Pi Beta Phi - University of Georgia

Memories on Milledge p. 3 PBF Paving Her Own Path ΠΒΦ Connections That Made All the Difference for Lisa Gipson Jarvis '91 T he Pi Beta Phi journey for Lisa Gipson Jarvis '91 began when she first walked into the Georgia Alpha chapter house on Milledge Avenue. "It felt like home," she shared. Since that day, Pi Phi has given her lasting friendships and the opportunity to nurture the value of serving others — a skill needed to succeed in life and her career. What are you up to? I am currently the co-owner, along with my husband, of Corptek I.T. Solutions, a company that exists to be a positive difference in the world – one customer and business at a time. We support business and residential customers with their I.T. managed services, infrastructure or hardware support needs. Specifically, I design websites and lead our training program offerings. How do you feel after being selected as a Centennial Honoree by the University of Georgia, College of Family and Consumer Sciences? When I looked at the list of fellow honorees, many of these men and women have been my heroes since I was in elementary school. Having grown up in Georgia 4-H, I have benefitted and have been blessed by so much of their work. I am completely humbled. I have always had a passion for inspiring and equipping leaders to reach their God-given talents and life purpose, and so much of my life purpose is grounded in the network of outstanding professionals within the UGA, FACS and Extension Service faculty, staff and student community. Describe Pi Beta Phi in three words. Dearest lifelong friendships. What one person do you most look up to? Within the Pi Phi sisterhood, definitely Peggy Batson Ballard '67. I don't know if our fellow alumnae or active sisters really understand the impact she has made and continues to make for Georgia Alpha. I consider it a privilege to have been able to spend time with her at different touchpoints in my life. If you could go anywhere, where would you go and why? I would go back in time to my days at UGA, with the perspective and wisdom I have today and ensure I really understood "be true to yourself, go the extra mile" – but not at the sacrifice of personal well-being. What's your greatest accomplishment? After receiving the 40 Under 40 UGA Alumni recognition, accolades at work, etc., when my father went through cancer and passed, I realized that while all of those accomplishments are wonderful indicators of things done right and well, life is short. What is more important are the friendships, relationships and people you impact and influence in a positive way. I am most proud of making the tough decision to leave a well-paying corporate job to own my own business. That decision took courage to do the right thing for me and my life balance and core values. And, the best is yet to come! What has been a favorite moment as a Georgia Alpha alumna? One of the most rewarding contributions to the Pi Phi chapter was in 2017 when we were asked to be the company to install a Wi-Fi network for the house. The chapter had experienced some challenges with their Wi-Fi. It was such a great feeling to know we could serve the current sisters and provide the best Wi-Fi solution for them. You can connect with Lisa at lisa.jarvis@corptek.cc. A unt Mott, Ms. Evelyn, Mrs. Sullivan — you may remember at least one of those names. The person who made sure you had food on the table and a warm bed and safe, clean home at UGA. The Pi Beta Phi House Directors. The role of this person has changed quite a bit over the years, and is no longer a "House Mom." The official term is House Director. And, with a chapter of over 250, 58 live-in residents, a 15,000-square-foot house and more rules and regulations for safety and security, Ms. Pat does it all with grace and love — love for the Georgia Alpha Pi Phis! Pat grew up in DeKalb County and attended West GA College. In 2010, she moved to Oconee County to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter. After two years of playing bridge with her good friend Ann and observing her in action as Phi Mu's House Director, Pat thought she would love being a House Director. "I was a stay-at-home mom and my children's friends all congregated at my house," she recalled. "The friends all called me mom and when I became the Pi Phi House Director — they all agreed that it was perfect for me." Although every day is an adventure, Pat really enjoys the challenges of solving the problems of the Pi Phi house. "One day it may be plumbing, the next day it is HVAC and then working with the girls and food service on their philanthropic events — no two days are ever alike," Pat explained. Her biggest challenge is learning all of the collegian's names, as it's overwhelming to try and learn so many new names each year. She knows their faces, however, and always tries to get to know them. "The Pi Phis that I have come to know, including alumnae, are confident, intelligent women," she shared. Since becoming the House Director for Georgia Alpha Chapter almost five years ago, Pat is exceedingly proud of the young women that move through the house and chapter. "I have watched them help train three other chapters and watched them grow from intelligent, naive sophomores into strong, confident seniors ready to take on the world," Pat acknowledged. For her, knowing that the collegians will leave the chapter and UGA and be able to contribute to the community makes it all worthwhile. The "Mom" of Georgia Alpha Why House Director Pat Brown Loves Pi Beta Phi

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