HAPA

Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association

HAPA PRESIDENTS

At this time, biographies for the following Presidents are available:
(Listed Alphabetically)

Click on the name below to be taken to her biography...

Sue Rayburn Brennig, 1995-1996
Lorie Matteson Coffelt, 2011-2012
Connie K. Dalton, 1997-1998
Lyn (Eleanor) Horne Young Flynt, 1986-1987
Melanie Frank, Sigma Kappa
Mimi Gordon Hagedorn, 2005-2006
Deborah (Debbie) Neinast Harris,
1994-1995
Elaine Herring, 1991-1992
Pam S. Jarrett, 2008-2009
Shirley Rose Kraus, 1999-2000
Marilyn Chesher Lynch, 1992-1993
Carolyn Berry Moore, 1993-1994
Kay Morgenroth Newman, 1998-1999
Nancy Patterson, 1978-1979
Phyllis Marie Prange, 1988-1989
Sharon Smith Reynolds, 1990-1991
Sherry Stagg St. Aubin, 2013-2014
Lisa Lowry Schwartz, 2012-2013
Sharon Kelley Shelton-Pease, 1989-1990
Pat Gres Shuford, 2000-2001

Please scroll down...

 

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Sue Rayburn Brennig, Kappa Kappa Gamma
 
     
  Sue Brennig  
     
  HAPA President 1995-1996
HAPF President 2001-2002
Citation Member 1994
Honorary Board Member Emerita 2004
 
     
 
A member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Sue attended Louisiana State University, acting as Kappa's Panhellenic Delegate from 1958-1960. 

She was a member of the London Panhellenic Association from 1964 through 1967, and served as Treasurer for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association (the only panhellenic alumnae association in London at the time). 

Sue was elected President of the Houston Kappa Alumnae Association (1999-2000) and President of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Charitable Foundation of Houston (2000-2001).  Beginning in 2001, Ms. Brennig has served on the National Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation as a member of the Development Committee.

Sue became active in HAPA in 1986 where she held the position of Second Vice President, followed by Recruitment Information Chair, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, First Vice President, President (1995-1996), and Parliamentarian/Nominating Chair. 

She has served on the Foundation Board as Secretary, President (2001-2002), and Advisor.  Her many HAPA honors include selection as a Citation Member in 1994, as Honorary Board Member in 1998, and Honorary Board Member Emeritus in 2004.

Currently, Ms. Brennig is a Trustee for the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Foundation, serves as a Trustee for the Houston Junior Forum Endowment Fund Inc., and is a Eucharistic Minister at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.  Sue was selected as the Honorary Chairman for the 2015 HAPA/HAPF Annual Scholarship Luncheon.
 
     
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Lorie Matteson Coffelt, Alpha Delta Pi
 
     
  Lorie  
     
  HAPA President 2011-2012  
     
 

Ms. Coffelt was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma where she joined Alpha Delta Pi. She received her "MRS." in 1963, by marrying her husband, Ron, a Petroleum Engineer. 

Life followed with a series of moves, the first to Huntington Beach, California where Lorie immediately joined an Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association to get acquainted. She was also a member of a large Junior Woman's Club in which she learned a lot about organizations. 

From California, Lorie and her husband moved to a company camp with twenty houses in rural Utah near the small town of Vernal. There were not many organizations there but she started a lifetime of Petroleum Wives’ Club volunteering. 

Next was Denver, where Lorie once again became involved with Alpha Delta Pi and the Petroleum Wives. Snyder and Midland, Texas were next on the list, followed by Rangely, Colorado, across the state line from where they had lived in Utah. 

The Coffelts arrived in Houston in July of 1980. Lorie soon found Alpha Delta Pi and began a long involvement which included serving as President, 1991-1993. Lorie has served as the Texas State President, 1998-2000 and the Texas A&M Chapter House Corporation President, 2008-2012. During this time, Lorie also worked as a substitute teacher for Katy ISD. 

Ms. Coffelt was named the Outstanding Texas State Alumna in 2002. In 2007 and 2011, Lorie received the Palmer Panhellenic Award for Contributions to Alumnae Panhellenics

Through the years she has also participated with other Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Associations that organized in the area, beginning by serving as Panhellenic Alternate Delegate in 2001 to Northwest Harris County Alumnae Panhellenic Association. In 2003 Lorie became the Delegate, stepping into the rotation as Treasurer, followed by President, 2005-2006. 

For many years Lorie served Alpha Delta Pi as a HAPA committee member, usually on the Bylaw Committee or the Membership Committee.  In 2006, Lorie joined the HAPA Board.  In the years following, she has served as Chairman of Bylaws, Programs, Recruitment Information, Nominating, and Community Service.  Lorie has held the offices of Second Vice President, First Vice President, and in 2011-2012, President. 

