Alpha Phi - Michigan State University

The Ivy 2 Beta Beta Chapter Receives 95-Year-Old Photo of Feronian Society Charter Initiates S ince our founding in 1921, Alpha Phi at Michigan State University has served as a sisterhood of women supporting one another in lifelong achievement. The beginning of the Beta Beta Chapter's history at MSU, then Michigan Agricultural College, culminated in the Woman's Building in 1900, where two basement rooms were given to the Feronian and Themian Societies as the oldest at M.A.C. Our Beta Beta forebears happily selected clubroom furnishings and made excellent use of the room for their program meetings and social gatherings. The Woman's Building came to be known as Morrill Hall on MSU's campus. Morrill Hall was demolished in 2012 and Morrill Plaza now stands in its place to honor the heritage of the Morrill Act, the academic excellence of MSU, and the history of women, including our Beta Beta sisters and their role in the early years of the university. Through three decades of membership in the Feronian Society, the purpose was to enhance the college careers of women. By 1921, however, these women realized the advantages of having a connection with groups in other colleges, and under the sponsorship and guidance of the Theta Chapter at the University of Michigan, they presented a petition for affiliation with Alpha Phi Fraternity. On February 15, 1922, Ruth Abbott Jones, Theta 1917, pledged 45 collegiate and 28 alumnae members of the Feronian Society of Alpha Phi. Beta Beta's history is especially meaningful to Kathy Berry, Gamma Iota '74, whose grandmother, Leona MacLeod DeYoung 1922, was a charter initiate. "My grandmother was initiated as a sophomore at MSU, then graduated and served as Beta Beta's housemother for several years," she says. Kathy grew up learning the values and traditions of Alpha Phi before she even joined the fraternity, often witnessing Alpha Phi meetings held at her home. "As a home economics professor and chapter advisor for Beta Beta, my grandmother received the Women of Distinction award on behalf of the Alpha Phi Convention in 1972." One of Kathy's most cherished possessions is the original photo of the Feronian Society charter members, which she has graciously donated to the chapter. "Beta Beta has such a rich history, and thanks to the founding sisters, the chapter was, has been, and will continue to stand among the most respected organizations at MSU." Hand to Hand and Heart to Heart Karen Abel Kolschowsky '63 Grateful for Beta Beta Sisterhood W hy did you decide to join Alpha Phi can be a difficult question, but for Karen Abel Kolschowsky '63, the answer comes naturally. "I was sold on Alpha Phi from the beginning. It was almost like fate to me," she says. "The women in Beta Beta were genuine, welcoming, and made you feel like part of a family. Coming to a large university and not knowing anything about Greek life, the chapter gave me a sense of security and belonging that other organizations on campus couldn't provide. I can easily say that joining Beta Beta was one of the best decisions I've ever made." A zealous member of Beta Beta, Karen served as pledge trainer and enjoyed getting to know the new members on a more personal level. Much of her inspiration to get more involved in the chapter came from local Alumnae Advisor Louise Whitcomb Stillwell '46, who Karen looked to for guidance, mentorship, and support. "Louise made an impact not only on me but the entire chapter," Karen says. "Despite her role as part mother, lawyer, and advisor, Louise always made time for Beta Beta and helped shape us into the successful women we are today." Over the years, Karen has watched Beta Beta grow, both in numbers and stature, and hopes the chapter will continue down the positive path it's on. "Members' commitment to our chapter's values and vision for improving the sorority and university is what has allowed Beta Beta to thrive all these years," Karen says. "In an ever-changing Greek environment, Beta Beta continues to set the bar in all aspects of the sorority, including scholarship, membership, philanthropic efforts, and campus involvement. The hard work and dedication these young women put toward making our chapter what it is today is insurmountable, and as alumnae, we must help ensure Beta Beta maintains its standing as one of the most respected organizations at MSU. Your support will make a world of difference in the lives of future members." Karen's Beta Beta roots remain intact and she stays connected with many of her pledge sisters to this day. In fact, they collect news and photos from each other and produce a yearly newsletter that has continued for 53 years. They also established a Beta Beta Class of '63 scholarship, which is awarded to an MSU sister every year. Some of Karen's most cherished memories as an alumna are attending regular reunions and celebrating milestones with her sisters. "We continue to have each other's backs every day—I couldn't be blessed with better friendships than the ones I have with my Beta Beta sisters." After retiring from her teaching career, Karen and her husband, Jerry, Iowa State '62, started the Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation and are working with two different programs in rural Africa: one in Uganda with Iowa State University and one in Tanzania with MSU. Both programs deal with poverty, hunger, health, education, and sustainable livelihoods. Karen and Jerry try to visit both projects regularly. The foundation also helps support women's cancer research, of which Karen is a proud survivor. In her free time, you'll likely find Karen golfing, swimming, reading, or spending time with her grandchildren in Chicago. Karen and Jerry have two children: Timothy, a Florida State University graduate, and Michael, an Iowa State University graduate. They embrace all the Sarasota, Florida, community has to offer. You can contact Karen at kkolschowsky@gmail.com.

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