A group of GRJC alumnae has put time and effort into keeping memories fresh and the ties of friendship strong for five decades.
When Laurie Cope Grand visits Michigan from her California home, she often organizes a lunch or dinner with her Kappa Sigma Phi sisters. GRCC’s Custer Alumni House hosted this year’s reunion.
Sororities and fraternities were officially recognized at GRJC from the mid-1950s to 1975. Members ran benefit car washes and rummage sales, organized dances and other social activities, and volunteered in the community.
“My friend Ginny Schmit dragged me to a sorority rush tea at the beginning of second semester, and I pledged Kappa Sigma Phi,” Grand said. “That changed everything for me. I never planned to be a sorority member, but I was desperate for a connection.”
Grand, who was voted president her sophomore year, credits the sorority for building her leadership skills and self-confidence.
Guests at the luncheon in May were part of Kappa Sigma Phi from 1966 through 1970. Grand noted that all had gone on to earn bachelor’s degrees, and many had a master’s.
“Many of us live in other states; a few have passed away, and those who are local have lunch or dinner more often,” she said.
“We always laugh and recall our Kappa memories and share photos of our 19-year-old selves.”
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