Ms. Coffelt’s membership in the Society of Petroleum Engineers Auxiliary has been equally long and involved. She has held office as Recording Secretary, Vice President, President and other offices for many years. Her favorite job was Chairman of the Offshore Technology Conference International Business Center where the group worked for more than thirty years earning an honorarium for their scholarship program. No awards here; just pride in a job well done! 

Lorie's daughter, Jennifer Coffelt Dumas, is also an Alpha Delta Pi, graduating from Texas A&M. Lorie's sister, Lynnie, is an Alpha Delta Pi, graduating from the University of Oklahoma.
 
     
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Connie K. Dalton, Phi Mu
 
     
  Connie Dalton  
     
  HAPA President 1997-1998
Citation Member 1999
 
     
 
When Connie Dalton and her husband, Cal, moved to Houston in 1988, she was grateful for the friendships and role models she found at HAPA.  She served on the board in different positions each year culminating with her rotation into the Presidency in 1997-98.

Ms. Dalton was distinguished as the Outstanding Phi Mu Alumni in Texas in 1998.  She also was a Nominee for Houston Sorority Alumni of the Year in 1998.  She was recognized as a HAPA Citation Member in 1999.

During the decade she was on the board, Connie and Cal had a daughter and a son.  She also found out her mother had been diagnosed with dementia.  After completing her year as Past President in 1999, Connie went off the board to spend more time helping with her parents and raising their children.

Presently, Connie is serving on the Board of Directors at Theatre Under the Stars and is the President of her Sunday School class at Chapelwood United Methodist Church.  She and Cal are active in The Racket Dance Club, Rice Leadership, and The Owl Club.  They also mentor three Rice PhD candidates from China.

In the past, Connie has served on the boards of Telfair Women’s Hospital, The Houston Red Cross Mash Bash Gala Committee, The Memorial Hermann Gala Committee, The Texas Medical Society Alliance, and Houston Christian High School PTSA.  She was in The National Charity League and is a sustainer in the Houston Junior League.

She enjoys organizing theme parties, discussing books with her book club, attending musical theatre, and adventurous vacations with her husband and family.
 
     
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Lyn (Eleanor) Horne Young Flynt, Alpha Phi
 
     
  Lyn  
     
  HAPA President 1986-1987
HAPF President 1987-1988 and 2000-2001
Citation Member 1989
Honorary Board Member Emerita 2000
 
     
 
Attending the University of Texas, Lyn joined Alpha Phi and has been a force ever since. She has held all offices in the Houston Alumnae Chapter, except Recording Secretary, and served twice as President (1972-1973 and 1997-1998).  On the national level for Alpha Phi, Lyn served as District Governor for six years, on the National Convention Committee twice, and on the National Nominating Committee.  In 2008, Lyn was awarded the Alpha Phi, "Michaelanean Award", a national honor for outstanding service of an alumnae.

Lyn became active in HAPA in 1976 where she has chaired and co-chaired (some multiple times) numerous committees, including:  Bylaws, Community Service, Courtesy, Finance, Membership, Nominating, Programs, Publicity, Research & Education, Scholarship Selection, Social, and Ways & Means.  She has held all offices, except Recording Secretary, and served as HAPA President in 1986-1987. During her presidency, Lyn established the Style Show as part of the annual luncheon.  Lyn served as the first Luncheon Chairman and again as Co-Chairman of the luncheon in 2011.

Lyn's crowning achievement is the establishment of the HAP Foundation in 1987.  While HAPA was granting scholarships prior to this, Lyn's vision has taken the Foundation from awarding $2,500 in 1987, to giving as much as $50,500 in a single year.  Lyn had the idea for a Wine Tasting as a fundraiser for the Foundation, and along with many other volunteers, established the event as an annual affair.  She served as the Foundation's First President in 1987-1988, and again in 2000-2001. 

Lyn was named a Citation Member in 1989, an Honorary Board Member in 1994, and Honorary Board Member Emeritus in 2000.

In addition to HAPA and HAPF, Lyn is a longtime member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
, and helped to establish the "Prime Timers" senior group.  Her interests include books, painting, and bridge.  She has always loved being involved with her church, neighbors, and the community.  

Lyn serves as a community leader by participation in DAR, UDC, Colonial Dames of the XVIII, Magic Circle Rep. Women's Club, Texas Fed. of Rep. Women, Nat. Fed. of Rep. Women, Memorial Park Garden Club, Lamar High School Alumnae Association, and as a Houston Junior League Patron.

