Pi Beta Phi - University of Georgia

Memories on Milledge p. 3 PBF A Remarkable Decade Peggy Malone '74 and Doreen Mueller '76 on What Makes the 70s Special P i Beta Phi is an organization that generations of women have held near and dear to their hearts, but one decade of Georgia Alphas always seems to stick out—the 70s. Pi Phis of the 70s are very involved as alumnae, and never seem to miss a Pi Phi convention. They are dedicated and connected to a sisterhood that has meant so much to them, and their commitment continues to strengthen their bond to each other and the sisterhood. Two such 70s women, Peggy Malone '74 and Doreen Mueller '76, have been actively involved since graduating and continue to attend convention every single time. Joining Pi Phi during a tumultuous time, Peggy said, "We joined an organization that needed us as much as we needed it." These women worked hard for Pi Phi and believed wholeheartedly in what they could do for the organization, not what the organization could do for them. What these women gained from Georgia Alpha, however, is something much greater – a lifetime of friendships and connections incomparable to anything else. Convention is a way for all Pi Phi members to connect and recommit to their Pi Phi values, but the 70s women from Georgia Alpha use it as a way to reunite with their sisters, and as a reunion where they can count on being together. Peggy shared, "I always come away from convention, and especially this past one, feeling renewed, energetic and hopeful for the future of our organization and the collegiate members who will be our future leaders." It is a special time for these women, and after so many years, continuously renews their spirit and belief in the organization. "I go to all the conventions because it gives me the chance to reconnect, rejuvenate my commitment and remain engaged with the fraternity. I never miss a convention," Doreen expressed. This same sentiment is one that many of the 70s Pi Phis share, stemming from a desire to make a difference in the world. "Yes, we wanted to make good friends and enjoy our college experience to the fullest, but we also were driven to get a degree and make a difference in the chapter, on campus and in the world," Peggy shared. Although these women all came from different places and backgrounds, they shared similar goals and dreams for the future. "When you work so hard with and for a group of women, you want to see the fruits of your labor in the future," said Peggy. The Georgia Alpha Chapter has certainly grown and thrived since those days and we are all so very proud of the organization it has become. It has made those women from the 70s want to give back and continue to be involved in both the Georgia Alpha Chapter and the fraternity as a whole. Sharing the traditions this close-knit group of Georgia Alphas have bonded over with the next generation fuels their desire to attend convention and other Pi Beta Phi events. For Doreen, alumnae "took a vested interest in each one of the actives and helped where they could to better our lives while at Georgia and after. I have taken this to heart and tried to emulate the same ideals with the current actives that I know." Giving back the same love, support and opportunities to the next generation are Pi Phi values which each woman seeks to emulate. It is a wonderful gift for these women to be able to celebrate Pi Phi and its continuing friendships. "These women are my sisters in the truest sense of the word," Doreen shared. It is a deep appreciation for the organization that keeps the 70s Pi Phis coming back. It is a shared sense of pride, accomplishment, values and bonds that are forever incased through time and relationships. And after all, it is what being a Pi Beta Phi is all about. You can connect with Peggy and Doreen at enolampc@gmail.com and doreen.mueller@hp.com. "These women are my sisters in the truest sense of the word." —Doreen Mueller '76 Front Row: Linda Laack Wise '77, Doreen Lynn Mueller '76, Peggy Malone '74 and Wynne Rosenbleeth '09. Back Row: Mary Grothjahn Van Horn '74, Candi Parks Gershuni '74, Janet Beazley Scraper '74 and Susan Nalls Rosenbleeth '75. Georgia Alpha 70th reunion in Athens with 24 '70s class alumnae. Join us for convention in Washington, D.C. in June 2019!

• Cover