Pi Beta Phi - University of Illinois

A s a freshman, seeing recruitment from the outside was intriguing enough to draw Kelly Zudycki Perry '97 to fraternity and sorority life. "My freshman year dorm was across the street from two sorority houses, and I kept hearing singing and seeing women dressed up running across campus visiting different chapter houses," Kelly shared. At the start of her sophomore year, Kelly decided to get in on the fun and go through recruitment, not fully expecting to join a chapter. Recruitment provided Kelly with a new experience she knew nothing about, which she found important to venturing out of her comfort zone. The one constant throughout recruitment was the pull she felt toward Pi Beta Phi. "It sounds cliché, but I felt at home each time I visited Pi Phi," Kelly said. "The members I met and the conversations we had kept bringing me back." Joining the Illinois Zeta Chapter brought Kelly many new opportunities and life lessons, like how to connect with others, build relationships and develop the interpersonal skills that would prove useful in both her professional career and volunteer efforts. "Through my various Pi Phi roles, I would not have met such wonderful friends if we did not share a Pi Phi connection," Kelly said. As a collegian, she did not know the extent to which Pi Phi life continues after graduation. Now, she truly understands and favors the phrase, "Pi Phi is not four years, it's for life." To Kelly, "Friends and Leaders for Life," means there is always an opportunity to build your leadership skills and Pi Phi friendships, both as an alumna and a collegian. Kelly studied accounting at the University of Illinois and now calls herself a non- practicing CPA. After graduating, she worked in public accounting for over five years before transitioning to the Hyatt Corporation. When her oldest son was born, she opted to stay home. Since then, she has kept busy between her two sons and volunteering with organizations like Pi Phi. "About six years after graduation, a local chapter was looking for Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) members," Kelly said. "I didn't know what serving on AAC entailed, but I answered the call and said yes. I served on an AAC for two chapters and, in the old officer structure, I spent four years as the Region Three Collegiate Membership Specialist." Kelly was recently appointed as the Region Three Community Relations Specialist and serves as a National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) area advisor, supporting Panhellenic Councils in advancing the sorority experience on five campuses. She is excited to be back supporting Region Three chapters and serving the Fraternity with her Pi Phi sisters. "Being a Pi Phi volunteer is my commitment to our sisterhood," Kelly said. "It is rewarding to support and empower these women to serve their chapter and Pi Beta Phi." Outside of volunteering, you can find Kelly at a baseball field cheering on her sons, Jacob and Lucas. She has also been active through her traveling tennis team. Kelly, her husband, Mike, and their sons enjoy traveling, especially to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Disneyland. You can connect with Kelly at kzud1977@yahoo.com. PAGE 2 A Lifelong Commitment to Sisterhood Want to be featured in your chapter newsletter? Or know a sister whose story should be shared? KELLY ZUDYCKI PERRY'S DEDICATION TO PI PHI Let us know at pibetaphi.org/member-news. "Being a Pi Phi volunteer is my commitment to our sisterhood."

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