Beta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi at Michigan State University
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1473493
The Ivy 2 "I chose Alpha Phi because it felt like home," Michelle Horne Tiderington '94 shared. "A home full of joy and laughter, a support system when you need it, and a comedy show when you want it to be." Alpha Phi continues to be a home for Michelle. Her membership in Beta Beta was a significant part of her time at Michigan State, and the sisterhood empowered her to be the best version of herself while providing her with lifelong friendships and support. Michelle fondly remembers activities from her undergraduate years such as Big Sis Hunt, date parties, Senior Bar Crawl, and Senior Breakfast, and she makes new memories as an alumna through her involvement in the sisterhood. Michelle served on the House Corporation Board for many years, and the experience connected her with alumnae she would not have met otherwise. "It also provided me the opportunity to enhance the members' experience by providing safe and competitive facilities where they can connect, lead, and grow," she said. After serving on the HCB, Michelle began supporting Beta Beta in other ways. She currently enjoys a fulfilling role on the Centennial Steering Committee, which has given her the opportunity to reconnect with many sisters she lost touch with. "I cannot wait to see them at the Centennial Celebration," she shared. "Staying connected to Beta Beta provides me the unique opportunity to give back and ensure future members have the opportunity to have the same experience I did," Michelle said. Aside from her involvement in the sisterhood, Michelle enjoys volunteering in her community. She is a past president of the Junior League of Detroit and a member of Tau Beta. Michelle has been married to her husband, Bob, for 23 years. They have four children: Gwyneth '20 (21), a senior at Michigan State and a Beta Beta; Charles (19), a sophomore at Indiana University; Meredith (17), a senior at GP South; and Henry (15), a sophomore at GP South. In her free time, Michelle enjoys playing tennis and pickleball and watching her children's sporting events. You can connect with her at mtiderington@yahoo.com. "It is going to be the celebration of a century," Lorie Fiesselmann Dietz '75 enthused while talking about Alpha Phi's upcoming Centennial Celebration. "It is a really special event, as we will be commemorating the reason we are all sisters. Over 100 years ago, strong women formed, invested in, and grew Beta Beta. How fortunate we are to stand on their shoulders." Lorie is one of the several dedicated individuals who spearheads the planning, coordinating, and strategizing of the momentous day that celebrates the strength of sisterhood—the Centennial Celebration. "Working on the Centennial Celebration has provided me the opportunity to really reflect on being an Alpha Phi," Lorie began. "I have reconnected with members and shared moments with new ones. That is what I always look forward to—rekindling the bond." In addition to helping plan the Centennial Celebration, Lorie has served as Treasurer to the House Corporation Board for seven years, noting, "Being Treasurer is both challenging and rewarding. It has given me a chance to give back and help steer a direction for the organization. I strongly believe in giving back." Lorie shared the Centennial Celebration's planning committee's goal, "To gather many and reconnect with even more." The planning committee and House Corporation Board ("Both groups are equally the hardest working and most generous people I have ever worked with!") is thrilled to see more than 100 alumnae attending this fall's celebration so far. "Through our new website, www.msu-alphaphi-alum.com, multiple mailings of The Ivy, and the work of Decades Captains, we have been in contact with nearly 2,000 Beta Betas. The Steering Committee asks all alumnae to take advantage of this opportunity to reconnect." Countless sisters would agree that creating or strengthening a bond is one of the most fulfilling aspects of Greek membership; making lifelong friends is a gift that continually gives. Lifelong friends are there through thick and thin, offering support in the ways that matter most. Mark your calendar for Friday, October 7, through Sunday, October 9, for a weekend of rekindling the bonds of friendship and sisterhood. Contact Lorie at loriefdietz@comcast.net to learn more about what is in store for this remarkable occasion. Supporting the Sisterhood Michelle Horne Tiderington '94 Embraces New Opportunities at Alpha Phi Michelle and her daughter, Gwyneth, who is also a Beta Beta. Lorie Fiesselmann Dietz '75 Shares Details on Beta Beta's Centennial Celebration "When we spoke and sang about sisterhood while living in the house, I think we had no idea how truly strong these bonds would become. We celebrated our successes and helped heal disappointments. We became connected to something bigger than ourselves as individuals." Rekindling the Bond Rekindling the Bond