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Donor Spotlight: Shelley Starr

Donor Spotlight: Shelley Starr (Texas Wesleyan)

This Mission Moment Monday, we are honored to feature Shelley Starr (Texas Wesleyan), a proud member of the Wesleyan Society and a dedicated Phi Mu Foundation volunteer who believes in the power of sisters caring for sisters.

Shelley’s passion for giving back to Phi Mu Foundation centers on the academic scholarship program and the emergency assistance fund, which together provide critical support for sisters during times of need—whether in pursuing educational dreams or recovering from natural disasters or critical illness.

“Phi Mu Foundation has established an emergency fund through the generosity of members that is available to those impacted by natural disasters and extreme hardships during critical illness. Sisters caring for sisters!”

For Shelley, supporting Phi Mu Foundation means ensuring that every sister has the opportunity to thrive, no matter her circumstances:

“Phi Mu provides a giving program to support young women as they pursue their educations and may need financial assistance. To be able to support others is an opportunity to give back to others in need.”

Her advice for first-time donors is simple yet powerful:

“Phi Mu members are committed to supporting other members in times of need. If we all work together to provide support, we can change outcomes in the lives of our sisters.”

Shelley believes deeply in the role Phi Mu Foundation will continue to play in shaping the future of our sisterhood:

“The success of the Phi Mu Foundation giving programs is essential to continue to provide support to young women as they pursue their educational endeavors. We are building strong, independent women for the future through our giving.”

Thank you, Shelley, for your commitment to ensuring that Phi Mu remains a place where sisters support each other, build confidence, and create lasting change in the world.

Join Shelley in supporting the future of Phi Mu by giving today. 💗

Donor Spotlight: Susi Kiefer

Donor Spotlight: Susi Kiefer (Illinois)

For Susi Kiefer (Illinois), Phi Mu is more than a lifelong bond—it’s a legacy of love, leadership, and service. With an impressive list of volunteer roles and her continued support through the 1852 Society, Susi has spent decades giving back to the sisterhood that helped shape her.

Her journey includes service as National Music Chairwoman, 1852 Society Co-Chairwoman, multiple leadership roles within the Milwaukee and Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapters, and numerous positions within the Delta Beta (Illinois) Chapter Advisory Council.

Why Susi Gives

“Donating to Phi Mu Foundation is truly a privilege, an opportunity to actively support our beloved Fraternity and to join many generous donors of the past.”

Susi knows firsthand the life-changing impact of Foundation programs. As a recipient of an academic scholarship, she was able to pursue her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Michigan—a pivotal step in her professional journey.

Her Favorite Way Phi Mu Foundation Gives Back

While she values every aspect of Phi Mu Foundation’s mission, academic scholarships and leadership training stand out as her personal favorites.

“All four Foundation areas are immensely significant in empowering and supporting Phi Mu women.”

“Thank you for your generosity! You will experience great joy in joining together with hundreds of sisters in supporting the women and legacy of our beloved Fraternity!”

Susi believes Phi Mu Foundation’s future is as bright as its history.

“In its nearly 70 years since inception, Phi Mu Foundation has continually facilitated immensely positive impact for Phi Mu Fraternity. I am fully confident that the Foundation’s remarkable influence will continue to thrive, expand, and flourish. Phi Mu is truly for a lifetime!”

Thank you, Susi, for your leadership, your generosity, and your unwavering belief in the power of sisterhood. You continue to inspire the next generation of Phi Mu women.

Ready to follow in Susi’s footsteps? Join the legacy of support and make your gift to Phi Mu Foundation today.

Donor Spotlight: Melanie Matthews

Donor Spotlight: Melanie Matthews (USC Upstate)

For Melanie Matthews (USC Upstate), Phi Mu has been more than just a sisterhood—it’s been a guiding force in her life, shaping her both personally and professionally. Through years of dedicated service, she has continued to give back to the organization that has given her so much.

Melanie currently serves as the Delta Area Alumnae Chapter Specialist and Legacy League Co-Chair, supporting alumnae engagement and strengthening connections among Phi Mu sisters. Her past roles, including National Alumnae Committee Member, Area Alumnae Director, and Collegiate Operations Director, reflect her deep commitment to ensuring Phi Mu’s impact extends to future generations.

For Melanie, supporting Phi Mu Foundation is about creating opportunities for the next generation of Phi Mu women.