Lyn has represented Alpha Phi in HAPA continually in one capacity or another for 36 years. She plans to be involved for many more years, serving on committees, in other ways as needed, and as an Honorary Board Member Emeritus.

CLICK HERE for Lyn Flynt Obituary

 
     
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Melanie Frank, Sigma Kappa
 
     
  Frank  
     
  HAPA President 2014-2015  
     
 
Melanie was born and raised in Austin, Texas.  She attended Southwest Texas State University and was initiated into the Epsilon Omicron Chapter of Sigma Kappa in 1978. 

Melanie moved to Houston in 1984 and obtained a degree in Paralegal Studies from Houston Community College in 1986.  She worked as a paralegal for 25 years. 

Melanie is married to Greg Frank and they have two sons, Alex and Seth, both graduates of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and Texas A&M University. 

She has been a long time member of the Sigma Kappa Alumnae Association of Houston and was named Alumna of the Year in 2012. 

She began her service to the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association in 2010 serving as the Delegate for Sigma Kappa.  She served as Courtesy Chair in 2011, Treasurer in 2012 and First Vice President in 2013.

Melanie is an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church where she and Greg raised their two sons in the church as well as the school.  She has served her church as President of the Women of St. Mark’s, as a member of the school board and by starting the Praying Mom’s Group.  She currently serves her church as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and as a member of the Second Family group, bringing fellowship to shut-ins and older persons needing assistance. 

She is also a member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo on the Carnival Ticket Sales Committee, a member of the Houston Aggie Moms, is a mentor at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory, and is a member of the Houston Junior Forum.
 
     
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Mimi Gordon Hagedorn, Alpha Phi
 
     
  Mimi  
     
  HAPA President 2005-2006
Citation Member 1999

Honorary Board Member 2015
Honorary Board Member Emerita 2021
 
     
 
Mimi has been active in HAPA since 1987, holding nearly every office as a Board Member and also serving many times as a Delegate for her sorority, Alpha Phi.  “I have enjoyed every minute of my Houston Alumnae Panhellenic experience, learning a lot, laughing a lot, and making good friends along the way”, she said recently.  Though active in many other organizations throughout her life, she is the most loyal to her work with HAPA and the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Foundation.

A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mimi is an avid Cornhusker fan living deep in the heart of Texas.  She pledged Alpha Phi her freshman year and has been active in the Alpha Phi Alumnae organization, both on a national and local level.  She was Alumnae President of the Dallas chapter before moving to Houston, where she also was President.  Mimi served as the Alpha Phi District Governor for six years and then joined the Alpha Phi Foundation as a Trustee.

Just ending her second time serving as Recruitment Co-Chair of HAPA, over-seeing Recruitment Roundtable and the 2013 sorority new member lists for Houston from around the country, Mimi has served recently as the Alpha Phi Delegate, HAPF Bylaws Chairman, and HAPF Vice President.  Serving for six years on the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Foundation, Mimi is delighted with the progress the Foundation has made since its inception in 1987.  Mimi was named a HAPA Honorary Board Member in 2015.
 
     
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Deborah (Debbie) Neinast Harris, Sigma Kappa
 
     
  Debbie Harris  
     
  HAPA President 1994-1995
Citation Member 1989
 
     
 
Debbie Harris graduated from Texas Tech University in 1973 with a degree in Microbiology and Chemistry.  Debbie was very active in Sigma Kappa at Texas Tech where she held numerous offices including her last position as Representative to the Collegiate Panhellenic at Tech.  After graduation, Debbie moved to Dallas where she was on the Dallas Panhellenic Board for two years.

Upon moving to Houston, Debbie became very active in the Sigma Kappa alumnae chapter and has held many positions including President for two years.  She became an active member of Houston Panhellenic following that as Sigma Kappa’s representative for many years.  She worked on numerous committees including Bylaws, Recruitment Information, and the Scholarship Selection committee which was her favorite.

Debbie was awarded the Citation Award in 1989 and became President of HAPA in 1994.  Along that pathway, she served as Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and First Vice President.  “Working with the dedicated and professional women of HAPA was one of the greatest times of my sorority career.”

Debbie received her sorority’s highest alumnae award, the Colby Award, in 2008 for not only her continuous work with Sigma Kappa, but also her contributions to the fields of Science and Education.  Following a career as a Research Microbiologist, Debbie began her second career as a Science teacher. She currently teaches Science at St. Francis Episcopal Day School.  She is a winner of the Presidential Award for Math and Science teaching bestowed by President George W. Bush.
 
     
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Elaine Herring, Alpha Delta Pi
 
     
  Elaine Herring  
  This photograph was taken in 1991.  Elaine is wearing the
dress she wore at her installation as HAPA President.
 
