Phi Mu - University of Arkansas

Alpha Beta Chapter 3 BONDS OF ROSE AND WHITE Q&A with Jamie Loftin, Epsilon Delta '96 1. Why did you join Phi Mu and what made you stay a part of the sisterhood? I didn't go through formal recruitment my first semester of college. Most of my family members attended private colleges without Greek organizations, so I did not know much about sororities and fraternities other than what was portrayed in the media. My college roommate was in a sorority, so our circle of friends included women from her recruitment group. I became friends with women from all the different sororities, but I noticed something special about Phi Mu. The women were genuine, enjoyed spending time with each other, and would support each other in any way. At that time, all the sororities had an open spring recruitment. I received a bid from several sororities and accepted the one from Phi Mu. My Phi Mu sisters are still some of my best friends today. 2. What sense of pride did you gain as a Phi Mu member? I have always been proud to be a member of Phi Mu. As a collegiate member, I was always found with my letters on a shirt, my car, my keychain, etc. When I became an alumna member, I had my badge made into a ring. I wear it frequently and love when people ask me about it because it gives me an opportunity to share something about Phi Mu. 3. What are your favorite memories from your time in the Phi Mu Chapter House? I loved living on a floor full of my sisters. We had a TV and movie night once a week and would gather in the chapter room to watch our favorite show. It was so fun when we were getting ready for a Phi Mu social event. Sometimes the fraternity members would come serenade us before a social event. There was always a sister around if I wanted to talk or wanted a friend to go somewhere with me. 4. What drew you to volunteer with Alpha Beta? I was so excited when Alpha Beta recolonized at the University of Arkansas. I, along with many other alumnae members, attended the presentation when Phi Mu wanted to recolonize at UA. It was so exciting, and I was thrilled when Phi Mu was selected. I have been a member of the Northwest Arkansas Alumnae Chapter and have served as the Alpha Beta advisor for both chapter development and finance. I also actively follow Phi Mu on social media and give to the Phi Mu Foundation. I have been amazed at how strong this chapter has become in a short amount of time. I wanted to volunteer and do everything I could to help Alpha Beta succeed. We have a strong alumnae team and a great parents' organization that support this chapter. I would love for my daughter to attend the UA and be a member of Alpha Beta one day! 5. What advice would you offer to current undergraduates? I would encourage undergraduates to get involved and stay active in Phi Mu. The four collegiate years go very quickly and volunteering and holding an office looks great on your resume. Use the alumnae members and parent group as resources for networking and career placement. 6. If other alumnae asked why you were involved, what would you tell them? Getting involved with the collegiate chapter keeps you feeling young and in touch with this generation. It is important to share your experience and expertise with the collegiate members because they are the future of our organization. 7. How do you think Phi Mu helped you become who you are today? Phi Mu reinforced my love of philanthropy and giving back to others. I strive to embody the words of the Phi Mu Creed every day. If everyone did that, the world would be a better place. 8. Is there anything else you would like to add about your time with Phi Mu or your life currently? I have been married to my husband, Jeff, for 16 years, and we have girl/boy twins, Kate and Cameron, who are 13 years old. My sister, Julie Kelley Flowers, Alpha Delta '98, is also a Phi Mu alumna from the Alpha Delta Chapter. I am currently the assistant vice provost for distance education administration for the Global Campus at the University of Arkansas. Jamie lives in Fayetteville, Ark., and can be reached at jkloftin@uark.edu. Getting involved with the collegiate chapter keeps you feeling young and in touch with this generation. It is important to share your experience and expertise with the collegiate members because they are the future of our organization. True to e Meaning, Spirit, and Reality of P hi Mu Q&A with Susan Bristow '93 1. Why did you join Phi Mu and what made you stay a part of the sisterhood? I connected immediately with the members when I went through recruitment, and felt that I belonged in the sisterhood. I stayed in the sisterhood because I gained new friends and sisters. I enjoyed my collegiate years in the Alpha Beta Chapter because there are many fond memories. 2. What sense of pride did you gain as a Phi Mu member? Phi Mu has outstanding women who are all individual and bring a variety of talents and characteristics to the sisterhood. You can be who you are. Phi Mu members take care of and support each other. We have rich traditions and a deep bond in sisterhood. Phi Mu is a part of us and the sisterhood is for a lifetime. 3. What are your favorite memories from your time in the Phi Mu Chapter House? One memory occurred in the mornings before class. We would all line up (Continued on page 4)

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