Pi Beta Phi - University of Alabama

Alabama Arrow The OF ALABAMA BETA Pi Beta Phi at The University of Alabama • Fall 2013 House Corporation Looks toward the Future W hen our house was built in 1998, no one dreamed that within 10 years we would have more than 300 active members. Bursting at the seams is a wonderful problem to have, but it calls for a creative, practical solution, which we are hard at work on now. Your House Corporation began considering renovation and expansion plans almost two years ago. We put those discussions on hold last summer when the University administration unveiled plans to expand Sorority Row. If you have been to campus recently, you saw the initial impact of Panhellenic growth with the construction of several new multi-million dollar houses of 35,000 square feet or more. Other construction projects have begun this summer. The House Corporation continues to look at our chapter house and strategize the best possible solutions for moving forward. We are exploring the best solution for a modern, spacious facility that best serves the needs of our members at the University of Alabama. Our goal is to provide the best learning, living, and leading environment that we can for members of Alabama Beta. Safety is our number one priority and is at the top of our list when allocating funds and projects each year. We encourage all alumnae to get involved with Pi Phi. There are many opportunities to volunteer with the chapter and its members and we welcome you to become part of it. We have strong support from members of the House Corporation and from many active alumnae. As the board continues to strategize the best solution for the chapter house, we ask for your patience and your support. Our long-term plans are to explore options in securing funds to expand the house. Through The Alabama Arrow, we will keep you updated on decisions and plans. It is our goal to keep alumnae included on all projects in the short and long term. Alabama Beta will need the support of all of our angels as we plan for the future of Pi Beta Phi. Yours in Pi Phi, Barbara Best Kucharski '79 SHARING A PI PHI MEMORY Heidi Eckert '80 Devoted to Passing On the Alabama Beta Experience H eidi Eckert '80 came to the University of Alabama as a second-semester sophomore, but went out for recruitment her junior year after meeting Pi Phis Susan Patrick Blankenship '80, Debbie Kahn Stokes '78, Linda Thornton Watson '79, and Suzanne Stokes Chenowith '78. "I was so excited to join Pi Phi. The chapter gave me a sense of belonging; a safe and trusting place to go. I loved being surrounded by such an amazing group of young ladies. The house always had an air of excitement." In 1981, Heidi graduated with a degree in public relations and a minor in marketing. Shortly after, she went to work for Delchamps Food Stores in Mobile for the vice president and secretary of the corporation, managing responsibilities ranging from employee benefits, public relations, a major public offering, investor relations, and legal. "Pi Phi certainly gave me confidence and the people skills that helped me advance during my career," she said. Heidi was hired as an administrative assistant and, over her 16-year tenure with the company, rose to the position of vice president, employee benefits and corporate secretary. INSIDE: New Year for Alabama Beta • 2 When asked about her time as an undergraduate in Alabama Beta, Heidi has too many good memories to list. "Some of my special memories include practicing our dance for Sigma Chi Derby Days on the second floor at the old house. I also remember when we pulled the jukebox on to the front porch during the spring and blasting 'My Sharona' by The Knack." Heidi's advice to undergraduates is to "be thankful that you have been able to meet this group of women, because their friendship will impact your life forever. It's so special to be around people who truly care for and support you." Heidi recently finished her first novel, Weaving the Unraveling, which is based in Alabama. It features Tuscaloosa (during the main character's early years) and though not named, the book is based on her experiences with Pi Phi, the sorority house, and her lovely sisters who were there. "Alabama Beta helped shape who I am and has influenced me throughout my life. Many of my sisters will remember the experiences I write about in this book as I hoped to capture the essence of Tuscaloosa in the late 1970s. (Continued on page 2) Welcome, New Members • 3 Pi Phis Honored • 4

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