University Daily Kansan, September 16, 1983
Page 7
KU alumna was 'queen' of America
By RUSTY FABER Staff Reporter
It's as ingrained as any American tradition, and it happens each September like clockwork.
Fifty of America's women will compete tomorrow night in Atlantic City, N.J., in the 55th Annual Miss America Pageant.
Miss America history will be repeat tomorrow when previous beauty queens are introduced before the final occasion for the 1863 Miss America crown.
DEBRA BRYANT BERGE will be among those former Miss America's, and the 1966 pageant winner will have the attention of many Kansans. She was the first Kansas woman to win the Miss American title.
"They're having a special celebration this year and they're inviting all past winners back for a special appearance." Bryant said in a recent telephone interview from her Mesa, Ariz. home.
"When I recieved our schedule, it looked more like being a contestant again, but I'm really looking forward to it," she said.
A native of Overland Park, Bryant represented Kansas in the 1966 Miss America Pageant, and after a whirlwind reign as queen for a year, she decided to go back to school, and that school was KU.
Bryant was graduated from a two-year private school in Missouri before entering the Miss America competition.
exchanging her queen's crown for a seat in a classroom.
Bryant said that although she had not been back to KU since her graduation in 1969, she still had fond memories of Lawrence.
AFTER WINNING THE pageant,
Bryant enrolled at KU in the fall of 1968.
From Miss America to KUID 75618.
Bryant said the transition was tough.
"I've always loved Kansas and the University and that will never change." Bryant said. "I'm glad that I could have made them proud."
WHERETH IT WAS the local press or just a curious question from a young woman in the crowd, Bryant received plenty of attention from the day she moved into GSP-Corbin residence hall. It wasn't unusual for her mail to be addressed to "Miss America-Kansas University."
Her ambition to become a pediatrician after graduation never materialized, but she did receive a B.A. in English with a minor in chemistry.
But her desire to be a pediatrician may have helped her win the 1966 title. When emcee Parks asked her why she wanted to be a pediatrician, Bryant responded, "I've always wanted to career in medicine so that I could contribute something to our society instead of taking something from it."
She served as hostess for the Miss America pageants in 1969 and 1970.
Seventeen years have passed since her reign, but Bryant still follows the pageant each year.
good track record of picking out the winners and runners-up. Bryant said.
"I feel that the participation hasn't really changed but the range of scholarships has increased greatly. I believe it is approximately $25,000 in scholarships now."
BRYANT RECEIVED $10,000 in scholarships in 1966 and was guaranteed to make another $80,000 in special appearances, a figure which has also jumped over the years.
FRIDAY FLOWER FEATURE
TAKE SOME FLOWERS HOME THIS WEEKEND!
After this weekend, it will be back to Mesa to tend to the daily chores brought about by five children and a husband.
ALL FRESH FLOWER BOUQUETS 1/2 PRICE FRIDAY 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
"I have watched it on television over the years and I think I have a pretty
Weekend Special 10 Sweetheart Roses $4.95 Cash & Carry
Bryant finds time to appear in commercials for local car dealerships. Her husband owns three dealerships in the Phoenix area.
PITA
Chicken, tuna or veggies thru 9/18
HALF 99c
WHOLE $1.99
Mon-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. 1006 Mass.
Sunday 12 p.m.-10 p.m. 749-1660
Free Parking South of Building
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Improve your posture in standing, sitting, and walking through the use of the Alexander Technique. Eliminate unconscious patterns of stress causing neck and shoulder aches, back pain, tendonitis, or headaches.
Steven Glassman, certified by the American Center for the Alexander Technique in N.Y.C. will present an introductory talk on Monday, September 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Alderson Auditorium in the Kansas Union.
Admission: $2.00.
Sponsored by the University Dance Company and the Student Activity Fee.
Private sessions and workshops may be scheduled throughout the week of September 19-24 by calling 864-5552.
IRRESISTABLE COUPON
Fall Student Discount
20 REASONS FOR EATING AT CHRISTOPHER'S
The Pladium
Sept.16,17 The Hold Outs (Previously Liquid Fire)
Sept. 20 PJ Party
1st Place couple weekend at the Holidome in Lawrence 1st Place Girl $25 1st Place Guy $25
$1 cover 25¢ draws 7:30-10 p.m.
50¢ draws 10-midnight
ZZ 99 Night
99¢ Pitchers All Night Long!
Come Dance the Night Away in Your PJ's!
And we've never heard of you either.
We're the College Republicans.
We're the Republican Party on campus. We register voters, work in campaigns, participate in party conventions, hear speakers, work for legislation.
But it's not all politics. We're involved in community service programs. Some of us are involved in student government.
Now you know about us. How about letting us get to know you? It's easy--just join us.
And we're not always so serious. There are plenty of good, fun times.
The CollegeRepublicans
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE WEEK WESCOE BEACH
10 a.m.-3 p.m.