Alpha Phi - Michigan State University

The Ivy 2 U pon walking into the Beta Beta chapter house during recruitment, Melissa Wagasy '99 immediately felt at home. Little did she know, joining Alpha Phi would be a defining moment of her life. "I loved my time at Alpha Phi," she says. "The women were smart, funny, and down to earth. These were the women I could see myself going through college with." Melissa's college experience was full of many great moments on a Big Ten campus—the men's basketball team won a national championship, the inaugural "Cold War" hockey game took place at Spartan Stadium, and she always enjoyed football tailgates. But she'll never forget the smaller moments such as grilled cheese and tomato soup on Fridays, driving sisters to class, date parties, and recruitment. "It was a wonderful time because I was able to share the small things in life with my closest friends living in an amazing house at an incredible university," Melissa says. Alpha Phi ultimately led her on her career path. While she was pursing her master's in public relations, she took a fundraising course. Melissa selected Alpha Phi Foundation for her case study. Following graduation, she worked for the Foundation for eight years. "I really discovered my passion for philanthropic giving," Melissa says. "I gained the skills to work in higher education fundraising, which enabled me to get where I am today." She now works as the Associate Director of Advancement for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University. "In this role, I meet with alumni and work with them to develop partnerships with Michigan State University, whether as a donor, volunteer, or ambassador," she says. Like many other sisters, Melissa is able to keep up with her sisters through the wonders of social media. She says that it's important to stay involved after you graduate. "I had an amazing experience and I want to pay that forward and ensure other women have the opportunities I had, and then some," she says. "Alpha Phi continues because of the efforts we put in as individuals as proud alumnae, donors, volunteers, leaders, and sisters." Through her time as a student and now working for the university, she urges others to try new things. "Move across the country, travel when you can, and take the job that may not be your dream job, but will lead to it," Melissa says. "Make connections and network whenever possible. Find a mentor and work hard. Don't be limited by expectations others may have of you." In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, running, watersports, traveling, and watching Spartan football and basketball. Melissa married Andrew Cameron on June 24, 2017. The two love living in Royal Oak, Mich., and enjoy trying new restaurants, going to Tigers games, and exploring nearby Detroit. E-mail: melissamwagasy@icloud.com Melissa Wagasy '99 Pays It Forward ALPHA PHI LED ALUMNA TO HER CAREER PATH "IT WAS A WONDERFUL TIME BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO SHARE THE SMALL THINGS IN LIFE WITH MY CLOSEST FRIENDS LIVING IN AN AMAZING HOUSE AT AN INCREDIBLE UNIVERSITY." Visit Us Online F FACEBOOK Alpha Phi Michigan State University INSTAGRAM @msualphaphi

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