Submitted by Robin Houge Karns, Iowa
In 1973 at the University of Iowa, a lifelong bond was forged when 21 spirited young women joined Phi Chapter of Tri Delta and unknowingly embarked on a journey that would weave their lives together for nearly half a century. These years gifted them an education and the most precious of treasures: timeless friendships, nurtured by laughter and bound by love.
Into the World
Sorority functions combined with both lighthearted and serious times made for four wonderful years together. As graduation approached, this group scattered into the world leading lives as diverse as their personalities, armed with dreams, careers, new loves and aspirations of adulthood.
Over the years, they met sporadically until 2011 when Suzie Bogue Libbey organized a weekend meetup for them at her home. Suzie’s initiative revived their college memories, bringing back laughter, nostalgia and a renewed sense of closeness.
Connections Remain—and Strengthen
Over the next six years, life unfolded—careers flourished, families grew, Christmas cards were sent and received and each sister traversed life’s ups and downs of welcoming grandchildren and caring for aging parents. Yet, in 2017, their sisterhood’s strength truly shone as eight sisters rallied from across several states to console and stand by a grieving sister, epitomizing our motto: “Let us steadfastly love one another.”
One class member, Robin Houge Karns shared, “Our sweet Suzie decided we needed to get together again, but this time for sun, fun, fishing, boating and DDD shenanigans and in July 2018, we saw the birth of our annual summer week get together at Suzie’s lake house on beautiful Lake Samoset in Wisconsin. It’s a girls-only week that we look forward to all year long. I cannot begin to tell you how special this week is to all of us. As we get older, our friendships have grown so close that we treasure this special time together. We have enjoyed the sisterly love for each other through happy and sad times. Our bond cannot be broken!”
A Lifetime of Friendship
Technology bridges the months between their annual gathering. GroupMe chat has become a virtual haven where they share their lives, joys and musings almost daily. Despite aging (all now in their late 60s), this group’s connection remains unwavering—a testament to the enduring support that transcends miles and time.
This year, these Tri Deltas celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first meeting. Robin reflected on the milestone, “It is emotional just thinking about spending time with these beautiful and accomplished women—my sisters! We are all eternally grateful to be connected as a group again. We have shared the highs and lows of our lives with each other. These wonderful wacky women know each other’s hearts and remember each other as the 18-year-olds that still live inside us.”
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