Sorority produces friendship

     By Tina Allen
     View staff writer
      When many people hear the words Beta Sigma Phi, they immediately think "college sorority," said Marie Krawitz.
      But that's a misconception, added the 44-year member of the organization with a name that represents Life, Learning and Friendship.
      In fact, the sorority is comprised of women of all ages and backgrounds, from doctors and housewives to secretaries and school teachers to retired individuals, Krawitz said.
      It was founded in 1931 in Abilene, Kan., during the Great Depression by Walter W. Ross. He saw a need for an organization that could bring women together and expose them to a social, cultural and educational environment not readily available in those difficult times.
      Sixty-nine years later, Beta Sigma Phi boasts a record 12,000 chapters around the world, with more than 200,000 members.
      Las Vegas has 24 chapters with about 300 members throughout the city. It is Connie Bruggeman's goal to increase that number this year. Bruggeman, a member for 10 years, was recently elected president of the Las Vegas council, which administers to all the 24 chapters. She especially hopes to recruit younger people to continue the tradition of Beta Sigma Phi, she said.
      The sorority has five levels members can achieve, depending on length of service, Bruggeman said. The Ritual of Jewels is for new members, who must be at least 20 years old. That level is followed by Exemplar, Preceptor, Laureate and finally Master.
      "It's been very worthwhile. I've enjoyed meeting the people and getting to know them," Bruggeman said. "I wouldn't have done half the things I've done if I wasn't part of this organization."
      Although individual chapters vary in their activities, most raise funds for local and national charities. There also is the Beta Sigma Phi International Disaster Fund started in 1992 that members throughout the world contribute to to help other members facing emergencies. Already, more than $400,000 has been donated to the fund, and immediate assistance has been sent to members in the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and tornadoes.
      The sorority sisters also attend social functions together, including plays or dinners, and have monthly meetings featuring guest speakers who discuss everything from starting a business to flower arranging. Fees to belong to a chapter range from about $15 to $20 each year.
      It is the friendship ties that Beverly Robichaud developed in the sorority that have kept her a member for 50 years.
      "No matter where I have gone, no matter where I have lived, I have had sisters," said Robichaud, the former Las Vegas council president. "When you go through the good times, when you go through the bad times, your sisters are there for you. You are friends forever."
      Those interested can call Robichaud at 363-5542 or Bruggeman at 453-2936.