enthusiastic, rowdy and creative. It was quite a long day (sorry to the girls living in the house for waking you up with the false fire alarm)....but i think our guests had a good time! I think for our Spring Carnival we should provide more activities for the teens."
~ President, Christina Rios (4th year)

" This year Nicole Vargo and I were paired with a child named Sebastien and we escorted him around the festivities. He was pretty quiet and I figured it was because all the activities were little kid oriented and he just wasn't having it. Finally, he opened up a little and told me he liked to play basketball. Once I heard that, I knew all bets were off and this kid was about to have a great day! I ran upstairs snatched a basketball and commenced the trash talking. We were laughing and having a good time just shooting around when some other children showed up and we put together a little game. Everyone was enjoying themselves, even the spectators! And just a side note, Team Victory (which consisted of Sebastien and I) did indeed reign victorious. :]

What I loved most about the event was succeeding in showing some children a good time, but a close second was the reptile show. Those creatures are crazy! There was even one that looked like the giant lizard thing named Joanna in the Disney movie Rescuers Down Under! I was unreasonably excited about making this connection and Sebastien and Jen weren't impressed for some reason...."

~ Nicole Vargo

Here are some additional photos. All courtesy of the one and only Pia Noguera :) She is our historian!

Here is Lauren Barnes, Jina Lee, and Kaitlin Meisse at the bag-decorating table!

These girls were partnered with a child and they had a blast taking their new little friends to all the different games and activities.

Amanda Chickman, Lisa Recio, and Stephanie Barnes at the caramel apple table.

Yummy toppings for the caramel apples!

Our Sisters Abroad - Summer 2009

2009-09-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

Summer is always a busy one for all of us. Many of us move back home, work, take summer school in Irvine, or study abroad! This summer UCI Gamma Phi's could be found in England, Italy, Chile, Costa Rica, Washington D.C. Studying abroad is such an amazing experience, and it's always so much fun hearing our sisters' travel stories. Some sisters even studied abroad together! Here are just a few pictures to show you the places we've been this summer!

This is Lucy Vinh. She studied abroad in Italy :) Here is a picture of her in the Colliseum.

Christina and Jenn Bui are both biological sisters and Gamma Phi sisters!

Diane Truong, Jessica Ly, and Bettina Ho studied abroad together in Chile! Don't they look lovely at this formal dinner?

Rina Ner had the chance to study in Costa Rica. She had some pretty cool outdoor experiences, including zip-lining!

Bailey Fowler and Caitlin Peterson participated in the UCDC program. They both spent their summer on the East Coast

Cambridge, England was definitely the place for UCI G-Phi's this summer. Leah Bautista, Kelley Chan, Kassie Castillo, and Amanda Katsuyama studied together, and from the pictures, you can tell they had a blast!

Big Sister and Little Sister, Caitlin Peterson and Christine Chou enjoy a night out on the town in NYC!

Here is Nadia Ortiz, Kassie Castillo, Christine Chou, Kerri Foley, and Kelley Chan enjoying a day at the happiest place on earth - Disneyland!

Our First Blog!

2009-08-31T14:25:00.001-07:00

Welcome family, friends, and alumni! My name is Diana Toyos and I'm the Parent/Alumni Relations Chair for Gamma Phi Beta at UCI. I'm so excited to launch our first blog that will keep you updated on all the great things we are up to while at school - including dances, philanthropy events, and sisterhood events.

We're about to start a very busy Fall Quarter with Recruitment Retreat, Recruitment, and New Member festivities - so you can be sure to find many good pictures and stories in the near future.

We all hope you will enjoy our reading our blog :) Be sure to bookmark this page, so you can easily find us at the click of your mouse. If you're a parent and you or your daughter has already given me your e-mail address, I will make sure to let you know when new entries are made!

Feel free to make comments on posts, and you can send any questions regarding the blog to gammaphiblog@gmail.com.

Hope you're having a great day!

Sincerely,

Diana