I’m Alyssa Edwards at Case Western Reserve University. I am also in the 8-year combined BA/MD Pre-Professional Scholars Program in Medicine and just finished my Masters of Public Health at Case. However, I am more than your typical STEM student in that I also have clinical experiences and public speaking/communication skills. After shadowing multiple medical professionals, serving as a liaison between surgical staff and patient’s family in Africa, and spending over 500+ hours for Special Olympics, my passion for public health gives me that top-down perspective on the future of research.  With my experience in speaking at conferences with 5,000 people, I am very comfortable with my leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. I have personally learned python and R in my free time, and have found a strong passion for computer science. Academically, I graduated high school with a 4.62 GPA as valedictorian and continue to excel here at Case.

At Case Western, I am currently a student researcher at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine where I am exploring the molecular causes of autism using cerebral organoids, also known as artificial mini-brains. Through my experiences, I was granted the incredible opportunity to travel to Ghana to work for 3 months as a research assistant sponsored by the National Institute of Health. My goal with this project was to look at the role microRNAs play in the modulation of the severity of malaria and hemoglobinopathies. This experience over the summer allowed me to expand my horizons and put me on the frontlines of eliminating inequalities for all minorities, especially in the medical field of which I intend to pursue. Moreover, I would have not had the opportunities I had without the support and love from my sisters in Phi Mu. The unconditional encouragement, laughter, and great memories will stay with me forever.

My lifelong dream of attending medical school is moving forward, thanks to generous educational scholarships like yours. Growing up in a less privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges but has also helped me realize the value of a college education. Without scholarship patrons willing to support education, students such as myself would be unable to pursue advanced health care degrees. I am grateful for the opportunities this award will provide me. I rely on financial aid, grants and student loans to help finance my education.  Receiving this scholarship will help reduce my financial burdens and provide assistance for me as I continue pursuing my education After obtaining my undergraduate degree, my goal is to become a physician, the first biracial female doctor within my family. I will be attending Case Western School of Medicine to further pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.

I can only hope one day I will be able to give back to a Phi Mu sister just as you did for me. Your generosity truly makes a difference. Thank you!

If you would like to invest in helping women just like Alyssa, you can make a gift today at www.phimufoundation.org/give. 

On the evening of Phi Mu’s 169^th Founders’ Day, Past National President Kris Shetler Bridges, Delta Nu, and Past Foundation President Diane Hawkins Eggert, Zeta Iota, made a groundbreaking announcement that will have a tremendous impact on the lives of Phi Mu women today, tomorrow and for years to come: the launch of a $15 million comprehensive campaign called the One Destiny Campaign.

is a mission-driven campaign that will help grow the Foundation’s endowment and support the growing needs of Phi Mu members by increasing funding toward academic scholarships, leadership and educational programming, member assistance, historic preservation and the area of greatest need. The campaign kicked off publicly on March 4, 2021 and is already on track to reach its goal of $15 million by the summer of 2022.

“It is incredible for us to kick-off the One Destiny Campaign with more than $11.7 million in contributions already secured from loyal Phi Mu Foundation donors who understand the significant impact we can make by meeting the growing needs of our members today and in the future,” said One Destiny Campaign Co-Chair Diane Hawkins Eggert. “After facing the challenges of the last year, we know how critical it is to have a sustainable endowment so that we may continue to lend support to sisters when they need us the most.”

Phi Mu Foundation has supported the needs of Phi Mu members since its inception in 1957, granting its first-ever academic scholarship the following year to Sylvia Jane Sims Deaton, Gamma Zeta (High Point University). Since then, the Foundation has expanded its reach and in 2019-20, invested more than $370,000 in academic scholarships, member assistance grants for members facing life-altering circumstances, supporting the Fraternity’s leadership and educational programs and historic preservation efforts.

Through the One Destiny Campaign, donors can direct their gift to one of the five campaign focus areas – academic scholarship, leadership and education, member assistance, historic preservation or the area of greatest need. Contributions to the area of greatest need are unrestricted gifts that help ensure the Foundation can maintain healthy operations, while also giving the Foundation Board of Trustees the flexibility to invest in high-priority areas for our members.

All Phi Mu members and friends will have the opportunity to contribute to the One Destiny Campaign now through July 2022, when the Foundation Board of Trustees looks forward to celebrating the end of a successful campaign at the 2022 National Convention in Arizona.

“All of us have been touched by the Foundation’s work over the years, whether it’s through our investment in the Fraternity’s member education and leadership programs or receiving a scholarship or grant,” said One Destiny Campaign Co-Chair Kris Shetler Bridges. “The One Destiny Campaign has the potential to secure these opportunities for Phi Mu women now and in the future, and we’ll need everyone’s support to help make this a reality!”

For more information on the One Destiny Campaign, including how you can show your support of the campaign with a contribution, please visit www.phimuonedestiny.org.