Alpha Phi - Michigan State University

The Ivy 2 A TRULY LIFELONG SISTERHOOD What Keeping in Touch Means to Karen A. Kolschowsky '60 S tudents often seek out Greek life to find a group or network on campus. For Karen A. Kolschowsky '60, Alpha Phi and the women she met at Beta Beta became much more. "It was like a family with certain standards and values that helped me mature," Karen said. "Working with people and giving back through service activities helped me realize I'd been blessed with many things and that I was responsible for paying it forward. Alpha Phi taught me the value of friendship, family, and staying connected." COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATION Karen and her sisters in the graduating class of 1963 have maintained close contact for more than 55 years, which she credits in part to a class newsletter they have collaborated on for decades. "We had a graduation dinner all those years ago, and I offered to start the newsletter. We take turns being editor, and I think it's kept us so close." The sisters hold a class reunion about every five years (sometimes including their husbands), and for their 40th graduation anniversary they established a Beta Beta scholarship. SISTERLY WISDOM Karen is retired in Florida but likes to touch base with the active chapter when visiting East Lansing—which she does regularly due to her involvement with the MSU study abroad program. "I spent the summer between my junior and senior year in Europe, and I can see the direct impact studying abroad has on students to experience a different culture." She encourages students to try as many different experiences as possible. She is continually impressed with the active chapter. "The house is in great condition, and the young women have all been very polite and accommodating." PAYING IT FORWARD After several years of teaching, Karen became a stay-at-home mom. Since her husband Jerry's retirement, they have become active in philanthropy in the U.S. and Africa. In Africa, they work with Michigan State on the Tanzanian Partnership Program (TPP). Through Iowa State, Jerry's alma mater, they work with the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (CSRL) in Uganda. Both programs work toward the elimination of poverty and hunger. In the U.S., they work with the Lutheran Church supporting women's cancer research and Karen continues to support Beta Beta. Karen and Jerry are Florida residents and reside in Sarasota, Fla., but their summers are spent in Downers Grove, Ill. They have two sons, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Karen can be reached at kkolschowsky@gmail.com. Choosing Alpha Phi Every Day Sam Zahrai '15 Continues Serving the Sisterhood A ccording to Sam Zahrai '15, enrolling at Michigan State was the best college decision she could have made, and her Spartan experience would not have been the same without adding Beta Beta to the mix. "Alpha Phi made me feel accepted right from the moment I walked in the house as a freshman," she recalls. "I appreciated how natural, confident, and supportive the members were with us PNMs and in their interactions with one another." Sam became a successful Chapter President at Beta Beta and was lucky to work with some wonderful Educational Leadership Consultants during recruitment. During those sleepless nights and FaceTime sessions with the ELCs, she realized the impact she too could have on many chapters nationwide and applied to become a traveling consultant when she graduated. "My four years at Beta Beta truly solidified my decision to continue choosing Alpha Phi each and every day." As a consultant for Alpha Phi nationals, so far Sam has visited 17 chapters and conducted seven recruitments, leaving her heart in many places across the country. The job lines up perfectly with her love of travel, exploring new cities, and meeting new people. Sam is beyond thankful to both Alpha Phi for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and to her family who encouraged her to choose a nontraditional job right out of college. Some of Sam's fondest Beta Beta memories are the simple ones, such as movie marathons on the big couch in the informal living room and studying with her sisters. The chapter empowered her to become the best, most confident version of herself. As President, Sam represented Beta Beta at the 73rd biennial Alpha Phi Convention, and was even recognized as MSU's 2017 Chapter President of the Year. "Being surrounded by 180 driven Alpha Phis every day motivated me to step out of my comfort zone in my academic and personal life," Sam says. "My sisters pushed me, challenged me, and shaped me to set high goals and work hard to achieve them." When her ELC contract ends, Sam hopes to work in advertising, marketing, or sales at a startup. She can be reached at szahrai131@gmail.com.

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