Pi Beta Phi - University of Illinois

Winter 2020 Newsletter

Illinois Zeta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity at the University of Illinois

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PAGE 2 PI BETA PHI SPARKS CAREER PATH A sorority experience is full of endless opportunities. For Ashley Dye '96, the Pi Phi experience led to her career path. As the Senior Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, she advises and supports the Illinois fraternity and sorority community. "My positive Illinois Zeta undergraduate experience sparked my interest in going to graduate school for higher education administration and pursuing fraternity/ sorority advising as a specialty area," Ashley said. For 18 years, Ashley has worked in fraternity and sorority advising, a passion that began in 1995 when she went through recruitment and found true friendships in Illinois Zeta. "Truly, my decision to join Pi Beta Phi can be boiled down to these two women, Melanie Sehy Wehrman '94 and Corinne Cantwell Heggie '95." Ashley grew up with Melanie and always looked up to her, so she knew she couldn't go wrong by joining the chapter Melanie was in. Her decision became solidified when she met Corinne during recruitment and "just clicked." Throughout her time in Illinois Zeta, these friendships grew into Sincere Friendships, one of Pi Phi's core values. To Ashley, sincere friends are women who "see you at your best and at your worst — who cheer you on when you need it and challenge you when you need it." Ashley keeps in touch with her sisters, thanks to a tradition that began after graduation and continues 20 years later. Every summer, her group of sisters pairs up and rotates the planning of a long weekend trip. "I tell the students I work with every year to make a plan with their friends while they are still in school and then stick with it. It is easily the very best thing we decided to do 20 years ago!" she said. A wonderful undergraduate experience gave way to an even more impactful alumna experience. Ashley has engaged with Pi Phi and volunteered in numerous ways over the years. Her most rewarding experience was being a member of the National Panhellenic Conference delegation. It reiterated what being in a national sisterhood really is all about. "I served alongside some of the most wonderful Pi Phis and built some lifelong friendships while we represented the Fraternity on the international Panhellenic stage." A career path, lifelong friendships and rewarding lessons are just some of the opportunities Ashley's Pi Beta Phi experience offered her. She looks forward to continuing her work to help others thrive in the fraternity and sorority community and make sure the positives of sorority life shine. You can reach Ashley at ashleyanndye@gmail.com. THE COMMUNITY OF SINCERE FRIENDSHIP Q&A with Foundation Volunteer Beth Torres '92 How did the Illinois Zeta Chapter help shape you as a person? My time in Illinois Zeta gave me a chance to step into leadership roles and showed me how to create a meaningful community by getting to know and supporting other women. A small group of committed people may come together as strangers, but they learn to work together and create something special. I see that in the work I do today. As the president and CEO of Make- A-Wish Middle Tennessee, we work to create a stronger community when families with sick children need us the most. What are you most proud of in your career and/or family life? I'm grateful for the life I have had so far. I have a great family and friends that I can count on to be supportive and honest, and adventures and opportunities beyond my dreams. The role I'm most honored to hold is aunt to two nephews. Professionally, I love doing the work I do every day. It allows me to be part of making wishes come true for kids fighting critical illnesses. I get to bring people together who believe in the power of wishes. Wishes change a child's outlook and give kids the strength to fight when they need to, hope when it's needed the most and joy in the midst of sad times. Leading this chapter and being part of Middle Tennessee's community is why I use #BestJobEver. What is the best advice you have ever received? "Do what you love, and the money will follow." When you can put your heart and soul into your work, you will find success. Finding and following your passion is key to true happiness. What has been your experience volunteering for Pi Phi? There are several roles I have enjoyed as an alumna: AAC member, Alumnae Club President, Collegiate Province President, Director and Foundation Trustee. In every role, I met passionate alumnae who protect the legacy of Pi Phi and inspire young women who are building a bright future for our sisterhood. I always enjoyed working with our chapters and celebrating their strengths. Our chapters that focus on sisterhood change our campuses. What are the top three lessons you learned from Pi Phi? 1. Sincere friends are the best, and I have some of the most amazing Pi Phi sisters who have been with me through good and tough times. My Illinois Zeta sisters showed me Pi Phi's mission. Because of my chapter experience, I got involved with Pi Phi as

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