     
  HAPA President 1991-1992
Citation Member 1994
 
     
 
Elaine Herring became an Alpha Delta Pi member while she was a coed at the University of Houston.  Many of her closest friends today were ADPi members with her at U of H.  She has been an active alumna and has held numerous offices with her alumnae association through the years.  In 1987 the Houston Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Association presented her with the Alumnae Certificate of Honor in recognition for her loyalty and service.  In 1995 she was the recipient of the District IV Alumnae Award for service to Alpha Delta Pi at the national convention.

Representing Alpha Delta Pi, Elaine first became a HAPA board member in 1989.  She not only served as president but also held many other offices.  At the suggestion of a HAPA member that we needed a catchy name for our newsletter, Elaine came up with What’s HAPAning! which is still used today.  Elaine was honored to become a Citation Member of HAPA in 1994.  Being a member of HAPA still remains a favorite memory of hers.  “Everyone is so friendly and hard working and also they are trying to be a good representative of their sorority.  All of which makes for a wonderful, successful organization.”

Though the years, Elaine has enjoyed actively participating and volunteering in many other areas, including her church, neighborhood, her children’s schools and activities, and the Ronald McDonald House.  Her main focus though has always been her family.
 
     
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Pam S. Jarrett
, Alpha Epsilon Phi
 
     
  Pam Jarrett  
     
  HAPA President 2008-2009
HAPF President 2011-2013
Citation Member 2009
Honorary Board Member 2015
Honorary Board Member 2021
 
     
 
Pam S. Jarrett is a native Houstonian who graduated from Bellaire High School in 1968 and headed to the University of Texas at Austin where she was initiated into Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority.  During her undergraduate years she served her sorority as the Panhellenic Delegate and rotated into the Secretary position on the University Panhellenic Council representing Alpha Epsilon Phi in 1970.

She carries a very special feeling for the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association and the Foundation.  Since her sorority does not have an alumni group in the Houston area, Pam has served as an Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority individual member Delegate for over twenty years.  She remarks often that from the first meeting she attended she was surrounded by warmth and sisterhood. The women of HAPA/HAPF are all passionate about their work for this organization.  They display extraordinary energy and they have a moral obligation to accomplish great deeds that serve large causes.  The year Pam served as HAPA President representing her sorority was a banner one for Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority for they were celebrating their 100th year.

Reflecting on her journey in leadership roles that led to her rotating into the HAPA Presidency/HAPF Presidency are as follows:  St. Francis Episcopal Day School PTO President (1985), St. John’s School Parent’s Club Presidency (1992-1993), Episcopal High School Garage Sale Chairman (1994), Houston Junior Forum Resale Shop Chairman (1997-1999), President of the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Israel (1999-2000), HAPA Community Service Chairmanship (2001-2003), HAPA Scholarship Selection Chairman (2003-2004), HAPA Historian (2004-2005), HAPA Treasurer (2006-2007), and HAPA First Vice President (2007-2008).

Following holding the office of HAPA President (2008-2009), Pam served as Parliamentarian/Nominating Committee Chairman (2009-2010), HAPA Recruitment Information Chairman (2010-2011), HAPA Bylaws Chairman (2011-2012), and HAPF President and Development Committee member (2011-2013).  Through these leadership roles Pam met the requirements to be considered a HAPA Citation Member and was honored by the HAPA membership to receive this award in 2009.

In 2010, Pam and her husband Alan, were selected as the Guests of Honor at the Annual HAPF Wine Tasting Event.  The Jarretts were joined by many friends and family members to celebrate the significant contributions they have made to Houston Panhellenic, as well as the Houston community.

Pam feels humbled by the innate gifts that power the ladies of HAPA/HAPF and how they have embraced an individual member like herself and encouraged her to serve as president in their organization; for they knew that they had to stand alongside becoming the heart and soul of an alumni group within an alumni group.

Recently, Pam served six years as a Trustee for the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Foundation, as a HAPA Delegate representing Alpha Epsilon Phi, and for the third time as Community Service Chairman.  Pam will serve as an Advisor to the Foundation next year and continue in her role as HAPA Delegate representing Alpha Epsilon Phi.  In 2015, Pam was selected as a HAPA Honorary Board Member.
 
     
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Shirley Rose Kraus, Alpha Gamma Delta
 
     
  Shirley Kraus  
     
  HAPA President 1999-2000
Citation Member 1989
Honorary Board Member Emerita 2010
 
     
 

Shirley became actively involved with Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association in the late 1960’s.  She quickly found a kinship of spirit with the other women.  She remarks, “Everyone works together in panhellenic, and that is why the organization is successful.  We are pulling together for one purpose.  I have always felt very comfortable around the other women.  They are a constant source of comfort and support who will stick by me through every challenge.”

