Phi Mu - University of Mississippi

The Lion & The Ladybug 2 Why did you join Phi Mu? I felt so at home and welcomed every time I walked in the doors of the house, and opening my bid card and seeing 'Phi Mu' on it at the conclusion of recruitment week is one of my happiest memories. I stayed in the sisterhood because of the relationships I formed with the women in the Chapter and the smiles, laughs, and experiences we shared together; being a part of Phi Mu made my time at Ole Miss the greatest four years of my life. What are your favorite memories from your time in the Chapter House? I served as membership director in 2016, and that year gave me so many wonderful memories that I still cherish today. I had the time of my life getting to plan, teach, and execute everything recruitment with the 300 women who elected me to lead them. We put in some long hours and late nights in the Chapter House to ensure that every detail was perfect for the potential new members, but those times we spent together are moments that I'll never forget. Have you stayed in touch with your sisters over the years? Since Alpha Delta is such a large Chapter, it is not rare for me to run into sisters I knew in college, even when I least expect it. I am also a member of the South Mississippi alumnae Chapter here in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and I've so enjoyed getting to know sisters of different ages and different chapters. The Phi Mu bond really does transcend universities, and while each chapter offers a different undergraduate experience, the values and happy memories Phi Mu gives us are common denominators for every woman who chooses Phi Mu. What advice would you offer to undergraduates? Pursue your dreams at any cost, even if they scare you. Phi Mu Shapes a Dream Come True T he spring 2019 semester was an exciting one for Phi Mu at the University of Mississippi. With philanthropy, alumnae, and sisterhood events, the semester was filled with love, fun, and involvement. LEADING OLE MISS AND THE OXFORD COMMUNITY We are excited to announce Charlotte Shackleford '16 was elected as associated student body vice president. At the annual Greek Awards, Chapter Adviser Anne Cofer '03 was awarded CPH Chapter Advisor of the Year. Additionally, Phi Mu was presented with the Personal and Professional Development Core Values Award. Philanthropy Chairman Elizabeth McCutcheon '17 hosted multiple fundraising events throughout the spring 2019 semester, including Cheesin' for the Children and Bonnamu. Between both events, the Chapter raised more than $31,000 for Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Alpha Delta Celebrates Award-Winning Spring Semester More Than $31,000 Raised for Le Bonheur Children's Hospital From left: Kristen Zarzaur '18, Annie Vandegriff '15, Erin Larkin '15, Adviser Anne Cofer '03, Malia Willis '16, and Ashna Sethi '15 show off Alpha Delta's numerous Greek Awards. (Continued on page 4) M ary Margaret grew up watching the Miss Mississippi pageant and daydreaming about one day being on that stage. "I always admired the women who competed for their confidence, poise, and intelligence, and I always hoped that I'd one day have the opportunity to compete myself!" said Mary Margaret. In January 2017, this opportunity became a reality when she entered her first preliminary competition. "With the love and support of so many people who stood behind me to encourage me, many of them Alpha Deltas, I won the job of Miss Mississippi two and a half years later," she shared. More than sisterly support, Phi Mu gave Mary opportunities that impacted her path to Miss Mississippi. As a Chapter consultant for Phi Mu National Headquarters, Mary Margaret traveled the country meeting thousands of people from different backgrounds and perspectives. "There is no doubt in my mind that that experience is what won me the job of Miss Mississippi," she said. Her experience taught her communication skills that have been crucial in her role. When she is promoting the Miss Mississippi Scholarship Fund or advocating for her social impact initiative, Advocate, Celebrate, Donate: Diminishing the Donor Organ Deficit, her ability to communicate effectively and relate to a broad population serves her well. Representing her home state is truly a dream come true for Mary Margaret. It is an opportunity to leave her legacy on her state's history and make her mark. As she prepares for Miss America, she is grateful for her Phi Mu experience that prepared her for the big stage. To contact or book Mary Margaret for an appearance as Miss Mississippi, please contact her business manager, Karen Jones, at kjones@riverhillsbank.com. Alpha Delta Offers Lifelong Bond Mary Margaret Hyer '18 on Becoming Miss Mississippi

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