Pi Beta Phi - University of Georgia

Memories on Milledge p. 2 PBF M arcia Cousins Shurley '16 began her Pi Phi journey in the fall of 1978. She transferred to the University of Georgia as a sophomore and went through the recruitment process at Georgia Alpha, where her sister, Karen Cousins '76, was already a member. Then about two months into the fall semester, Marcia had an accident falling down the concrete steps of the history building on campus. Already working two jobs to pay her way through school and her living expenses, Marcia made the difficult decision to withdraw from the chapter. "To say it was one of the most painful decisions of my young life is an understatement, but it was the only option I felt I had at the time." After many years went by and Marcia was no longer associated with Pi Beta Phi, Marcia lost her beloved sister, Karen, in 2015. She was broken and lost, searching for a way to honor her beautiful sister's legacy. Marcia d e c i d e d t h e p e r f e c t w a y to keep her sister's memory alive was to host a party in her honor. She invited all Pi Phis who knew Karen, most who Marcia had never met or hadn't talked to since 1978. Weeks later, she was approached by Peggy Batson Ballard '67 about becoming an alumna initiate. "My heart filled with both joy and sadness, overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of those who wanted to include me in this amazing sisterhood," she shared. However, Marcia was unsure if becoming an alumna initiate was the right thing to do, concerned it would seem like she was benefitting from her sister's death. After many talks and through support from her family, she realized it was another way to honor Karen's life. Following her decision, Marcia was initiated along with the rest of the class of 2016. "Oh, to be treated with such honor and respect, to be pledged again and to walk the halls of the house that had been so special to Karen and me – my heart was so full." Marcia got to experience dinner at Legion Field, the secret room, and attended her first Founders' Day luncheon. Karen was not only M a r c i a ' s o l d e r sister, but her best friend. Karen thrived through Pi Beta Phi, and through her experience, she found herself. Karen was a distinguished landscape architect who designed the landscape plan for the Pi Phi front lawn that continues to serve the chapter beautifully. The support Marcia received after Karen's passing was one of the things that she will forever be grateful for. "These ladies assisted me in honoring the promise I made many times to Karen – to never ever forget her love, life and legacy. To now come full circle within this c o m m u n i t y o f Pi Beta Phi women is an honor, a privilege and a rich blessing that cannot be compared." Since her initiation, Marcia has been able to connect with many sisters she originally joined with, even her original Big Sis, Sandy Gabriel Hanna '77. She continues to hold Karen, their memories together and her new Pi Phi memories dear to her heart. Marcia has been married to her husband, John Shurley, for 37 years and he has been one of her biggest supporters in her life and throughout her Pi Phi journey. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, playing golf and is an 11-year double breast cancer survivor. W o r d s c a n n o t fully express how blessed Marcia feels, sharing, " M y h u m b l e heart is filled to the brim and I am tremendously grateful to those w h o s a w t h i s opportunity for me and brought me into such a lovely family!" You can contact Marcia at mamashurley@gmail.com. The Dream of a Lifetime: Becoming an Alumna Initiate Marcia Cousins Shurley '16 Shares Her Pi Beta Phi Journey "My heart filled with both joy and sadness, overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of those who wanted to include me in this amazing sisterhood." 1. Marcia Cousins Shurley '16 celebrates her initiation into Pi Beta Phi with her newly initiated sisters. 2. Marcia Cousins Shurley '16 and her original Big Sister from 1978 and best friend today, Sandy Gabriel Hanna '77, at a class dinner at Herty Field. 1 2 "These ladies assisted me in honoring the promise I made many times to Karen— to never ever forget her love, life, and legacy." Do you know someone interested in being an alumna initiate? Find out more at www.pibetaphi.org!

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