Mrs. Kraus volunteers her time on numerous committees, including Bylaws, Community Service, Programs, Recruitment Information, Scholarship Selection, and Social.  She currently serves as a Delegate in addition to Honorary Board Member Emeritus.  Shirley is a Past HAPA President (1999-2000) and was distinguished as a Citation Member in 1989.  She became an Honorary Board Member in 2004, followed by standing as an "Emeritus" in 2010.

Shirley observes that every office and committee position is a challenge, nevertheless she has tried to leave her signature, carving out her niche, as she goes along.  The year she rotated off the Board and did not hold an office, she felt lost.  She realized panhellenic had become a part of her.  She made the decision to serve as a delegate so she could remain involved, and has held the position ever since.  Shirley explains, “Panhellenic service is a pleasure, one I thoroughly enjoy.”  Shirley asserts she takes her job very seriously. 

Her favorite HAPA events include Recruitment Roundtable (formerly called Rush Roundtable) and the annual Scholarship Luncheon.  Shirley is typically in charge of coordinating the models and organizing the fashion show for the luncheon. 

Shirley Rose Kraus became a member of Alpha Gamma Delta in the 1960���s when she was initiated into the Houston Alumnae Club.  She served as President of the Alpha Gamma Delta Houston Alumnae Club in 1971-73, and has been involved in innumerable offices and committees to the present.

CLICK HERE for Shirley Kraus Obituary

 
     
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Marilyn Chesher Lynch, Kappa Alpha Theta
 
     
  Marilyn Lynch  
  HAPA President 1992-1993
HAPF President 1995-1996
Citation Member 1994
Honorary Board Member Emerita 2002
 
     
 
As a Kappa Alpha Theta, Marilyn attended Texas Tech University, later graduating from Texas Christian University.

Ms. Lynch was an active alumnae member of Theta, serving as Houston Alumnae Chapter President and Chairman of the Theta Charities Antique Show.  Marilyn served as a District Officer for Theta for twenty years, working as Director of Alumnae Recruitment Personnel and National President of the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation.  The Theta Foundation named a scholarship in her honor.

Marilyn became active in HAPA in the late 1980's and served as Delegate, Program Chairman, Research & Education Chairman, Treasurer, First Vice President, President (1992-1993), Foundation Trustee, Anna K. Chase Foundation President (1995-1996), and Citation Selection Chairman.  Marilyn was named a Citation Member in 1994, Honorary Board Member in 1996, and in 2002 was distinguished as an Honorary Board Member Emeritus.

During her Presidency, Marilyn and several other volunteers, working with the Spring Branch School District, established the "Reading is Fundamental" program at Spring Branch Elementary School.  For over twenty years, HAPA has helped fund the purchase of books that are given to needy students.  Volunteers donate their time to distribute the books, read to the children, and help the librarian, as needed.  Marilyn continued to be a passionate advocate for RIF.

Marilyn was a member of the Houston Junior Forum and served as the Sustainer President.  Marilyn worked with Junior Forum International as the JFI Expansion Chairman, helping to establish a new chapter called the Cypress Woodlands Junior Forum in 1982.  She was also active in PEO (the Philanthropic Education Organization).

(CLICK HERE for Marilyn Lynch obituary)
 
     
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Carolyn
Berry Moore, Zeta Tau Alpha
 
     
  Carolyn Moore  
  Photograph of Carolyn Moore at her installation as HAPA President
in May of 1993.  Carolyn is holding the presidential gavel.
 
     
  HAPA President 1993-1994
Citation Member 1999
 
     
 

Carolyn Moore attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, pledging the Lambda Chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha in 1944.  Carolyn eventually transferred to the University of Houston, graduating in 1947.

Carolyn married in 1948 and the couple moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  While living in Baton Rouge in 1959, Ms. Moore was a co-founder of the Delta Kappa chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha at LSU.

After returning to Houston, Carolyn obtained a Masters degree in Counseling and Guidance.  This lead to employment as a Counselor for the Houston Independent School Distinct until her retirement in 1988.

Carolyn was twice President of the Zeta Tau Alpha Houston Alumnae Association.  The first term in 1950-1951 and again in 1996-1997.  She served as President of the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association in 1993-1994 and was named a Citation Member in 1999.

Other interests include membership in the Junior League of Houston, Inc., and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, in which she is a very active and enthusiastic participant.

Speaking of her long involvement in HAPA, Carolyn has enjoyed forming friendships with women from many different sororities.  She regards the scholarship program, in which hundreds of scholarships have been given to deserving young women, as the cornerstone of success for the organization.
 
