THE PHI MU CONNECTION By MARGUERITE KELLY For Tracy Ann Moore, she's experienced a Phi Mu connection since she entered North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega, Georgia. Her affiliation with Kappa Upsilon began a relationship that has remained a constant in her life, both as a collegian and an alumna. It endured the stress and pressure of graduate school which resulted in Tracy successfully earning her law degree from the University of Memphis Law School. An only child, Tracy was drawn to sorority life because of the camaraderie among the Sisterhood. The sense of fun and the way the young women presented themselves made Phi Mu her only choice, when it came time to pledge. "It is wonderful and amazing to me to instantly have a bond with someone because of your shared love for Phi Mu. In college that meant someone to pick you up when your car broke down, or help you study. As an adult and alumna it becomes family and emotional support, career advice, and a global network.

Tracy Ann Moore, Kappa Upsilon, proudly displays the bench her alumnae group placed on the campus of North Georgia College & State University in 2004.

"I liked Phi Mu because everything they did was with class and a step above every other sorority" she says. It is funny now to look back and realize how impressed I was with the small things. For example, Phi Mu had personalized napkins and personally invited you to open house parties. When I look back, I really only had an understanding of the very top layer of what Phi Mu is all about. It takes years to get into all those under layers.

"I know it is not recommended now, but it was the only choice I put on my bid card. I've never regretted it," she says emphatically.

But college experiences were not the only connecting fiber running through Tracy's life. Her choice continued to influence her.

"I never realized that being a Greek woman, and specifically a Phi Mu, would change my entire life. That's not an exaggeration.

I have learned leadership skills, money management, and how to disagree respectfully with someone.

Tracy Ann Moore, Kappa Upsilon, enjoys “High Tea” with Toni King, Mu. The celebration was in honor of the chapter reaching quota through COB.

"A few things have impacted my life quite specifically. First, I was a psychology major in college. I wanted to be a lawyer, but it seemed so hard. I still remember one of my sisters sitting with me over lunch and telling me that I needed to be a lawyer, and that she believed in me. I looked into the career further and went for it. I've never looked back. "I got my first job in a law firm in college due to a Phi Mu connection. Then, I got my first law clerkship because the partner of the firm liked the Phi Mus he had known in college. "But, when I went on to work for the Honorable Kay Spalding Robilio, Kappa Lambda, Phi Mu really made a difference for me. I was a third year law student and she wanted a second year student. She told me early in the interview that she did not want to hire me for this reason. When she saw Phi Mu on my resume, she hired me on the spot. I learned so much from her!" Today, Tracy works hard to give back to young collegians by being part of Phi Mu Foundation. As a member of Phi Mu Foundation, she has insight into the work it does and is able to be an active participant in its many philanthropic efforts.

Meanwhile in the community, Tracy is an advocate for the Foundation and its efforts. She is a member of the newly reorganized Gainesville Georgia Alumnae Chapter. She is the secretary. She was also president of the Kappa Upsilon Chapter Association, and a recruitment adviser for Mu Chapter from 2003-05. Presently, she is the chapter adviser.

"I try to make my duties as an adviser a priority in my personal life and to be an example to the collegians at Brenau, who everyone knows as "my girls." I love each of them so much and being an adviser has been the best and most enriching experience I have ever had in my Phi Mu experience. I learn so much from them and they make me laugh constantly -- when they are not giving me ulcers." Tracy has remained true to her commitment to Phi Mu. She even has a framed copy of the creed in her office. She is practicing family law with Banks, Stubbs, Neville & Cunat in Cumming, Georgia.

Dividing her time between a busy practice, Phi Mu activities and serving as Vice President of the Forsyth County Bar Association, she still finds time for "scrap booking." "I make a scrapbook for "my girls" every year and a scrapbook once a month with two of my Phi Mu Sisters from college. I also love to take photos. I don't know any other scrapbookin, 'sorority lovin,' divorce attorneys. We are a rare breed which causes constant references to Legally Blond." Words of advice don't fail this young lawyer. She has some for each of us: "If you have the opportunity to work hands-on with a collegiate chapter - do it. No matter what your age or level of Phi Mu experience - the collegians are the future of our entire Sisterhood and the experience will make you laugh, cry, and enrich your life in a way you can not even imagine. You may not know it, but you have something to give to Phi Mu through your own individual talents and experience. We need more hands-on alumnae!" You can follow Tracy's outstanding example. Simply click on the button within this newsletter. Follow the simple steps and become a member of Phi Mu Foundation. It's a decision you will never regret.

Tracy Ann Moore, Kappa Upsilon, (center) is pictured with Mu Chapter Advisers Faith Jenkins, Mu, (left) and Dr. Melody Stancil, Mu, (right). Both Faith and Melody are alumnae initiates who actively support Phi Mu Foundation.