Pi Beta Phi - University of Mississippi

H ello, and happy fall! The Mississippi Beta angels are thrilled to have finally moved into a newly renovated 642 Rebel Drive—just in time to welcome home 194 new sisters after a successful formal recruitment. Our chapter showed great resilience during Camp Pi Phi and recruitment as we faced construction delays, but even though we recruited out of a different location, our sisterhood remained strong, and our Sincere Friendships were apparent in all of our conversations. Our 68 live-in members are enjoying their newly renovated rooms, and the entire chapter has been present at the house in full force as we all enjoy our new study spaces, massive dining room and comfortable living areas. Oxford has been filled with excitement since the Ole Miss Rebels brought home the national championship from the College Baseball World Series, and we are looking forward to game days at The Grove and cheering on the Rebs in the Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This semester, we are focused on helping our newest members adjust to sorority life and remaining actively involved in campus-wide organizations and philanthropic efforts. With members serving on the Student Activity Association, our Executive Council, Ole Miss Ambassadors, ROTC program, club sports and student dance and equestrian clubs, we are excited to remain a positive representation of student life on campus. In Pi Phi, Lillian Ferkany '19 Chapter President Left: Delaney Williams '21 and Gabby Hunter '21 take a first day of school picture in their newly renovated room at the house. Center Left: Annie Miller '19 and Julia Richter '22 hugging on Bid Day. Center Right: The 2022 member class outside the house on Bid Day! Right: Members of the 2019, 2020 and 2021 classes during Sisterhood Round of recruitment. EXCITEMENT ALL AROUND Mississippi Beta Looks Forward to a Semester of Sisterhood and Involvement The MS Beta Post PAGE 2 A s an only child, Molly Harris-Stevens '12 grew up hearing about her mother's sorority experience, seeing her go on an annual trip with her friends and understanding how much the sisterhood meant to her. Molly moved eight hours away from home to attend Ole Miss, and since she didn't know anyone, going through recruitment seemed like the natural fit. Her mother's sorority didn't have a chapter at Ole Miss so being a legacy wasn't an option, but Molly soon found her home at Pi Beta Phi. "My big sister, Natalie Miller '11, who is from near my hometown, helped me get involved quickly and to acclimate well to the chapter," Molly shared. "It became an easy place for me to go after my day to meet with my friends and hang out while being my authentic self." Molly remembers many wonderful times from her collegiate days, her top two being recruitment and Bid Day. She also loved participating in sorority functions, getting excited for meals in the dining room and "studying" (socializing) during study hall hours. Molly also met her best friend, Shelby Perry-Wilson '12, during Theta Encore practice their freshman year, and they have been friends ever since. Of all these special Pi Phi memories, there's one that stands out for Molly: having a premier housing experience. The house serves as a place to call home, where sisters can embrace the sense of community, enjoy their meals together and gather for sisterhood events. Molly believes it is vital to the sorority experience— which is why she chose to support the Always True to the Wine and Blue: 60 Years of Mississippi Beta Tradition capital campaign. "Although I understand that not all of our campuses have the opportunity for housing, I just cannot imagine my experience without that house," Molly said. "I think that providing a premier housing experience is one of the greatest things we can do as members of our chapter." Molly encourages her sisters to join her in supporting the chapter. "Even a modest donation goes a long way," she said. "By giving up your weekly coffee or skipping one whole month, that $100 or even $150, whatever it may be, will be put to good use in providing that premier experience." Pi Beta Phi provided Molly with an abundance of knowledge for the working world. Conflict resolution, public speaking and problem solving are just a few of the skills she gained from her time as Recruitment Chair. Molly has been using her skills on Capitol Hill for several years. She has always known she wanted to work in politics in Washington, D.C., and interned on the Hill for two summers in college. Since graduating in 2014, she has experienced many unique opportunities, including serving on the Inaugural Committee. Molly's current role as deputy chief of staff for Congressman Jake Ellzey is much like recruitment; she forms relationships with people, listening to their whys and hows of an issue and communicating their thoughts directly to her boss to ensure their voices are heard. In her personal life, Molly recently got married. Although her job is demanding, she tries to give herself something to look forward to, whether that's spending time with friends on the weekends or planning her next vacation. She and her Mississippi Beta sisters don't get together that often, but when they do, they have a blast. Molly also serves as a volunteer for Pi Beta Phi as the Recruitment Specialist for Region Four. She loves working with the Fraternity and has become friends with many Pi Phis from different chapters along the way. You can connect with Molly at molly.mackenzie.harris@gmail.com to learn more about why she supports Mississippi Beta. Molly Harris-Stevens '12 Shares Why Providing a Premier Housing Experience Is Key Pillar of the Sisterhood

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