2024 Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners
The Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award is given in honor of Ohio Alpha Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, who served Pi Beta Phi as Grand President from 1985 to 1991. Carolyn was a visionary leader for Pi Beta Phi, and her efforts can still be felt today in the achievements of our members. This award recognizes other distinguished alumnae who have positively impacted their communities through their professional success and dedication to serving others.
Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award for Community Service
Barbara Blanks Bullard, Tennessee Gamma
Barbara has blended a passion for teaching, service and art throughout her life. During her 26-year teaching career, she inspired students of all skill levels, including multiple American Vision Award winners and AP Studio Art scholars. Beyond the classroom, Barbara has shared her artistic talents with her community, designing murals, costumes and decor for organizations such as Pi Beta Phi, Miriam’s Promise and Daughters of the American Revolution. She served four terms on the Arrowmont Board of Governors, supporting art education and emerging artists. In retirement, she continues to create and exhibit award-winning work, while leading community projects like large-scale mosaics for children at Bethlehem United Methodist Church. Barbara’s lifelong creativity has uplifted, educated and connected countless individuals.
Sandy Crays, Indiana Beta
Sandy has devoted her life to serving her community with compassion and purpose. A longtime leader with the United Way of San Diego, she served on the board for 20 years and received the John V. Naish Award for exceptional volunteer service. She has supported the San Diego Food Bank since 1998 and currently serves on its Fundraising Committee, where she champions the Food4Kids Backpack Program, providing weekend meals for thousands of children in need. She has also volunteered with Junior League, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Mental Health Association. A former Director of HR – North America for John Deere, Sandy brings that same people-focused leadership to the North San Diego, California, Alumnae Club, where she serves as Co-President.
Betsy Grabel Jackson, Texas Beta
Betsy, who is a shareholder at Hall Estill law firm, has spent decades advancing both the legal profession and her Tulsa community. Inspired by personal loss, Betsy became a committed advocate for individuals affected by HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis C through her work with Tulsa Cares. She co-chaired the capital campaign for Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa and led the Margaret Hudson Program as board president, expanding its support for young mothers. As Vice-Chair of the Tulsa Women’s Commission, she championed reform to address Oklahoma’s female incarceration crisis. Betsy has also served organizations including the Tulsa Area United Way and Tulsa Botanic Garden. Her compassionate leadership and advocacy have left a profound mark on those she serves.
Patricia Asquith Wellborn, California Epsilon
For more than 75 years, Patricia’s commitment to uplifting communities throughout San Diego has been dear to her heart. She has served on numerous boards of charitable organizations and has a passion for women’s health, education and patriotism. Through her work with The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, she helped establish a children’s library at the Door of Hope Rady Residence, providing transitional housing for women and children. Hundreds of books—many donated by the La Jolla, California, Alumnae Club—fill the shelves, and children are encouraged to take favorites home. After witnessing the needs of incarcerated individuals’ families in the 1990s, Pattie organized Thanksgiving dinners for them. Now 90, she remains deeply engaged in her community—offering horseback rides to children with special needs at her family’s mountain home and continuing to lead service initiatives that make a difference.
Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award for Personal Achievement
Jamie Latture Collier, Mississippi Beta
Jamie dedicated 43 years to transforming healthcare reimbursement policy and advocating for improved care in nursing homes. Beginning her career as a CPA, Jamie went on to serve as Director of Reimbursement for Mississippi’s Division of Medicaid, where she set rates for hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. She led development of a case mix Medicare model adopted nationwide, helping shift incentives toward quality patient care. Her work influenced state legislation, earned national recognition and helped shape one of the country’s most respected Medicaid payment systems. Later, she guided a nursing home organization’s growth from 9 to 112 facilities across 12 states, while balancing fiscal responsibility with compassionate care.
Dr. Lamia Gabal, MD, FPMRS, California Eta
Dr. Lamia Gabal is a board-certified urologist and subspecialist in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Founder of Prestige Medical Group, she has been named a Top Physician of Excellence in Orange County for 17 consecutive years. Beyond her thriving practice, Lamia is deeply engaged in her community, supporting organizations such as Children’s Hospital Orange County, Make-A-Wish and the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. A past president of the South Coast, California, Alumnae Club, Lamia also hosts educational events on women’s health for both alumnae and collegians. Lamia leads an all-women team at her practice dedicated to helping women feel empowered as they navigate deeply personal health concerns.
Shelly Callanan Meyer, PhD, Missouri Alpha
Shelly has spent 25 years bridging cultures and empowering communities through international business, education and humanitarian work. Having visited over 140 countries, she has taught and consulted across Asia, Europe and the U.S., focusing on entrepreneurship, economic sustainability and cultural exchange. Her recent work in India included supporting indigenous tribes and women entrepreneurs in building economic opportunity and resilience. An international business professor at Lindenwood University, she leads study trips abroad, exposing students to different languages and cultures and expanding her vast global network. At home and abroad, Shelly devotes her time to service initiatives including Girls on the Run, Bible Study Fellowship and youth mentoring, each effort driven by her belief in the power of connection to change lives.
Rebecca Graham Paul, Indiana Gamma
Rebecca has built a pioneering career as a national leader in educational lotteries, founding and leading programs in Illinois, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. As president and CEO of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation and past president of the World Lottery Association, she has helped generate billions in funding for college scholarships, public education and the extension of preschool programs. A former Miss Indiana and collegiate athlete, Rebecca recently made a $12 million gift to her alma mater, Butler University, establishing endowments that support women’s athletics and leadership. Her legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to investing in future generations of women through education and athletics.
Laura Rossin Van Zandt, New York Delta
Laura spent nearly two decades as executive director of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, transforming the organization’s scale and impact. Under her leadership, REACH tripled its staff and funding, doubled its shelter capacity and expanded community programs through a $3 million campaign. A former financial executive, Laura brought strategic vision and business acumen to nonprofit work, championing equity and long-term support for survivors. Her advocacy work on the policy committee at Jane Doe Inc. helped influence legislation and expand resources for survivors. Today, she continues to empower others as a community college instructor, using education as a tool for social change and helping students from all backgrounds access knowledge and opportunities.
The remaining 2024 individual award winners will be announced at Convention 2025. All award winners will be featured in the Summer 2025 issue of The Arrow.
Published May 19, 2025