The Beta Sigma Phi Chapters in Great Bend gathered to celebrate the 93rd anniversary of the founding of Beta Sigma Phi. Hosted by the Xi Delta Upsilon Chapter, the Preceptor Pi Chapter and members of the former Laureate Kappa Chapter enjoyed a delicious Italian meal prepared by LaResa Likes, owner of Great Bend Coffee.

The first Beta Sigma Phi chapter was founded in Abilene in 1931 by Walter W. Ross and has grown to over 180,000 members worldwide. Beta Sigma Phi is the largest organization of its kind in the world, providing social, cultural and civic enrichment for its members. Membership is made up of women of all ages, building friendships that last a lifetime.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Charter of the Xi Delta Upsilon Chapter. Vicki Haselhorst prepared a program about that Chapter’s founding and some of the cultural events of 50 years ago. As it is a small chapter, Xi Delta Upsilon recognized all its members as Sisters of the Year with a yellow rose. Preceptor Pi Chapter honored their Secretary, Brenda Black, with the Woman of the Year award and a yellow rose. Patti Blackwell announced the 2024-25 theme as “Beta Sigma Phi – the Right Place to Be.”  The evening closed with all members joining in the Closing Ritual and Mizpah.