     
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Kay Morgenroth Newman, Delta Gamma
 
     
  Kay Newman  
     
  HAPA President 1998-1999
HAPF President 2002-2003
Citation Member 1994
Honorary Board Member Emerita 2009
 
     
 
Graduating from The University of Texas with a BBA degree and then earning a master’s degree from the University of Houston, Kay became a Delta Gamma, as an alumnae initiate, at Baylor University in 1979. 

She has been an active Delta Gamma alumnae member serving as  first vice president of Houston Delta Gamma Foundation and currently, and for many years, serving as an advisory trustee, as well as, a member of the  DG, Gamma Sigma House Corporation Board, University of Houston.  Kay has served in a number of positions, Houston Alumnae DG Chapter, receiving both the Stellar and Cable Awards.


Kay Newman was honored in 2018 with The Oxford Award, which recognizes, "An alumna who takes pride in her community and who, through the years, devotes her time and talents to improving the quality of life around her.  Kay exemplifies the Delta Gamma philosophy of service and the motto to DO GOOD.”

 
Kay started her involvement with HAPA in 1983 when she served as Courtesy Committee vice-chair and alternate delegate, and has never missed a year through the present time, serving either as an officer, committee chairman/ vice chairman/ member, or delegate. 

Highlights in those continuous years of service regarding offices and committee chairmen are:  Historian, Ways and Means (twice), Scholarship Selection, Courtesy, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Program, Reading is Fundamental, Treasurer, First Vice-President, President (1998-99), Parliamentarian, and Membership. 

During her HAPA presidency, the HAPA website was formed to further our collective educational and philanthropic missions.  Kay has served a number of years and currently is a Trustee on the HAPF (Foundation) Board, as Vice President (2001-02) and as President (2002-03).  She was named a Citation Member in 1994, Honorary Board Member in 2003, and Honorary Board Member Emeritus in 2009.
 
     
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Nancy Patterson, Phi Mu
 
     
  Nancy Patterson  
     
  HAPA President 1978-1979
Citation Member 1979
Honorary Board Member Emerita 1997
 
     
 
Nancy attended Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Houston.  A member of Phi Mu, she has served as President of the Houston Phi Mu Alumnae Association.

She became active in HAPA in 1972, holding every office except Recording Secretary.  She was President of HAPA during the 1978-1979 term.  Her favorite office was that of Social Chairman.  Nancy has served on the Foundation Board.

Nancy was instrumental in securing Westminster UMC as a meeting place in the 1980's.  This was HAPA's home for over twenty years.  Nancy was named a Citation Member in 1979.

Her fondest HAPA memories include when she was named an Honorary Board Member (1991), followed by Honorary Board Member Emeritus (1997).  She is keenly aware that the money raised for scholarships really makes a difference in the lives of the recipients.

(CLICK HERE for Nancy Patterson obituary)
 
     
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Phyllis Marie Prange, Sigma Sigma Sigma
 
     
  Phyllis Prange  
     
  HAPA President 1988-1989
Citation Member 1984
Honorary Board Member Emerita 2008
 
     
 

Phyllis attended the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University.  She has been active in HAPA beginning in 1972.  Phyllis has served in most of the board positions and held the office of President in 1988-1989.

Phyllis was recognized as a Citation Member in 1984, followed by Honorary Board Member in 2002, and Honorary Board Member Emeritus in 2008.    Phyllis has the distinction of being an Honorary Board Member (2002), followed by Honorary Board Member Emeritus (as of 2008).  Phyllis was elected to a six-year term as a HAPF Trustee.

Locally, Phyllis has served as Alumnae President and most other board positions in the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma.  She received the "Sigma Sigma Sigma Alumnae of the Region" Award in 1989 and Alumnae Recognition Award in 1989.... both national awards.  She also served on the House Corporation for the collegiate chapter at Sam Houston State University.  Phyllis was on the installation team for this chapter in 2002.

Phyllis has been a national officer in Sigma Sigma Sigma, serving as Alumnae Panhellenic Coordinator for nine years.  In this office, she received reports from Sigma Alumnae Panhellenic Delegates in 65 cities.

Phyllis was the Sigma Sigma Sigma National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Second Alternate Delegate for six years.  Her job during her NPC years was to act as the Area Advisor for Central Texas Alumnae Panhellenics.  She also served on the NPC Collegiate Awards Committee.
 
     
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Sharon Smith Reynolds, Delta Delta Delta
 
     
  Sharon Reynolds  
     
  HAPA President 1990-1991
Citation Member 1994
 
     
 
Sharon
joined Tri Delta at Texas Christian University in 1962 and has been actively involved in the Houston area alumnae activities since 1974.  She served twice as President of the Braes Bayou Alumnae and once as President of the Houston Alumnae Chapter.  From 1976 to 1988 she served in various national positions for Delta Delta Delta.

