In preparation for the annual membership meeting at the 2018 Phi Mu National Convention in Las Vegas, Phi Mu Foundation is seeking nominations for five open seats on the Board of Trustees.

Each candidate must be:

• in good standing with the Fraternity;
• a member of Phi Mu Foundation;
• have Fraternity or Foundation volunteer experience in addition to non-Phi Mu professional experience that compliments the Foundation’s mission;
• and willing to join the 1852 Society Giving Program as an annual contributor of $1,852 or more, if elected.

Individual members of the Foundation, as well as collegiate and alumnae chapters, are encouraged to submit names of qualified candidates. An eligible candidate may also nominate herself. The Nomination Form and full Position Description are both available under the Board of Trustees tab or by calling the Foundation Executive Director at 770-632-2121.

Recommendations for Foundation Trustees must be received or postmarked by February 3, 2018. Nomination forms may be sent to foundationnomination@phimu.org or mailed to Diane Eggert, Phi Mu Foundation Nominating Chairman, 400 Westpark Dr., Peachtree City, GA 30269.

Every member of Phi Mu has their own experiences and reasons why Phi Mu is close to their heart. My experience has been one of bonding with women I feel that I have known for a lifetime and opportunities that I never thought I would have.

Phi Mu has led me to not only meet some amazing people, but has also opened doors to so many life changing opportunities. I have had leadership positions in my chapter and helped extend our involvement on campus through my executive position role. I now have the great opportunity of working with Phi Mu Foundation and the first ever Collegiate Leadership Council! This has not only made me appreciate Phi Mu more, but it has helped me truly understand how much our Fraternity helps and supports members.

Financial giving and assistance is something that the Phi Mu Foundation is based upon and this has helped countless women across the nation continue with their education and involvement in Phi Mu. One of my greatest and truest friends that I have made through Phi Mu has been a recipient of one of our chapter’s scholarships. Carson is an amazing woman who exceeds academically and also is committed to always being true to Phi Mu. Carson is from Gatlinburg, Tennessee and her family was effected by the wildfires that raged through that part of East Tennessee in November of 2016. This put some stress on her family as a whole and because of the scholarship awarded to her she was able to continue in Phi Mu.

 

Raising money for sisters who are affected by natural disasters and unforeseen difficulties is something that I am passionate about and want to see grow for the future so that members know that Phi Mu is always on their side.

 

Every member of Phi Mu has their own experiences and reasons why Phi Mu is close to their heart. My experience has been one of bonding with women I feel that I have known for a lifetime and opportunities that I never thought I would have.

 

Phi Mu has led me to not only meet some amazing people, but has also opened doors to so many life changing opportunities. I have had leadership positions in my chapter and helped extend our involvement on campus through my executive position role. I now have the great opportunity of working with Phi Mu Foundation and the first ever Collegiate Leadership Council! This has not only made me appreciate Phi Mu more, but it has helped me truly understand how much our Fraternity helps and supports members.

 

Financial giving and assistance is something that the Phi Mu Foundation is based upon and this has helped countless women across the nation continue with their education and involvement in Phi Mu. One of my greatest and truest friends that I have made through Phi Mu has been a recipient of one of our chapter’s scholarships. Carson is an amazing woman who exceeds academically and also is committed to always being true to Phi Mu. Carson is from Gatlinburg, Tennessee and her family was effected by the wildfires that raged through that part of East Tennessee in November of 2016. This put some stress on her family as a whole and because of the scholarship awarded to her she was able to continue in Phi Mu.

Raising money for sisters who are affected by natural disasters and unforeseen difficulties is something that I am passionate about and want to see grow for the future so that members know that Phi Mu is always on their side.

 

Guest Blog Contributor Abby Belt, Kappa, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, is a member of the Phi Mu Foundation Collegiate Leadership Council. 

This past summer I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Phi Mu Leadership Institute in Atlanta, Georgia.  In the very short four-day weekend I learned more about myself and gained more confidence than I ever imagined I would.  I also fell even more in love with Phi Mu and its mission.

My chapter finished recruitment several weeks ago.  As we all probably know, during recruitment season you begin to think about why you are in Phi Mu and a sorority in general, what keeps you here, and why do you love it so much?  For me, it’s the women.  My Phi Mu sisters pick me up when I’m down, they push me and challenge me to be my very best, they see qualities in me that I do not see in myself, and they love me unconditionally.  When my chapter selected me to be one of two representatives for the Leadership Institute I was so incredibly honored and humbled to know that my chapter saw something special in me.

While at the Leadership Institute I grew in my leadership skills and in my confidence in myself.  I now find myself walking into rooms with my head a little higher and having more confidence when I speak because I am more confident in myself and in my leadership abilities.  The Leadership Institute and the women that I met while there inspired me to not be afraid to put myself out there.  I recently applied and was selected to serve on my university’s Greek Leadership Board.  Only eight individuals from across my university’s Greek organizations were selected.  I may never have had the courage to apply for this position had it not been for the encouragement of my Phi Mu sisters on my campus and that I met at the Leadership Institute.   The relationships that I developed with the other attendees and facilitators I know will last a lifetime.  Months later, we are still messaging each other updates and words of encouragement in our group message.

Words truly cannot express how thankful I am to have had the opportunity of attend the Phi Mu Leadership Institute.  The lessons that I learned at the Leadership Institute have shaped the way that I approach the world.  I walked away from the Leadership Institute a better leader, Phi Mu, and woman; and for that, I will be forever thankful.  I am so excited to see where I and my fellow attendees go as a result of our incredible experiences at the Leadership Institute.

Guest Blog Contributor Bayley Sharp, Alpha Gamma, Samford University, is a member of the Phi Mu Foundation Collegiate Leadership Council.