Alpha Phi - Michigan State University

The Ivy 2 W hen Kelly Baas Bryce '01 came to MSU, she desired to con- nect with women who were motivated to make a difference in the world and who shared similar goals and interests. Aer going through recruitment, it was obvious to Kelly that Alpha Phi was the perfect fit. "Beta Beta provided me with a home away from home and allowed me the opportunity to carry on the legacy of my sister, Carmen Baas Smith '97. I formed valuable relationships with extraor- dinary women in Beta Beta, and it is my hope that future generations of women will be provided the same opportunities I had in the chapter." While attending graduate school, Kelly had the privilege of receiving numerous scholarships on behalf of Beta Beta and the Alpha Phi Foundation. "I began a doctoral program in clinical psy- chology in 2006 and earned my Ph.D. in 2013. Seven years of graduate school is very expensive and incredibly time consuming. Receiving these scholarships allowed me to focus entirely on my studies and training, while also reducing financial stressors associated with this type of program," she says. e gratitude Kelly feels is unparalleled as it guided her to where she is today. As a clinical health psychologist in the transplant institute at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michi- gan, Kelly conducts pre-transplant and pre-surgical evaluations, helps patients prepare for life-chang- ing surgeries, aids patients in adjustment to significant medical changes, and conducts research with- in the medical setting. "Alpha Phi's focus on women's heart health has most certainly impacted my work with heart failure patients on a daily basis," she says. "I am thankful to have been surrounded by women who encouraged me to pursue my passions and to be an inspiration to others." Kelly and her husband, Richard, live in Royal Oak, Michigan. E-mail: kellylynn89@hotmail.com Once a Phi, Always a Phi A Lifetime of Friendship and Support for Lisa Gleeson '72 W ork hard, keep your eyes open for op- portunities, identify your strengths, and grow. ese are just a few import- ant life lessons that Lisa Gleeson '72 gained from her experience in Alpha Phi and it's what she hopes young Beta Beta members will gain for years to come. "Beta Beta's unique sisterhood was ultimately why I decided to join the chapter. My sister, Lorie Dietz '75, cousin, Susan Zabriskie, eta '75, and my niece, Shaena Burke, Beta Tau '14, are Alpha Phis as well and I felt it was my destiny to become a part of this powerful leg- acy," she says. As treasurer of Beta Beta, vice president of the Panhellenic Council, and student representative of Associated Student Government, Lisa devel- oped a well-rounded perspective on networking and campus involvement. When asked who her biggest role models are, Lisa says, "My parents were the ones who truly encouraged me to fol- low my dreams and pursue my passions in life. Because of them, I developed the confidence to pursue a career of my own as president and CEO of Lisa's Gi Wrappers." Lisa has had the opportunity to reconnect with Beta Beta sisters, primarily through her gi wrapping business, and she encourages alumnae to dedicate their time and efforts to the chapter. "Alumnae involvement serves as the backbone of Alpha Phi's success, and each of us has the ability to make a difference, big or small, in the future of our chapter." When Lisa is not hard at work at her store, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, and her son, Brendan, in Troy, Michigan. E-mail: lisakgleeson@yahoo.com S isterhood isn't just four years; it is for life. For Megan Dimmer '95, her Alpha Phi bonds have been just that. "Beta Beta has given me some of the best friends I could ask for, and I am thankful to be part of this organi- zation that continues to empower women and helps mold them into future leaders." As an undergraduate, Megan's leadership experience benefited her greatly by giving her invalu- able life experiences that she took with her aer college. "As chapter president, I learned how to effec- tively deal with conflict resolution and how to make tough decisions that were in the best interest of my sisters. is experience boosted my confidence greatly and has served as a benefit in the professional world," she says. As an alumna, Megan's Beta Beta roots remain intact and she maintains friendships with Mi- chelle Horne Tiderington '94, Wendy Mesack Palmer '95, Caryn Gach Leonard '95, Elise Olender Churchill '96, Shelby Davis Cavnar '94, and Julie Grant Bogas '96. Megan also had the privilege of hiring Melisa Jones Burnett '83, whom she instantly connected with during the interview process to join her team at a global tech- nology company. When asked what message she would write for sisters to read 20 years from now, Megan says, "My ivy leaves are growing because we are still friends years later. Who would've thought in the late '90s that we would meet women whom would be our closest and dearest friends for life!" she says. Megan lives in Chicago, Illinois, with her 7-year-old son, John Noble Rocz. E-mail: megandimmer1@gmail.com To the Big Dipper and Back Megan Dimmer '95 Reflects on Unmatched Camaraderie in Beta Beta Changing the World, One Heart at a Time How Beta Beta Led Kelly Baas Bryce '01 to a Successful Career in Health Psychology

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