THEN AND NOW

The story of sisterhood between Shawna Reed and Eliza Johnson is quite incredible. Shawna joined Beta Omega Chapter (Northern Arizona) of Gamma Phi Beta in 1989. Fifteen years later, in 2004, Eliza followed suit. Their paths crossed as alumnae when the two were chapter advisors in Region 7. Shawna and Eliza became quick friends, and Eliza, who knew about Shawna and her husband’s struggle to conceive children, later offered to be the couple’s surrogate. “I did not expect when I was 18 and received my bid that 25 years later a Gamma Phi Beta connection would grant me the most precious gift, my twins,” Shawna says. These two incredible sisters sat down with us to recount their college and sorority experiences.

Shannon

Eliza

HOTTEST TREND ON CAMPUS?

SHAWNA REED: Spiral perms with BIG bangs. My sisters loved wearing our double-stitched patterned letters with Guess jeans and a denim jacket with a popped collar. It was the late ‘80s!

ELIZA JOHNSON: Ugg boots paired with shorts, skirts or low rise jeans.

WHAT WERE STUDENTS LISTENING TO?

SHAWNA REED: It varied between alternative music (Depeche Mode, Berlin) and country music (Shania Twain, Garth Brooks). And, of course, Madonna was huge!

ELIZA JOHNSON: Usher’s “Yeah!” was #1 on the music charts.

BIGGEST FASHION FAU PAS?

SHAWNA REED: Parachute pants, acid wash jeans, leg warmers, fanny packs, neon.

ELIZA JOHNSON: Wearing two polo shirts at the same time.

FONDEST GAMMA PHI BETA MEMORY?

SHAWNA REED: Hands down recruitment. That’s when we had frills recruitment, so we created songs and choreographed dances and skits to demonstrate our sisterhood.

ELIZA JOHNSON: Initiation.

POPULAR MOVIES?

SHAWNA REED: “Overboard” on VHS.

ELIZA JOHNSON: “50 First Dates.”

Do you know two sisters who initiated at the same chapter, just with 10+ years between them? Email TheCrescent@gammaphibeta.org for a chance to see them featured on this page in the future!