For over ten years, Sharon served HAPA on various committees, as Panhellenic Delegate, in HAPA rotation for President, and as an Anna K. Chase Foundation Trustee.

In 1997 Houston Delta Zeta Alumnae named her “Houston Sorority Alumna of the Year”.
 
     
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Sherry Stagg St. Aubin, Zeta Tau Alpha
 
     
  Sherry St. Aubin  
     
  HAPA President 2013-2014
Citation Member 2014
 
     
 
Sherry was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Louisiana State University.  Sherry pledged the same Zeta Tau Alpha chapter her sister, Sandy, helped colonize in 1959.  Sherry served the Delta Kappa chapter as Rush (now called Recruitment) Chairman.

In the summer of 1964, Sherry was juggling preparation for Fall Rush, Student Union Chairman, and nine hours of course work.  To this day, she remembers that time whenever she begins to feel overwhelmed with commitments.  Sherry can look back and say to herself, “Given I survived that summer, I can handle whatever I have gotten myself into now!”

While enjoying a graduate assistantship in the campus computing center, Sherry worked on a Masters in Business Administration, dropping out before getting her MBA.  Sherry detested writing papers and the remaining courses required a lot of BIG papers.  Instead she took her 18 months of computing experience (much more marketable than a straight math degree) and started interviewing for a real job.

During her early years working for Exxon in Baton Rouge, she was active in Zeta Tau Alpha as the Louisiana State Recommendations Chairman and Chapter Advisor to the LSU Zeta chapter.  Sherry remembers this time as one of the best experiences she has had as an alumna, working with a strong group of advisors and developing lifelong friendships.

Sherry met her husband, Rolland, at the Exxon Baton Rouge Refinery where he was a Chemical Engineer.  They married in 1975.  The couple worked for Exxon, living in Venezuela, Baton Rouge, and finally moving to Houston in 1978.  Sherry’s career at ExxonMobil was all in computing organizations, first as a Programmer and then an Information Systems Manager.  Sherry saw this as an opportunity to use her technical skills and also develop her organizational skills while serving the business.  It was a perfect match for her abilities.  After 33 years working for ExxonMobil, Sherry retired in 2003.

Since arriving in Houston, the St. Aubins have had four different homes, including ten years residing in Baytown, and now living in a high rise condo.  Sherry continued to pay her alumnae dues, but dropped out of active sorority life until she retired.  There were several years when Sherry was on the road for business almost weekly and her time for volunteer service was extremely limited.

Upon retiring, Sherry had several goals.  The first goal to be acted upon was to get involved again in ZTA activities.  The month after retirement, she attended a ZTA alumnae meeting.  Marcy Cann (who she had known at LSU) immediately asked her to be on the alumnae board as the next year’s Service Chairman, in addition to helping as the Treasurer for the first Think Pink! Luncheon.  She has continued on the Houston Alumnae Association of ZTA Board ever since, serving as Program Chairman, Service Chairman, and Panhellenic Delegate.  In 2010, Sherry was awarded the Alumnae Certificate of Merit from Zeta Tau Alpha National.

For HAPA, Sherry joined with fellow LSU graduate, Toni Post, Delta Zeta, in Co-Vice Chairing the 2007 Annual HAPA Scholarship Luncheon, followed by Co-Chairing the 2008 Luncheon.  She was a Trustee of the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Foundation for three years and served on the HAPF Development Committee.  For two years she was the ZTA Delegate to HAPA.  Other offices held include Treasurer and First Vice President.

In 2011, Sherry and Rolland were asked to be the Guests of Honor at the Annual HAPF Wine Tasting Event.  Family members, friends, and many ZTA women  were on hand to celebrate the occasion.  A group of women from the Delta Kappa chapter at LSU traveled to Houston to share in the festivity.

In 2010, Anna Riseden, HAPA President, asked Sherry to serve as a “Super Delegate” mentoring delegates serving for the first time.  Looking back, she reflects how fortunate she was to get to know something about HAPA before she took on responsibility for representing ZTA as a delegate.  The breadth of activities can be daunting to keep track of, or understand, when you are new to the organization.  Serving as a super delegate/mentor allowed her to share some of her knowledge with the newer delegates to make their year more rewarding, with time to make new friends while also representing their sorority.

Another interest of Sherry’s is bridge.  She learned the game as a child from her parents and has always loved playing it.   Sherry has played monthly for almost 30 years with a group of women who she met through ExxonMobil.  They continue to play together.  As a retiree with more time available, Sherry has joined several other bridge groups.