“Since joining Phi Mu, it has continued to be one of the most important parts of my life. Phi Mu shaped me into the woman I am today, both personally and professionally. Donating to Phi Mu Foundation gives me the assurance that some young woman is being given the same opportunity that I was given to grow and become who she is meant to be!”

Her Favorite Way Phi Mu Foundation Gives Back

While Melanie appreciates all the ways Phi Mu Foundation supports its members, leadership development is closest to her heart.

“I love everything that Foundation does for Phi Mu and its members. My favorite is leadership development because I feel this was an area that truly impacted my life.”

Advice for First-Time Donors

If you’re considering making your first gift to Phi Mu Foundation, Melanie has one piece of advice: just start.

“Start somewhere. Even if you can only give a few dollars a month or even a year, it is a start, and it shows dedication. Every little bit is a boost for Phi Mu!”

To Melanie, giving back to Phi Mu Foundation is a way to ensure the lasting strength of an organization that has been an important part of her life.

Thank you, Melanie, for your unwavering dedication to Phi Mu and Phi Mu Foundation. Your generosity and service continue to make a lasting impact on our sisterhood!

Join Melanie in making a difference. Give back to Phi Mu Foundation today.

2025-26 Phi Mu Foundation Internship Program

Phi Mu Foundation is currently accepting internship applications for the 2025-26 academic year to support fundraising and communication efforts with collegiate chapter philanthropy chairs across the country.

Phi Mu Foundation is committed to the lifetime development of women through the support of the organization’s leadership, scholarship, philanthropic & educational programs, as well as historic preservation. 

The Opportunity:

We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic interns who are passionate about philanthropy, fundraising, nonprofit organizations, and development work. As a Phi Mu Foundation intern working remotely, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in these areas and work alongside fundraising professionals on meaningful philanthropic projects.

The majority of your specific responsibilities would be supporting the Foundation’s Collegiate Chapter Fundraising Program with ongoing education and communication with collegiate philanthropy chairs in your designated area. Funds raised through the Foundation’s Collegiate Chapter Fundraising Program benefit the Annual Fund, which helps the Foundation maintain healthy operations while also empowering the Board of Trustees to grant funds for academic scholarships, leadership and educational programs, emergency member assistance and the preservation of our Fraternity’s history.

Specific Program Duties:

  • Attend Phi Mu Foundation philanthropy training in May
    • Learn more about the mission and vision of Phi Mu Foundation, how 501c3 nonprofit organizations operate, the Foundation’s impact on Phi Mu members and the operations behind the Collegiate Chapter Fundraising Program.
  • Host Virtual Philanthropy Roundtable for Philanthropy Chairs in July
    • Work with Foundation staff to select 3-5 representatives to serve on a Philanthropy Roundtable to share information and impact stories with Philanthropy Chairs about fundraising for Phi Mu Foundation and answer questions.
  • Philanthropy and Fundraising Planning
    • Assist in planning and executing Phi Mu Foundation fundraising campaigns, including donor outreach and engagement strategies. More specifically creating a fundraising toolkit for the Collegiate Fundraising Program and developing a regular communications routine with Collegiate Philanthropy Chairs to provide education and inspiration and track fundraising throughout the academic year.
  • Donor Recognition/Stewardship
    • Support donor stewardship efforts, including creating personalized thank-you communications and updates for donors and more specifically developing a recognition program for chapters and philanthropy chairs who fundraise for Phi Mu Foundation.

Requirements and Expectations:

  • Be available to work 20-25 hours per month on average remotely beginning in late May 2025 to early May 2026
  • Be responsible, professional, flexible, hard‐working, ethical, self-motivated and committed to the mission of Phi Mu Foundation
  • Have a genuinely positive approach to work with a willingness to support other special projects to advance the mission
  • Possess a high level of organizational skills/attention to detail
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills 
  • Computer competency – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or other design software preferred
  • Genuine interest in a nonprofit career ‐ particularly development and fundraising

To Apply:
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter describing your interest in the position, resume/experience history, and a reference letter from an Executive Committee Member or Chapter Adviser to Foundation Senior Director, Strategic Communications Jessi Horne at jhorne@phimu.org. Application deadline is February 14, 2025.

Compensation:
A $5,000 stipend will be provided based on 20-25 hours worked on average per month.