C O L L E G I AT E S P O T L I G H T
The Monumental Impact of Convention
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ttending a Pi Beta Phi convention can have a lasting impact — just ask South Carolina Alpha SARAH RUTH “SIS” MULLIS, who attended her first convention in 1962 as the chapter’s alternate delegate. Sis found the experience so monumental that she made a commitment to attend every Pi Phi convention since — and she has! In light of her amazing attendance at 30* conventions, The Arrow is spotlighting Sis alongside the 2019 alternate delegate for South Carolina Alpha, PERRI LIEBERGALL, who attended her first convention this year. Sis' and Perri's answers provide a glimpse into where they are in their Pi Phi journeys. Perhaps Perri, or an unidentified “young Sis” who also attended her first convention this year, will follow in Sis’ footsteps. Only time will tell!
PERRI LIEBERGALL and SIS MULLIS at the 2019 Convention in Washington, D.C.
PERRI LIEBERGALL WHAT IS YOUR INITIATION YEAR? 2018 WHAT IS YOUR COLLEGE MAJOR? Marketing WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PI PHI SONG? “Boom, Boom” WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE IN PI PHI? I’m currently on the Communications Committee as well as the Recruitment Video Committee. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST “AHA” MOMENT FROM YOUR FIRST CONVENTION? At the beginning of the weekend, we were informed that the fundraising goal for the SHINE THROUGH campaign was $28 million dollars. I laughed to myself thinking raising a sum of that magnitude would be nearly impossible. I was amazed when our Foundation announced that they had exceeded the goal, raising over $31.8 million dollars! I had underestimated the power and loyalty of our members. WHAT WAS A MONUMENTAL MOMENT FOR YOU FROM CONVENTION 2019? The best part was getting to meet Pi Phis from all over the country — especially the South 12
Carolina Beta Chapter President and Alternate Delegate. Even though our schools have a serious sports rivalry, our Pi Phi bond superseded that, and we exchanged ideas about how we could improve our respective chapters. WHY DO YOU THINK EVERY PI PHI SHOULD ATTEND AT LEAST ONE CONVENTION IN HER LIFETIME? I initially joined Pi Phi as something to enjoy during my college years; attending convention, however, showed me that commitment to the Fraternity is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I believe that if every Pi Phi took advantage of attending convention, they would feel the same way. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A PI BETA PHI? I love that there really is no stereotype or personality that defines the sisters of my chapter. Walking into the house for meals on a daily basis, I always feel welcomed to sit with everyone and am cheered up by people going out of their way to say hi or ask me how my day was.
*In 1967, convention was changed to odd-numbered years to allow for a 100-year celebration.
