Alpha Phi - Michigan State University

The Ivy 3 L ast fall, a group of sisters from the graduating classes of 1984 and 1985 gathered for a weekend get-together at MSU. Centered around football, tailgating, and sisterhood fun, Tammy Gruner Durbin '82 organized this reunion of friends of nearly 40 years along with the help of her sisters. They included a stop at 616 M.A.C. where current members welcomed the group for a trip down memory lane. As Tammy said, the women do not see one another as often as they would like, but they relish in the moments they do. "The beauty of this sisterhood is the immediate connection of love and friendship. We pick up as if no time has passed. The connections are so genuine as we share the sadness, challenges, and joys of our lives. The comfort of this bond is priceless." Ginny Scott Wilson '82 added, "Loved this visit with so many Alpha Phi sisters and really appreciated getting to tour the house. The best part? The vibes from the Beta Beta house, from our long friendships, and from the current Phis we met were the same as they were 40 years ago!" Beth Carey Bost '82 shared, "Friendships, especially sisterhood, is absolutely precious! Still having a great time together 38 years later. Visiting the house fills all the senses and recreated great emotional moments together to laugh about this time around. What has changed? No phones in booths! No rooftop sun deck! A lovely remodel has been done." Tammy summed it up, "The house looks amazing; it is far fancier than in our time, but it felt the same as we roamed the halls and recalled so many memories of our time as young women. Connecting with our past was indeed so good for our souls; it brought gratitude for what we had and what we know by these reunions we will always have. I am forever grateful for my beautiful sisters! I love you all." Let us know if you or a group of sisters plan to visit like Tammy and friends. We will be happy to welcome you back home! B eta Beta members have made lasting impacts on the East Lansing community by volunteering and giving back while also being involved in a multitude of student organizations. Academics and Leadership In spring 2023, the chapter achieved a 3.5 semester GPA. Alpha Phi members contribute positively to the academic reputation of the fraternity and sorority community. In February, eight executive board members traveled to Denver, Colorado, for the annual Alpha Phi Leadership Conference. Throughout the weekend, our leaders engaged in department-specific meetings, gaining skills within their respective roles. The conference provided a unique platform for networking with officers from other chapters and connecting with accomplished alumnae. Housing Beta Beta was approved to house second-year students in our housing facility for the 2024-25 school year. Beta Beta reflects Michigan State University's commitment to providing diverse and inclusive on-campus housing options that create a positive and enriching residential experience for all students. Recruitment Beta Beta had another successful recruitment this fall! We spent the last week in August doing a variety of activities, including our second annual sisterhood retreat, Camp Phi. All the hard work paid off because not only did we get 54 new members during formal recruitment but we were also No. 1 in recruitment! National Panhellenic Council recently updated its policy over the past year, which allowed for housed campuses like MSU to have higher campus totals and open up more opportunities for membership. Being the early adapters we are, we immediately started our Continuous Open Bidding process and gave an additional 21 bids in the fall, which brought us to a total of 75 new members initiated last semester. Philanthropy Our annual Red Dress Gala was held at the MSU Broad Art Museum in February 2023, and we raised a total of $16,000. It is another great year of spreading awareness for Women's heart health and coming together as a chapter to make an impact. AOE, Sosi Vartanian-Gibbs '21, Chapter President Sisters from the graduating classes of '84 and '85 have a blast reconnecting and reminiscing at the house. (From left) Front row: Jann Rogers Brooks '82, Cathy Hacker Phoenix '82, Julie Walker Cameron '82, and Sara Day Andrews '81. Middle row: Sue Bevis Bedard '81 and Tammy Gruner Durbin '82. Back row: Jill Johnson Spingola '82, Tracey Gleason Castillo '83, Jan Pregenzer Young '82, Melisa Crawford Kopera '81, Ginny Scott Wilson '82, Kathy Broock Ballard '82, and Beth Carey Bost '82. Beta Beta Graduate Classes of '84 and '85 Gather for Fun Reunion HEAR ABOUT THEIR HIGHLIGHTS Committed to Sisterhood BETA BETA FOCUSES ON LEADERSHIP AND RECRUITMENT Our recruitment team during philanthropy round of recruitment. From left: Avery McDonald '21, Faith Dallo '20, and Callie Kersten '21.

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