Pi Beta Phi - University of Illinois

M any students feel some level of anxiety about attending a large university, whether about getting lost in the crowd, being overwhelmed or struggling to find friends. The size of the University of Illinois was a fear for Elise Moore Larsen '06, so she made it her goal to find ways to establish a smaller, tight-knit community within the large campus. "I heard fraternity/sorority life was a fun and meaningful way to connect," she said. "The recruitment process was frankly overwhelming, but in the end, I knew Pi Phi was the right fit for me." Once Elise found her people in Illinois Zeta, she was eager to dive into serving the chapter, including take on the role of Vice President Event Planning. She learned time and risk management, organization skills and how to balance many different priorities. "I was also Vice President of Internal Programming for the Panhellenic Council," she says. "That position really opened my eyes to the broader experience of sorority life and supporting women." Elise's experiences serving the chapter and the greater Panhellenic community inspired her to apply to be a Leadership Development Consultant for Pi Phi. She enthusiastically took on the role of Resident LDC at Ohio Kappa—University of Cincinnati—and continued to grow her leadership skills. After attending graduate school, Elise found her calling as the Executive Director at Special Gifts Theatre in Chicago. In her role, she makes a positive impact on individuals with disabilities using the performing arts. "I had a lot of experience working as a team on an executive level and developed skills that influenced my life and career," she said. "I attribute high standards, diligent work ethic and having integrity, respect and compassion to my roots that were undoubtedly shaped by Pi Phi." Philanthropic Service to Others has always been a core value of Elise's, as shown in her volunteer and career path. "During college, Pi Phi kept that piece of me and expanded on it. Pi Phi, in a large way, connected my values growing up to my values as an adult." Elise is grateful for finding her people at Illinois and continues to grow her bonds with her sisters. "I have the most amazing friends from my time as an Illinois Zeta. We bonded in our formative collegiate years, and those relationships are strong!" She is also grateful for her family and finds pride in raising two children, Natalie (3) and Luke (1), with her husband, Dave. "My children are my world. I am thankful to have support in my journey. Community, family and friends—they are everything." You can connect with Elise at elise.c.moore@gmail.com. PAGE 2 Once in a Lifetime Want to be featured in your chapter newsletter? Or know a sister whose story should be shared? HOW PI PHI SHAPED THE FUTURE FOR ELISE MOORE LARSEN Let us know at pibetaphi.org/member-news. "During college, Pi Phi kept that piece of me and expanded on it. Pi Phi, in a large way, connected my values growing up to my values as an adult." What are the top three things you learned from Pi Beta Phi? 1. Be a woman of integrity. 2. Women supporting women is key. 3. Female friendships are so important.

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