Alpha Epsilon Phi - University of Illinois

W hat is your most ambitious dream? What would it take for you to leave everything you know in pursuit of that dream? For sisters and Mu Chapter alumnae, Sara Stoller Blumber '01 and Laura Stoller Harres '05, they took a dream that first percolated in 2000 and turned it into a reality in 2007 when they left their respective jobs to own and direct a day camp for children ages 4-14: Discovery Day Camp. Both sisters credit Mu Chapter as an organization that inspired and empowered them to work together and start their adventure. Why did you join Alpha Epsilon Phi? Sara: Even before I started recruitment at U of I, I knew that AEPhi was the house for me. I felt like I was walking into a place that empowered me for who I was and wanted to be. It was like walking into a house of old friends. While I know that is kind of cheesy, it is also true. Laura: Sara was a senior in AEPhi when I went through recruitment, and after watching the experiences she had and friendships she made, I knew the second I met the women that it was going to be my home away from home. What did your undergraduate experience mean to you, and how did it prepare you for life after college? Sara: So many of my memories from college include people and events from AEPhi. The friends and the experiences I had helped me become the person I am today. Also, if you can live in a house of 50 girls, you can do anything! Laura: Joining the sorority and living in the house was such a special experience. It was empowering—and often comical—living with so many strong, smart women. We were there for each other throughout our time as undergraduates and beyond. I learned how to be a team player and make the most of any situation while in the sorority. What officer positions did you hold as an undergraduate? Sara: I was dance chairman. Laura: I served as new member educator, which looking back, may have been an indicator of what I am doing now! Mu Chapter Strand of Pearls 2 C R E A T I N G Y O U R O W N A D V E N T U R E Sara Stoller Blumber '01 and Laura Stoller Harres '05 on Being Empowered to Follow Their Dreams Sara Stoller Blumber '01 with her husband, Michael, and son, Scottie. Laura Stoller Harres '05 with her husband, Nate, and son, Logan. What is Discovery Day Camp and what inspired you to start this endeavor? Sara: Discovery Day Camp is located in the Lincolnshire/Vernon Hills area. It is a summer day camp for children ages 4-14. Discovery is a place where campers experience adventure, creative and performing arts, swimming, team and individual sports, special events, and so much more! At the core of everything we do, Discovery is an environment where campers and staff feel safe, comfortable, and happy. Laura: We have long dreamed of owning and directing a camp. Being a part of Discovery is literally a dream come true. We were inspired by our families, and empowered even further by AEPhi, to emulate what we see as important for our and all childrens' futures. What are some highlights from your professional career? Sara: Just seeing that smile on a camper's face and knowing we are part of something so much bigger than a summer at camp is my highlight. Laura: Watching one of our campers work hard all summer to pass the deep end test and succeed has to be up there. What advice would you give to undergraduates or to younger alumnae who are early in their careers? Sara: Make sure you take the time to know yourself well—your strengths, difficulties, and what makes you excited or uncomfortable. Laura: You never know where life will lead you, and you can take something away from every experience. Say "yes" to new opportunities and to making new connections. Sara and Laura both live in Highland Park, Ill. Sara and her husband, Michael, have a son, Scottie, who is almost 2, and a goldendoodle named Oscar. Laura and her husband, Nate, have a son, Logan, who is also almost 2. They have a third sister, Lisa, who lives nearby and has a 7-month-old son, Austin, with her husband, Adam. Sara and Laura are incredibly thankful for their undergraduate and alumnae experiences with Mu Chapter. It was not only a sisterhood where many friendships were forged; it was also a catalyst for their future confidence in taking over Discovery. In fact, the founders and former owners of Discovery, the Schwartzwald's youngest daughter, Emily Schwartzwald '01, was in Sara's pledge class. Sara and Laura hope that the women of the active chapter find their own passions. "The secret to success is confidence in yourself and your abilities," Sara said. "It is also important to build a strong support system behind you, and that is something AEPhi can certainly provide." Sara and Laura are always looking for Mu Chapter sisters to fill summer positions at Discovery Day Camp and future sisters (and boys too) to attend the camp. If you are interested, you can check out www.campdiscovery.com or e-mail Sara at sara@campdiscovery.com.

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