Being True to the Womanhood of Love

When the news began to travel that the Eta Mu Chapter at University of California-Davis, had lost one of their beloved alumnae, Patricia Bock Jennings, sympathy and well wishes poured in to her family from Phi Mu sisters across the country.  If you speak with anyone who knew Patricia, it’s easy to understand the profound impact she had on every life that she touched. A devoted mother to five young children and a wife to Bill, Patricia was also a trusted mentor to her ‘village’ of sisters and friends.

An attorney by trade, Patricia’s life work was never limited to her career; she was also an active member of her church community who shared a passion for raising her family and serving others who needed a helping hand. From her time at UC Davis, to McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific, and later in the cities she called home – Sacramento, Los Altos and San Jose – Patricia lived an admirable life that echoed the Phi Mu Creed and the values of love, honor, truth.

“Tricia loved parties, especially ones with themes, and she graciously hosted showers, birthday parties, book signings, and Phi Mu events,” said Bill Jennings, Patricia’s husband.

It came as no surprise to Bill when he was approached by a group of Patricia’s Phi Mu sisters with the idea of endowing a scholarship through Phi Mu Foundation in Patricia’s name. Bill knew of Patricia’s love for the organization that brought her so much joy and friendship throughout her life, and instantly agreed to support their efforts. The group reached out to Phi Mu Foundation to begin the process of endowing a scholarship in Patricia’s name in 2014, and now is just steps away from being fully-funded.

“It’s incredible to see the pride beaming from the women who are honoring Patricia’s legacy in such a special way,” says Phi Mu Foundation Director of Major Gifts Mandi Young, AE. “Each year when the Patricia Bock Jennings Scholarship is awarded, her legacy of service learning will live on because of this labor of love.”

Many sisters and friends have rallied around this cause and helped raise more than $23,000 for the Patricia Bock Jennings Scholarship Fund, including the Santa Clara Valley, Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area Phi Mu Alumnae Chapters. The goal is to raise $25,000 in order to meet the Foundation’s endowment minimum and begin awarding scholarships for the 2018-19 academic year. Follow these chapters on Facebook for more information about local fundraisers benefiting the Patricia Bock Jennings Scholarship Fund or click here to make a gift today.

If you would like to learn more about endowing a scholarship through Phi Mu Foundation in honor or memory of someone you love, please contact the Phi Mu Foundation Director of Major Gifts at 770-632-2126.

*Update* As of 8/16, the Patricia Bock Jennings Scholarship Fund has met its goal of $25,000 and is fully-funded! The groups above will continue to fundraise in Patricia’s memory, in order to grow the fund and reach even more women in her memory.