Phi Mu - University of Mississippi

The Lion & The Ladybug 2 A Mother, Her Daughters, and a Phi Mu Legacy Claire Rychlak, Kappa Lambda '80 and Her Four Daughters Discuss Being "Sisters" A s a sorority sister and a mother, you first want your daughters to find a place where they feel they belong, but secondly, you probably hope that place is your sorority. Claire Rychlak, Kappa Lambda '80 has been blessed with five daughters, four of whom are members of Alpha Delta. "It has been fun watching each daughter grow from an excited rushee to an active member to now an alumna," she said. "It was cool to watch them use their talents and interests to help make Alpha Delta a strong Chapter." Claire said that while her daughters have plenty of similarities, they also have their own unique personalities. Her oldest, Lindsey Rychlak Wilkins '08, is active and loves sports. Susanna Rychlak '10 is very organized and a born leader. Mary Helen Rychlak '12 has a beautiful voice and likes to be on stage. Sally Rychlak '15 is an active member, very sociable, and likes working with people. All of these traits have served Claire's daughters well within their Alpha Delta roles. Why did you join Phi Mu? Claire: Phi Mu was made up of well-rounded, active, involved young women. They were interesting, pretty, sporty, smart, fun, talented, welcoming, and defied a stereotype. I felt right at home there. Lindsey: I didn't have much of an opinion when it came to individual sororities going into college. I knew that my mom was a Phi Mu, which meant a lot to me. I never felt pressured to go Phi Mu, but it turned out that is where I felt at home. Susanna: I always knew that I wanted to rush at Ole Miss because we have such a vibrant Greek culture, and then for two years I was able to see the amazing women that my older sister, Lindsey, met through the Alpha Delta Chapter. Not only did I want to be with my sister, but those girls were a huge part of the reason I pledged Phi Mu. Mary Helen: I chose to be a Phi Mu for many reasons. One was how comfortable I felt in the Phi Mu house. It is such a warm and loving atmosphere. I also joined Phi Mu because of how special and important it was for me to be able to share this sisterhood with my mother and sisters. Sally: I decided to be a Phi Mu because I saw its values represented by independent and genuine women, such as my mom and sisters. What officer positions did you hold with Phi Mu? Claire: I was Panhellenic delegate, Phi trainer, and VP for Chapter development. In addition, I served as a rush counselor my senior year. Lindsey: I was intramural chairman, which I really enjoyed. I loved being able to coordinate our teams for intramural sports and play them with my sisters. Susanna: I was the recruitment chairman for the 2012-13 school year. Mary Helen: I was head of the skit committee my junior year during recruitment. This meant writing the script, holding rehearsals, managing a budget, and decorating the house. Sally: I am currently the recruitment chairman. What did your undergraduate experience with Phi Mu mean to you? Claire: I grew up in in Memphis and wanted to attend Ole Miss; however, when it came time for college, family finances were tight. I received a good scholarship to attend Memphis, so that is where I went. We did not have sorority houses, but each chapter had a suite in the Panhellenic building. I made one of my best friends in that room on Bid Day. From that point on, everything I did in college I did with my Phi Mu sisters. I learned how to work with other young women with a variety of opinions and backgrounds. Even though I was disappointed that I could not come to Ole Miss, I had a really good college experience, and I have Phi Mu to thank for that. The happy ending is that my husband got a job here in 1987. I got to come to Ole Miss after all! Lindsey: I loved being a part of Phi Mu at Ole Miss. Living in the house is how I met my absolute best friends. Susanna: Phi Mu was instrumental to my undergraduate experience. From introducing me to lifelong friends to helping me understand the importance of philanthropy to entrusting me with meaningful leadership experience, Phi Mu gave me so many opportunities. The wide range of experiences helped me grow into a well- rounded sister, student, and individual. Mary Helen: It meant meeting my best friends who I shared many special times with. Whether it was at rush practice, doing community service, or just hanging around the house, we always managed to share so many laughs together. How does it feel being a part of the same sorority as your mother? Lindsey: My mom is the most wonderful woman, and I love that I was smart enough at the age of 18 to follow in her footsteps toward Phi Mu. Susanna: Our mom embodies Phi Mu's ideal of noble womanhood. She is graceful, kind, and selfless. I love sharing in this bond with her, though I know she would have supported any sorority that we chose. She inspires us through her example, and I am so glad we get to share in this sisterhood. Mary Helen: It feels really special to share a sisterhood with my mother and siblings. Having a family full of Phi Mu ladies inspires me to want to continue the tradition of making Phi Mu a great home for future members like it was for me and my family. This means being an active alumna member by volunteering and contributing in any way I can. Sally: I love it, and I love that my mom can be our sister too! What are you up to now? Claire: Before the children were born, I was a paralegal in Memphis and Chicago. When the children came, I became a stay at home mom and a school, soccer, and community volunteer. I edit articles and books with my husband, Ron, who is a professor of law. Lindsey: I married Richard Wilkins and teach third grade in Fairfax, Virginia, right outside of Washington, D.C. Susanna: I am a third-year law student at Vanderbilt Law School. I will graduate in May, take the bar exam, and then do a one-year clerkship with a judge on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Memphis. Mary Helen: I am a graduate assistant pursuing my master's in education with a focus on curriculum and instruction. I am still a student, but I work part time in Guyton Hall on the Ole Miss campus. Sally: I am a sophomore, and I am planning fall 2017 recruitment! I also love cooking, especially with my mom and sisters. It's something that we all like to do together. Claire and Ron have one son, Joseph, their oldest, who is a second-year law student at Ole Miss. They also have a daughter, Olivia, who is still in high school. While she has not chosen where she will attend college yet, Claire secretly hopes she chooses Ole Miss and joins Phi Mu… but no pressure of course. Claire and Ron live in Oxford, Mississippi, and she can be reached by e-mail at claire.rychlak@gmail.com. Claire Rychlak, Kappa Lambda '80 proudly standing with her daughters: Susanna Rychlak '10, Sally Rychlak '15, Mary Helen Rychlak '12, Lindsey Rychlak Wilkins '08, and Olivia Rychlak.

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