Phi Mu Forever

Through the Years

For the last 27 years, if you've called the Phi Mu Executive Office, you may have encountered a sweet southern drawl on the other end of the line. That warm, strong voice belongs to none other than Elise Cleary Rawson, Gamma Rho, retiring Assistant Executive Director for Phi Mu Fraternity.

Ever since the Phi Mu headquarters moved to Atlanta from Memphis, Elise has been a mainstay, first working as the receptionist and later as the collegiate department secretary. The alumna initiate has spent nearly 30 years in devoted service to her sorority. But, there's more to Elise than meets the eye.

After graduating with her psychology degree from Mary Washington University in 1950, Elise worked in her hometown of Savannah, Ga., for a local physician. It was in 1955 that she and her husband moved to Atlanta, where she spent the majority of the next 20 years raising her three children and volunteering. In 1977, Elise decided to return to the workforce, later joining the Fraternity staff in 1978.

Now, as this grandmother of seven looks back on her long tenure with Phi Mu, she shares mixed emotions about her retirement. "I am looking forward to the free time. But, I also know I will miss the wonderful times we have had over the years and all of the many friendships I have made," Elise says. She has certainly seen her share of changes. From the one floor office space at Tower Place in Buckhead to the three story office condo in Tucker to the new headquarters in Peachtree City, Elise has seen Phi Mu grow and move ever-forward over the past three decades.

"I hope Phi Mu will continue to grow and maintain its leadership role in the NPC world," Elise says. "Phi Mu offers young women wonderful leadership training and Sisterhood that will remain with them throughout their lives." And, Elise sees Phi Mu Foundation as a key player in advancing the Fraternity. "As the non-profit arm of the Fraternity, the Foundation plays a large role in the services the Fraternity is able to provide its members, not to mention the large number of scholarships awarded annually," she states.

As she looks forward to spending more time with her church circle, garden club and family, Elise Rawson also looks back fondly on her time at the Phi Mu Executive Office, describing Phi Mu as a second family. It's nice to know that, through the years, Elise and Phi Mu have always been there for one another.