Beginning in 2005, the St. Aubins began to take at least one big trip each year, traveling to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Mediterranean and Baltic waters, Great Britain and Ireland, and more recently, a cruise from Rome to Great Britain.

Sherry has one daughter, Sharon, a Political Science graduate from St. Edwards University, son-in-law James Rossie, and two grandchildren named James and Sabrina.  Grandparenting has become one of Sherry and Rolland’s favorite leisure time activities.
 
     
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Lisa Lowry Schwartz, Kappa Alpha Theta
 
     
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  HAPA President 2012-2013  
 
Lisa Lowry Schwartz was the President of the Houston Area Panhellenic Association in 2012-2013.  Lisa graduated from Baylor University in 1980 and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.  In 2012, Lisa received the “Twin Star” award from the Houston alumnae chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta in recognition of outstanding service to the chapter.  Lisa is the chair-elect of the 2014 Kappa Alpha Theta Charity Antiques Show.

Lisa is the co-owner of the Houston/European Office of Balfour Yearbooks and has worked with Balfour in the yearbook publishing industry for 20 years.  She has won the “Outstanding Yearbook Representative” award from Balfour ten different times and her office has been named “Office of the Year” an unprecedented three times in the last 20 years.  Lisa’s office is the largest office in the yearbook industry.  From the Texas Association of Journalism Educators, Lisa was awarded “Friend of Journalism” for her contributions.  In 2012, the state high school journalism association honored Lisa with the Edith Fox King award for lifetime achievement.

Personally, Lisa is the wife of Bill Schwartz and has two children, Brittany Schwartz Marrs (married to Travis Marrs) and Cody Schwartz. Brittany is a teacher, a graduate of Baylor University and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.  Cody is a teacher/coach and a graduate of Texas A&M University. Bill is retired.  Lisa is chair-elect of the Spring Branch Education Foundation, a member of the Houston Junior League and an elder at Grace Presbyterian Church.
 
     
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Sharon Kelley Shelton-Pease, Delta Zeta
 
     
  Sharon Shelton-Pease  
     
  HAPA President 1989-1990
Citation Member 1989
Honorary Board Member 2010
 
     
 
Sharon Shelton-Pease was named a Citation Member in 1989 and was recognized as an Honorary Board Member in 2010.  She served as HAPA President in 1989-1990.  Currently, Sharon serves on the Foundation Board as Corresponding Secretary. 

Her past offices include HAPF Treasurer and Scholarship Selection Chairman.  In 2012, Sharon and her husband Tim were asked to be the Guests of Honor at the Annual HAPF Wine Tasting Event.  She is a graduate of Louisiana State University.
 
     
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Patricia Gres Shuford, Pi Beta Phi
 
     
  Pat  
     
  HAPA President 2000-2001
Citation Member 2009
 
     
 
Ms. Shuford was initiated into the New Mexico Alpha chapter of Pi Beta Phi at the University of New Mexico in 1967.  She graduated in 1970.  After college Pat worked in the commercial design field for five years.  She is a licensed Interior Designer and accredited by NCIDQ.  Until she retired three years ago, Pat co-owned Parker School Uniforms along with her husband for twenty years.

Pat has been an active member of the Houston Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club since 1974, having served as a board member in various positions for over 29 years (including President of the Junior Group).  She has also served on the Houston Pi Beta Phi Foundation for the past seven years; currently serving as Vice-President and rotating into the Presidency for 2014-2016.

Pat was involved with Panhellenic for ten years, serving on the Executive Board of HAPA for five years (Treasurer, Vice President, President (2000-2001), Parliamentarian, and Historian) and as a Trustee on the Foundation for two terms (Secretary and Vice President).  Pat also served on the Social, Ways & Means, Recruitment, Scholarship Selection, and Bylaws Committees throughout those ten years.  In 2009, Pat was selected as a Citation Member.

Ms. Shuford is a member of Chapelwood Methodist Church where she is involved in the kitchen and Panda Path ministry.  She also volunteers her time to the Spring Branch Schools Mentoring Program.  In past years, Pat was active in the Houston Junior Forum, the Heritage Society, and PTA (having served as President of Memorial Drive Elementary, and on the executive boards of Spring Branch Middle, and Memorial High School).

Pat’s involvement and interest in Panhellenic started in her college years where she served as President of the Panhellenic Council of the University of New Mexico.  Pat asserts she feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a wonderful, organized, hard working and devoted group of women in HAPA.

Due to their efforts, HAPA received the “Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award” from the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) in 2001.  This award is only bestowed biannually.  HAPA was singled out for this highest of honors from hundreds of alumnae panhellenics across the country.
 
     
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HOUSTON ALUMNAE PANHELLENIC ASSOCIATION (HAPA)


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