Pi Beta Phi - University of Colorado

Angel Update 4 m eera Goel '88 always dreamed of having a sister and was honored when Colorado Alpha invited her to join and to make a lifelong commit- ment to the Pi Beta Phi sisterhood. As an undergraduate at Colorado, Meera served as Colorado Alpha President and Panhellenic Vice President of Membership and held leader- ship roles for Order of Omega, Mortar Board, and student government, just to name a few. But when she thinks back on her favorite memories during college they almost all involve Pi Beta Phi. One of her favorite memories is of a group trip to Miami for New Year's Eve and the Orange Bowl National Championship, which CU went on to win. That same year, Meera was nominated by her Pi Phi sisters as a Homecoming Queen nominee and won. Other favorite memories include her time as Chapter President. It was a time when she learned a lot about herself, including how to be a better friend and leader. "I loved our time in chapter meet- ings. It was one time a week when almost all of us were together, focused on our sisterhood with no one else and no other purpose but to share that common bond." During her time as President, Meera worked closely with the Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) and other Pi Phi alumnae leaders. Meera appreciates the friendships and mentorships those women provided to her as an undergraduate and hope to do the same with current undergraduate Pi Phis. "I hope to be someone who is remembered for making a positive difference, just as those women did for me." Meera is excited to serve on the AAC and be able to give back to Pi Phi and stay connected to the sisterhood. Meera hopes to help the chapter to continue to excel in their academic success, campus involvement, leader- ship roles and positive influence in the community. By volunteering her time, Meera is helping create a comfortable home away from home and a place active Pi Phis are proud of. "We are making a supportive, comfort- able, enriching place where Pi Phis can continue to shine above the rest." Being back at Colorado Alpha as an advisor has reminded Meera of the commitment she made to Pi Phi when she joined the sisterhood in 1988. "Unfortunately, over time I haven't been able to stay in touch with all the sisters who touched my life in significant ways, but being at the house reminds me that although time has passed those bonds won't ever go away. They are still my sisters and will always be." Meera wants other Pi Phi sisters to remember the commitment they all made when joining. "As a collegian, it's hard to see our lives too far into the future, but now as alumnae, as we look back, it's so amazing to realize where we've been and the sisterhood and friends who've influenced who were are, and to know that we are still part of a very real and present sisterhood." Meera encourages other alumnae to reconnect and get involved even if it's one time or in a small way; she promises the rewards will be well worth it. "It not only renews the friendships you once shared as a collegiate, but also forges new ones with collegiate sisters and other alumnae from all over, who share the same traditions and memories." Meera resides in Littleton, Colorado, where she's the owner of her fam- ily diamond, gold, and jewelry wholesale business. Meera, who has her private pilot license, enjoys flying, staying active by strength training, Zumba, yoga and golf, as well as volunteering to numerous philanthropic organizations in her free time. She also loves to spend time with her fam- ily, friends and Pi Phi sisters. Email: meerag14@gmail.com meera Goel '88 Joins aaC Board Chapter eternal Margaret Wheldon Parkhill '43 entered Chapter Eternal April 15, 2011. She died peace- fully at Regents Point in Irvine, CA. Susan Sayre Ieuter '61 entered Chapter Eternal on February 17 in Boulder, CO, at the age of 71. Sue was a kind, loving and extremely gener- ous wife, mother and grandmother. She was a die-hard CU Buffs fan and she also loved clas- sical music, gardening and skiing. Her children and grandchildren were her utmost delight and she was the glue that held her adoring family together. She has meaningfully touched the lives of countless family, friends and commu- nity members who will miss her dearly. She is survived by her husband, Fritz; two daughters, Hilde and Toby; and her three grandchildren: Katie, Allie and Connor. Patricia Skowronek '75 entered Chapter Eternal February 26, 2005. She resided in San Antonio, TX. alumnae news Joanne Sorensen Reno '51 is excited for her granddaughter to be attending CU. She lives in Rancho Santa Fe, CA. Email: joannesreno@ yahoo.com Virginia Poust Wirsing '52 visits with CU Pi Phis on her trips and always has fun on memory lane. She resides in Rockford, IL. Email: vpoust@comcast.net Lindalu Parker Meadows '61 says, "It is always a joy to run into Pi Phi sisters around and about Boulder. It's like seeing family – such a lovely warm feeling." Email: meadowslindalu@ gmail.com Susan Day Ledieu '62 was unfortunately unable to complete her final years as a teacher because her husband was diagnosed last spring with Alzheimer's disease. She knows she has a tough road ahead of her, but with God's help, she will alumnae updaTe (Continued on Page 6) "We are making a supportive, comfortable, enriching place where Pi Phis can continue to shine above the rest."

• Cover