Clovia - University of Minnesota

Elise Eiden New Germany, Minn. Elliot Espenson Windom, Minn. Paige Frenchick Eden Valley, Minn. Eleanor Kayser Wells, Minn. Katie Pickett Preston, Minn. Kaitlin Reitmeier Richmond, Minn. Avery Rieland Sauk Centre, Minn. Katrina Stanger Ladysmith, Wis. Shelby Swanson Hutchinson, Minn. Sophia Windram Atherton, Calif. W ELCOM E, NEW M EM BERS W ELCOM E, NEW M EM BERS F or Mary Greeley Bartz '76, the journey with Clovia Minnesota began with a nudge from her freshman roommate, Ann Christenson Blakely. "Ann was relentless in convincing our friend group to pledge," Mary recalled. "She became my Clovia Mother—and to this day, I remain very grateful for her persistence." Beyond Ann's influence, Mary was drawn to Clovia for its reputation, its accomplished alumnae, and the lifelong connections it promised. "Clovia alums were ambitious and committed—not just to the chapter but to the University, their careers, and their families." Mary admired the courage of Clovia's founding members and their enduring legacy. "The seven purposes of Clovia are truly timeless," she said. "I have always been impressed with the scholarship and accomplishments of our collegiate members and their determination to fulfill their dreams." She also takes pride in Clovia's commitment to providing economical housing. "It's the core for the social aspect of our sisterhood." Mary's time in the chapter house was filled with memorable moments from cooking dinners together to mischievous pranks like sneaking burned cookies over to FarmHouse and swiping toilet paper from DTS. Serving as house manager and treasurer was challenging but rewarding. After earning a bachelor's degree in consumer food science, Mary credited Clovia with shaping her professional and personal growth. "Living in a dynamic house of women and participating in chapter leadership was excellent preparation for the corporate world," she explained. Clovia's role models—many of whom were accomplished home economists—demonstrated the power of leadership and service. As an alumna, Mary remains deeply involved with the chapter, driven by a desire to give back. "Clovia has provided so much to me personally," she said. "I want our collegiate members to be assured of our support as they seek success in all aspects of life." Her motivation extends to her role as co-chairman of the current fundraising campaign, a position she accepted with both pride and trepidation. "We need to be as bold and confident as our founding members were back in the 1930s," she said. "To remain viable and true to our values, we must invest strategically in our sisterhood." Mary urges other alumnae to support Beta of Clovia and the Building the Best Better campaign, emphasizing its importance for the sisterhood's future. "This building project is a significant investment in our vitality on the St. Paul Campus and across the University system," she said. "Now is the time to be present for our collegiate sisters." She views the campaign as the best way to ensure the opportunities and friendships Clovia offers continue for generations to come. For Mary, Clovia represents more than a chapter— it's a lifelong connection. "The basics of sorority life are the cornerstones of team building, leadership, commitment, and eternal friendship," she said. "Once a Clover, always a Clover!" Today, Mary and her husband, Greg, live on their family farm in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, where they grow corn and soybeans. Though retired, Mary remains active in her community and several professional organizations. She volunteers for her church, judges 4-H food and nutrition projects, and coordinates the canning competition at the Minnesota State Fair. "Clovia's influence is evident in everything I do," she concluded, "Because it taught me the value of service, connection, and making a difference." If you'd like to hear more about our campaign co-chairman and her Clovia experience, you can email Mary at marybartz76@gmail.com. If you'd like to join her in becoming an alumnae donor, look for more information coming soon about how you can help fund our new chapter house! ONCE A CLOVER, ONCE A CLOVER, ALWAYS A CLOVER ALWAYS A CLOVER Thank you alumnae volunteers for serving at the Fall initiation brunch! Front row, from left: Karin Tesmer Hadoff '04, Rachelle Eiden '95. Back row, from left: Sara Tesmer Dornink '06, Pam Kotval '74, Mary Greeley Bartz '76, Sierra Swanson '20, Brenna Connelly Bodendrier '23, Maureen Meier '75, Chloe Murphy '24. Why Mary Greeley Bartz '76 Still Serves CONGRATULATIONS, FALL GRADUATE! Natalie Beckendorf

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