Beta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi at Michigan State University
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1311415
The Ivy 2 Joy Sayed Murray '77 Wins Michaelanean Award C ongratulations to Joy Sayed Murray '77, who was one of nine alumnae nationwide to win the Michaelanean Award. The prestigious award was first presented at the Centennial Convention in 1972 and is given each biennium to alumnae who have shown outstanding loyalty and continuous devotion to Alpha Phi at the local level. I n order to secure the safety and health of all involved, MSU Panhellenic devised a recruitment plan which was completely virtual. The plan included live virtual video meetings via Zoom and pre-recorded introductory videos created by the potential new members. It was challenging to not meet the PNMs in person, but our sisters rose to the occasion with their ability to converse, share experiences, and form bonds with PNMs. Was it different? Absolutely. However, we know as a Panhellenic community that our goal is to ensure women at Michigan State are afforded a sorority experience which lasts well beyond their undergraduate days in East Lansing like we have, even if they begin on a different path. At Beta Beta, our goal is also to keep everyone safe and healthy while maintaining our purpose of sisterhood. Following all university and state regulations, the Executive Board has abided by all university and state COVID-19 prevention guidelines while working diligently to create a calendar of events which allows members to engage in chapter activities in a safe, fun manner. Traditional chapter events have not been held like in semesters past, but I am proud of how the collegians found alternative ways to strengthen our sisterhood. AOE, Dina Podnar '13 Recruitment Advisor New Recruitment Format, Same Alpha Phi Vision S hana Ostwald Draugelis '95 decided to go through recruitment after feeling overwhelmed at Michigan State University. "I am originally from a very small town," Shana said. "It is the kind where you cannot go anywhere without seeing someone you know, so MSU seemed huge by comparison." She did not love the recruitment experience as a whole, but remembers connecting with the young women of Alpha Phi right away. "They struck me as genuine and fun," Shana said. "They also did not seem to take themselves too seriously." As an active member of Beta Beta Chapter, Shana made many great memories with her sisters that will last a lifetime. One of her favorite activities was Friday lunch. "I always looked forward to Fridays," Shana said. "Every Friday lunch we had grilled cheese and tomato soup while talking about our fun Friday-night plans." Shana loved the general feeling of excitement that came from these meals; grilled cheese and tomato soup is now one of her kids' favorite lunches. Shana also loved serving as the chapter's t-shirt designer and had a blast while doing it! "I remember negotiating with a fraternity house we partnered with and some of my sisters who had completely opposite ideas for what our tailgate t-shirts should look like," Shana said. "We eventually compromised to come up with a cool retro design. I still have that shirt around here somewhere." After recognizing her hard work, Shana's sisters elected her to serve as vice president of finance during her senior year. "I was the one who had to approve our funds," Shana said. "That job was actually pretty tough, but it also made interviewing for real-world jobs so much easier! When questions about leadership came up, I had plenty of stories from which to draw." The experience Shana gained in Beta Beta Chapter leadership positions helped build skills she has utilized throughout her career. "Figuring out how to motivate people to do something without money as a motivating factor is one heck of a serious life skill," Shana said. "Sorority leadership roles are no joke!" Shana is the founder and CEO of The Mom Edit, a fashion and lifestyle website that sees more than 3 million visitors every year. The website has contributing authors from all over the United States and is known for its playful yet thoughtful approach to style and life. In addition to fashion, The Mom Edit also covers beauty, home, travel, and other issues important to women and mothers. Though Shana has not been back to Michigan State in several years, she intends to visit when things return to normal. "My husband and I met at MSU," Shana said, "so we keep meaning to bring the kids back to see where it all started." Shana and her family live in Philadelphia and she can be reached at sdraugelis@gmail.com. You can visit her website at themomedit.com. Bringing Creativity to the Sisterhood Shana Ostwald Draugelis '95 Reflects on Alpha Phi's Impact on Her Career Every Friday lunch we had grilled cheese and tomato soup while talking about our fun Friday-night plans."