Pi Beta Phi - University of Alabama

Although the memories she holds dear are the lasting friendships she's made, one of Rudene's favorite memories as an alumna is knowing that she's giving back to the chapter. She realized 10 years ago that it was time to slow down and get more involved with the chapter. Since then, she has dedicated herself to giving back, serving as president of the Mobile Alabama Alumnae Club. Rudene thoroughly enjoys being involved with the chapter and wishes more alumnae would get more involved with their Pi Beta Phi roots. "They're really missing out on great friendships and the community, not just from Alabama Beta, but all Pi Phis." Rudene is especially proud of her daughter, Brantley Oldenburg '17, who has joined Pi Beta Phi this year. It is very important for her to spend time with her children, and this is something the two can share together. Pi Phi has been a great support system, and she is honored to be a part of such a meaningful organization. Although the chapter may be different now, Rudene affirmed, "Being an alumna has been just as fulfilling as when I was in the house." You can contact Rudene at crowerb@live.com. B eginning her college journey at The University of Alabama, Rudene Crowe '80 didn't know what the Alabama Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi would mean to her. The chapter made her get out of her comfort zone and provided a sense of stability. In hindsight, joining to Pi Beta Phi was one of the best choices she made during her college career. Rudene earned a bachelor of arts in communications and upon graduating attended law school. After owning a successful law firm for 30 years, Rudene now works for the Department of Labor. The years spent at the chapter house helped mold her into the woman she is today. She felt guided and empowered by both her sisters and alumnae, and it gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams. "The support from the alumnae was overwhelming. They nurtured you when you needed it, but gave you a slap on the wrist when you did something wrong," Rudene recalled. Living together with her Pi Beta Phi sisters cultivated lifelong friendships, friendships that remain just as strong and genuine as when they were under the same roof. She describes being in a sorority as a lifetime commitment and something that gives her a great sense of community. The Alabama Arrow 2 enough, her role as Recruitment Chairman actually came up in the interview for her very first job as they were interested in leadership positions in a Greek organization. She is now a director for a large biotechnology company, Becton Dickinson. The level of experience in leadership positions that Pi Phi provided Helen helped with that first foot in the door in building a career. "There are significant opportunities to build organizational skills, manage significant budgets and manage large groups of girls to meet specific goals and deadlines," Helen shared. Her daughter, Maddie Leupold '15, is also an Alabama Beta and her niece, Brooke Pendergast '13, recently graduated as a Louisiana Beta. For both, she imparted wisdom to "embrace all of the friendships and opportunities that Pi Phi has to offer." Since her daughter and niece joined Pi Phi, Helen has felt a renewed sense of lifelong sisterhood. While she has been able to keep in touch with many of her sisters through Facebook, she has connected with many other alumnae through those who also have daughters and nieces currently in the chapter. Helen is continually impressed with the active chapter, especially how they have grown and flourished. She shared, "The current actives are an impressive group of talented, smart, and dedicated young women. They will make you proud of how they have continued our legacy." Helen encourages all alumnae to reconnect, support and share in the spirit of sisterhood. Because of continued alumnae support from Helen and others, the chapter house was able to receive new custom door pulls for the front and back doors. She is very excited for the big reveal. "It takes a significant amount of alumnae support to adequately mentor, support and champion a chapter the size of Alabama Beta and we are so fortunate to have a strong core group," Helen stated. The actives cannot grow or continue such a great and lasting legacy without the continued support of alumnae. There are many opportunities to leave your unique mark in Pi Phi's beautiful new home. "Please consider being a part of our future and then make it a point to visit. I promise that you will leave proud as ever to be a Pi Beta Phi and Alabama Beta." You can connect with Helen at helen_leupold @bd.com. Continuing Our Legacy (Continued from page 1) Community, Friendship and Empowerment Rudene Crowe '80 Reflects on What PBF Has Given Her ALABAMA BETA HONORED AS MOST OUTSTANDING SORORITY Thriving Chapter Welcomes 147 New Sisters A labama Beta kicked off the fall 2017 semester with workshop week and formal recruitment. In the absence of our house, we were fortunate enough to recruit out of the A-Club in Bryant- Denny Stadium. It was so much fun, but we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our brand-new house! While there were many hours of prepping and planning in order to adjust to our new space, I could not be more thankful for the amazing women who made up our 2017 recruitment team: Vice President of Membership Jordan Clark '15, Directors of Recruitment Shelby Bensinger '14 and Brittany Graham '14 and Recruitment Processing Chairmen Katie Timmons '15 and Bailey Duck '15. These women worked tirelessly throughout the spring and summer to prepare, and I am so grateful for all of their hard work. 147 New AL Betas On Bid Day, we happily welcomed 147 angels into our sisterhood, Rudene Crowe '80 and daughter Brantley Oldenburg '17 on Bid Day in August. Allison Beggin '14 and Madison Mueller '16 accept their Order of Omega awards for 2017 Most Outstanding Junior and 2017 Most Outstanding Freshman. (Continued on page 4)

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