Alpha Phi - Michigan State University

The Ivy 2 When did you decide to go into law? Was there anyone who inspired you in that direction? I majored in Elementary Education and was graduating at the age of 20, but I didn't really feel like I was done learning. It was my Big Sister, Susy Mull Ducker '76, who encouraged me to think big and take the LSAT exams. Her perspective was bigger than the world I knew, and she changed my trajectory in a wonderful way. How are you involved with Texas PACE Authority? Describe your role in that position. I am the president. Texas PACE Authority is a nonprofit administering the Texas Property Assessed Clean Energy program for more than 30 local governments. TX-PACE is a proven financial tool incentivizing Texas' property owners to upgrade facility infrastructure with little or no capital outlay. Approved by state legislation and established by local governments, TX-PACE programs enable owners to lower their operating costs and use the savings to pay for eligible water conservation, energy efficiency, resiliency, and distributed generation projects. So far, the program has enabled more than $85 million in new energy and water saving investments in Texas property, serving both large commercial developers, nonprofits, and small, minority- owned businesses. What have been some of your proudest moments in the law field? As a staff member in Congress, I had the privilege of working on a diverse range of legislation from major crime bills, intellectual property and communications laws, to the Americans with Disabilities Act. At the time I served, Congress was a place where people of divergent views worked together to solve problems—a servant leader commitment preparing me for the nonprofit work I now do in Texas. Working collaboratively with hundreds of volunteers in Texas to pass the Texas PACE Act and to build a model program for local governments called "PACE in a Box" has been richly rewarding. Everything I have accomplished is based on things I learned previously, both good and "how not to do it that way again." What have been a few of the challenges? Learning skills I did not have fast enough to keep up with the opportunities, listening to really hear what other people are saying, having the courage to move on when something is not the right fit, and finding the resources and people willing to sacrifice in the beginning to build something which over time will be bigger than each of us alone could ever hope to do. How did being in Alpha Phi impact your career? I hate to admit this, but I did not have much self- confidence when I got to Michigan State, and I was taken aback, this amazing group of beautiful women (inside and out) liked me for just me. I also learned which fork to use and poise and grace, which paid off big time when speaking to U.S. Congressional members, negotiating legislative language, and teaching my kids how to ride a bike. Alumna Shares Insights on Life after College How Charlene Vanlier Heydinger '77 Impacts Her Community When did you decide to go into education? When I graduated from MSU with my Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Sciences, I worked in agribusiness sales in Indiana for three years. I learned a lot about business, which helped since I had no business background. The favorite part of my job was solving technical problems with our products; I worked with farmers, agribusiness dealers, and distributors to determine what was causing crop injury or poor weed control in farm fields. I decided to go back to school and obtain a Ph.D. enabling me to work in research and product development. During the five-year period, I decided I would prefer a career at a university in research and teaching. In 1986, I was hired by Michigan State University as an assistant professor with a research and extension appointment. In 2006, I was asked to change positions and teach courses, advise students, and continue with my research. This is my 13th year teaching at Michigan State. What are some of your proudest moments in your career? As a professor at MSU involved in research you have graduate students you advise and mentor. I have been the major advisor to more than 30 graduate students. Some are working toward their Master of Science, others toward their Ph.D. This aspect of my position, guiding and mentoring students, is very rewarding and then watching their careers over the years. I have students today living across the U.S. in positions with agribusinesses and at universities. What are some challenges you have faced? I have two children, 29 and 26 years old. When I reflect on working throughout their early and teenage years and being the best mom I could be, it was an amazing and challenging time. MSU was very supportive of our family and me during those years. What advice would you offer to undergraduates? Make your undergraduate program unique so you stand out when interviewing. Classes are only one part of your undergraduate life; make sure you fill the rest with a job and one club outside of Alpha Phi that will expand your contacts and interests. • Talk to your advisor and instructors. • Complete at least two summers of professional internships. • Complete a minor even if you are not required to. • Networking is important; check with alumnae who have careers you are interested in and send them an email. Job shadow for half a day if possible. How do you think Alpha Phi helped you become who you are today? I met and lived with women from all over Michigan. I learned how to navigate life with many women in a small space and experienced how fun a big group of women can be. Being involved with an organization was important in resume building. Most professionals in my field are men and many belonged to fraternities while in college, being a part of Alpha Phi was helpful as a young professional. Cultivating Agribusiness Educator Karen Renner '76 Cherishes Her Time at Beta Beta

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