Pi Beta Phi - University of Illinois

PAGE 2 T hrough Illinois Zeta, Vicki Miller Rubenstein '76 strengthened who she already was when she joined the sisterhood. Pi Beta Phi's core values were all integral parts of her life up to that point. "Pi Phi was able to nurture and promote those qualities," Vicki said. Pi Beta Phi also emphasized the importance of participation in campus organizations, and her extracurricular activities proved invaluable in college and beyond. Those experiences working with diverse individuals within Illinois Zeta and across campus prepared her for her professional path. The Pi Phi sisterhood also afforded her enduring bonds that she shares with her family and that span ocean to ocean. "My older sister, Valerie Miller Fox '74, was always talking about how involved Pi Phi women were on campus and how much fun she was having with her new friends," Vicki shared. "This made me want to explore fraternity and sorority life, too. When I entered the Pi Phi house, I felt that the women were genuine, sincere and full of life!" Vicki came from a family of many teachers and administrators, and her Pi Beta Phi involvement combined with her extracurricular experiences undoubtedly prepared her to follow suit. "Having the opportunity to hold various leadership positions, even as a freshman, certainly provided me with a multitude of experiences – like conflict resolution – that I would encounter during my career in special education and later as a high school administrator," she said. The support of her Pi Phi sisters from Illinois Zeta and beyond has truly lifted her up throughout her life and helped her find her place in the world, even now as an alumna. Vicki and five of her Illinois Zeta sisters, who affectionately call themselves the 6-Pack, have kept in touch and still help each other long after graduation. "We have been good friends since college and are still going strong after 40 + years! Last year, when one of these sisters reached out to ask a couple of us for assistance with a huge fundraising event she was organizing, hosting and directing, I didn't have to think twice; of course I would help," she said. "I don't think she realizes how much she was giving back to me, without even knowing it. With all of my children either out of college or soon-to-graduate, I had been experiencing not only empty nest syndrome but also the feeling as though I was no longer really needed. It felt so good to be truly useful, while sharing time with my sisters!" Moving from Chicago to South Carolina as an alumna years ago and not knowing anyone, she took a chance and reached out to the Greenville, South Carolina, Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi in hopes of making connections. "They responded with enthusiasm and provided me with a wealth of information vital when one relocates to a new city," she explained. "Connecting with these ladies made me even more committed to staying in touch with my Illinois Zeta sisters. The members of my club come from all parts of the U.S., yet each one embraces the ideals that originally drew me to Pi Beta Phi. 'Ocean- to-Ocean,' right?" Over the years, she's served as VP Programming, VP Communications and Club President for her local alumnae club, which was named an Outstanding Alumnae Club by Pi Beta Phi Headquarters and was instrumental in helping Pi Beta Phi re-establish on both Clemson and the University of South Carolina campuses in the past few years. Even though they can't meet in person right now, they've still managed to arrange Zoom meetings, continue with philanthropy book drives and even reach out to their newest Diamond Member (socially distancing outside, of course!). Although she absolutely loved her career and all its achievements, Vicki can say without hesitation that she's most proud when she looks at her four children, including Raena Rubenstein '12. "All my efforts have resulted in young adults who continue to absorb learning with zeal, who don't think twice about helping others and who view the world with wonder," she shared. Vicki lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and you can connect with her at vrubenstein@aol.com. How do you cope with difficult times and what role does Pi Phi or do your sisters play? How do you remain resilient? "I have always made the effort to stay as healthy as possible, ever since college. I remain physically active and make more time for myself now. I read, learn new skills, embrace my hobbies and seek to connect with my beloved '6-pack' of Pi Phi sisters. I choose to be a positive and optimistic person; I find negativity to be such a drain on my life and will therefore pass on it!" What are the top three things you learned from Pi Beta Phi? 1. That true friendship can transcend decades, miles and any obstacle; 2. That I should always keep trying to better myself, and those around me; 3. And that I can be a leader and empower others. OCEAN TO OCEAN Vicki Miller Rubenstein Shares Lasting Devotion to Pi Beta Phi Want to be featured in our chapter newsletter? Or know a sister whose story should be shared? Let us know at pibetaphi.org/member-news. Heidi Luhrsen Gagnon '76, Marcy Ruffner Blair '76, Joan Turnbull Sabatino '77, Patricia Ewbank Levin '76, Marcia Casteel Stevens '76 and Vicki Miller Rubenstein '76, affectionately known among themselves as the "6-Pack," have stayed connected since their undergraduate years at Illinois Zeta.

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