Pi Beta Phi - University of Southern California

3 Mary Laird Holman '54 Builds Lasting Relationships with Pi Phi have always felt sorority membership was one of the most beneficial things a young woman could do for herself when attending college." This sentiment rang true for Mary Laird Holman '54 as she has stayed a strong supporter of Pi Beta Phi since her membership as a collegian. When you know, you just know, and Mary knew from the start Pi Phi was the place for her. The women were relatable and friendly with whom she wanted to be associated. Those friendships blossomed into a sisterly bond that has lasted more than 60 years. Mary's master's degree in secondary education earned her a job teaching high school after graduating from USC. She and her husband, Harry, moved from Ely, Nevada, to Reno in 1961, and after raising three children and dabbling in many side jobs, she earned her real estate license and her broker's degree in 1989, and subsequently started her own real estate company, Premier Properties. Since then she has grown and sold the business, and retired from active real estate in 2006. After that, she formed Holman Investments LLC and manages her family's real estate holdings, as well as serves as director on several homeowner community boards to remain active in real estate management. "Always strive to give more than asked," Mary advises, "and keep your eyes open to all opportunities around you. And be sure to network and join organizations to expand your horizons. The exposure to so many different personalities in Pi Phi helped me grow as a person." While Mary doesn't live close to Cal Gamma, she maintains her Pi Phi pride through the Reno Alumnae Club. "I felt blessed when I moved to Reno because there was a group I could join and make friends and contacts as a new Pi Phi in town. This is one of the great benefits of being a member of an International Fraternity. "In the '70s, my husband and I founded the USC Northern Nevada Alumni Club, and a great deal of my energy is spent assisting the chapter with all its events and activities. I served as president for many years, and through that engagement became involved on campus and was elected to be national president of the USC Associated Alumni Clubs in 1982. I recently reengaged with our local club and chaired our 2015 scholarship gala featuring Steve Lopes, COO of the USC athletic department, and was proud to announce that the club raised more than $16,000 for our Student Scholarship Program. Life is very full for us here in Reno, and I'm blessed to be of good health and surrounded by family and good friends." Mary's husband, Harry, passed away in 2013. They have three children, Grant, Bret, and Marla. Marla passed away in 2008. Mary is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching whenever and wherever she can. She is a season-ticket holder to all University of Nevada, Reno football and basketball games, and loves traveling to L.A. when she can for a live USC game. In addition, Mary enjoys attending local events in her community. You can contact Mary at maryaholman@gmail.com. MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION ONLINE If you haven't purchased a brick yet, you may also do so online at www.calgammapiphi.kintera.org/brickcampaign. Thank you, Angels! i Phi donors may now make contributions online! Simply go to www.calgammapiphi.kintera.org/ kitchencampaign to make a contribution using an electronic check or credit card. What could be easier? Please help us complete our kitchen fundraising and make your contribution today!

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