Then and Now

Dana Rogahn Fredericks and Lauren Casetta joined Gamma Phi Beta at Gamma Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, just 29 years apart. Dana joined in 1992, and Lauren in 2021. For the past five years, Dana, an account manager in sales, has stayed connected with sisters as a member of Atlanta Alumnae Chapter. Lauren is a current collegian majoring in consumer behavior and marketplace studies and minoring in leader studies. Lauren hopes to become an attorney one day. We asked Dana and Lauren the same questions to compare their college and sorority experiences. Let’s see what these sisters had to say!

Popular musicians/bands?

Dana: TLC, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre. and Coolio.

Lauren: SZA, Rihanna and anything in the electronic dance music (EDM) realm.

Why Gamma Phi?

Dana: The chapter facility was regal and classy, as were the women I met during recruitment. What set them even more apart was their down-to-earth nature, which resonated with me as someone who did not have any Greek family members and was unfamiliar with the process.

Lauren: The philanthropy events and strong sense of sisterhood pulled me in. I love the value behind Girls on the Run, and all the Gamma Phis I spoke to during recruitment were so genuine!

Biggest social issues?

Dana: So many. The O.J. Simpson case was a big one. I remember watching [the trial] in my sociology class.

Lauren: In my opinion, women’s health and rights.

How did/do you communicate with loved ones back home?

Dana: I will never forget how cool I felt going to the school library and sending an email back home! Snail mail and care packages were popular ways of communicating, too.

Lauren: I live very close to home, so I call my family members often and sometimes I will meet them halfway for dinner.

Fashion trends?

Dana: Fashion was all over the place! It’s hard to remember one thing.

Lauren: Moon boots, large sunglasses, low-rise jeans, thin scarves, silk flowy blouses and off-the-shoulder sweatshirts.

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!