Pi Beta Phi - University of Georgia

A s a first-generation college student Bonnie Smith Holley '79 had much to learn about college itself when she arrived at the University of Georgia. Fortunately, she had great Pi Beta Phi sisters to help her along the way. "Today, I am still learning from the wealth of experiences my Pi Phi sisters share, and we are still learning and being encouraged by one another." Bonnie had a great experience from the moment she met her future Georgia Alpha sisters, who were all welcoming, warm and friendly. Whether it was singing with her roommates, the Pi Phi Cookie Shine or Homecoming Week, she always had fun in her years at the chapter house. The year Bonnie served as Homecoming chair, Georgia Alpha proudly won the competition; the trophy was taller than Bonnie! After college, Bonnie briefly participated in the Atlanta, Georgia, Alumnae Club but drifted away over time. That changed years later, when former Alpharetta, Georgia, Alumnae Club President Jill Dralle Grobeck, Iowa Gamma '74, invited her to attend once again. After that, she became the club's Vice President of Programs and is now President. "I love being with Pi Phis from across the nation and now enjoy great friendships with a variety of sisters," Bonnie said of her presidency. Another highlight has been the work that the alumnae club does for children with literacy needs — a cause she has always been passionate about. "And of course, I love to meet and mentor some of the younger alumnae and hopefully help set them on the course of a lifetime of alumnae involvement." To Bonnie, the Georgia Alpha Chapter house "is a beloved place and could use our help." She has seen Pi Phi grow so much over the years and can tell the house needs some major updates and more room to accommodate the ever- increasing sisterhood. "If alumnae all contributed financially or volunteered a bit of our time, we could successfully prepare the house and, more importantly, the Pi Phi sisters for a great future ahead." Bonnie lives in Hoschton, Georgia, and is blessed with a wonderful husband, Perry, as well as their children and grandchildren. She has worked for several great companies in her professional life, running her own floral and design business in her later years. She still keeps up with Pi Phi as a lifelong reader of the Fraternity's magazine. "I have always loved reading The Arrow, especially as a young, busy mom moving around the country," Bonnie said. The magazine has been a great way to keep up with Pi Phi, and helped her stay in touch with several close Georgia Alpha friends over the years. Between that and social media, she has loved keeping up with Pi Phi alumnae and chapters from all over. "Pi Phi has certainly added sisterhood, friendship and a richness to my life." You can connect with Bonnie at bsh031@gmail.com. What's Best for the Sisterhood BONNIE SMITH HOLLEY ALWAYS HAPPY TO SUPPORT PI PHI PAGE 2 Want to be featured in your chapter newsletter? Or know a sister whose story should be shared? Let us know at pibetaphi.org/member-news. There's still time to support the A New Vision Built on Great Tradition capital campaign! The campaign will officially end on November 19 and we know we can still reach our alumnae giving goal. With your support, we can celebrate reaching our overall goal of $1.3 million for the future of Georgia Alpha. Gifts of $2,500 will be recognized on a plaque prominently displayed in the completed house. Every alumna can make a difference, and Georgia Alpha needs our support.

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