Doug Cooper

Can you tell us about Karen's involvement with Gamma Phi Beta and what her membership meant to her throughout her life?   

Karen pledged the Beta Gamma chapter at Ohio's Bowling Green State University; class of '65. We got pinned in spring 1963, and had a ceremonial "announcement" as I was a guest at dinner at the chapter house. We married in December 1963, then moved to San Diego, where I was stationed in the Navy. We returned to Ohio in 1970, when I graduated from law school, and were immediately involved in the Gamma Phi Beta Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, with many couples, social events, as well as the Sorority events and projects. Karen served as chapter president for nine two-year terms and was a key factor in the group's success. 

Did Karen ever share a favorite Gamma Phi Beta memory or experience that especially stayed with her?   

She spoke often and fondly of her "Big Sis", whose name I can't recall. 

What inspired you to honor Karen through your support of Gamma Phi Beta, and what motivates you to continue giving each year?   

Karen gave to the Foundation for years before her death in July 2017. I continued in her memory thereafter, as well as another of her charities, "100 Women Who Care," a group that gives to four selected charities each year. 

What do you hope your support will make possible for future generations of Gamma Phi Beta members, and what impact would you like your wife's legacy to have on them? 

Easing someone's way into the sisterhood so they can benefit from the comradery and social connections as we did.