Pi Beta Phi - University of Alabama

The Alabama Arrow 2 C arrie Butler omas '91 joined Pi Beta Phi in the fall of 1990 after graduating from high school in Kentucky. Not knowing anyone on campus, she sought out fraternity and sorority life at e University of Alabama. "When I was going through recruitment, I always looked forward to going to the Pi Phi house, and thought their skits were the best and showcased their sisterhood," she recalled. Carrie loved the diversity of women from all over the country, and all that Pi Phi had to offer – swaps, retreats, big and little sis reveal and, of course, Initiation. Never really understanding how much fun being an alumna would be, Carrie has enjoyed reconnecting with Alabama Betas and forging friendships with new sisters. "Meeting Pi Phis from different chapters through the Birmingham Alumnae Club as well as other friends has been lots of fun," Carrie shared. She actually works with an Alabama Alpha, only realizing it after she brought in angel and arrow cookies to work for her daughter's Initiation. Being the project manager for the new house, along with Linda Moore Harris '69, CHC President, has been a lot of hard work, especially since she doesn't live in Tuscaloosa and has a full- time job. Getting to know members of the house, working with AAC and seeing the project come full circle has made it all worthwhile. From the farewell party in May 2016 to the ribbon cutting in March 2018, this project has been an amazing and rewarding experience for Carrie. "Working with our architect and designer to create a house that would truly be a home away from home for over 400 women," she said, "has been an experience that I am so proud of and hope will be enjoyed by alumnae, family and friends for many years to come." Carrie has been married for over 22 years to her husband, Jared, who's an Auburn graduate, which has made for some interesting football and basketball games. Together they have two daughters, Cathleen and Ashley. Cathleen is an Alabama Beta and past Chapter President who will graduate in May. "Working on the house project during her time in the chapter has been fun and a time that I will cherish." Ashley will begin her time at e Capstone in August and they are excited for her to start her college journey. She and Jared will be empty-nesters and are looking forward to their next chapter of life. Carrie's family has been very supportive of the house project, with floor plans and budgets taking over the dining room for many months as well as the time spent working on this project. For that, she is thankful for their continued support. You can connect with Carrie at jcthomas1995@ gmail.com. (Continued from page 1) T he beginning of this spring semester has certainly been an adventure for the sisters of Alabama Beta. Between our brand new home, the Crimson Tide's 17th National Championship win and all of the individual accomplishments of our incredible members, there is quite a lot for us to be excited about here in Tuscaloosa! With the start of a new year, we are focused on fostering an increased presence on campus and throughout the Panhellenic community by taking advantage of the many extracurricular and philanthropic opportunities the university and our fraternity and sorority community has to offer. MOVING INTO 845 MAGNOLIA DRIVE As we transition into our new home, we cannot be more excited for Alabama Beta to continue to make memories that will last a lifetime. While we enjoyed our time in the modular unit, we are thrilled to be able to accommodate all chapter members in our new home at 845 Magnolia Drive. One thing we are looking forward to is participating in formal recruitment in our new home. "I'm really excited to be recruiting in our new space," Vice President of Membership Malia Graham '15 said. "is allows us to comfortably accommodate the increasing number of women that will be participating in formal recruitment, and gives us the opportunity to make all of our creative plans for showcasing our sisterhood during recruitment a reality." We are so excited to show Potential New Members our home and show them the sisterhood that we all cherish. If you know of a current UA student or incoming student who would make a great addition to our chapter, please send a RIF to the chapter house. A SUCCESSFUL GRAND OPENING We want to thank our Chapter House Corporation for the hard work and dedication they have demonstrated during this past year and a half. Alabama Beta is so fortunate for their love for this chapter and this new home could not be possible without them. e grand opening of our house was hosted on March 3 and many family, friends and faculty gathered together to help us celebrate this exciting time in Alabama Beta history. STOP BY AND SEE US! We thank our alumnae, our advisors and e University of Alabama for supporting our chapter each year, and we hope that we can continue to count on your support. We invite alumnae and friends to come by the Pi Beta Phi house anytime as we would love to have you. Our sisterhood is growing in size and strength, and we look forward to the accomplishments and friendships that will be made in the coming years. Yours in Pi Phi, Jordan Clark '19 Chapter President (732) 850-8304 | albetapres@gmail.com A FRESH START FOR ALABAMA BETA Collegians Move into New Home at 845 Magnolia Drive Project manager Carrie Butler omas '91 and family. positive memory. Having such fond memories of her time living in the sorority house, Linda emboldens collegiate members to have fun and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. "I distinctly remember my class performing in the homecoming parade, candle lights, formals, singing Pi Phi songs, Initiation and reading to students at a local elementary school," she recalled. "The memories you make will last a lifetime." Linda and her husband, Mike, have been married 41 years. Together they have four children, two boys and two girls, as well as four granddaughters. They enjoy going to Bama football games, especially national championship games, and traveling. Linda and Mike plan to do more of that now that they are retired and the new Pi Phi house is complete. You can connect with Linda at albetachcpres@ gmail.com. DevoteD to Pi Beta Phi Fulfilling a Pi Phi Promise Project Manager Carrie Butler omas '91 Makes Alabama Beta's New Home a Reality

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