A Circle of Giving
In 1989, Phi Mu's Alpha Eta Chapter at Louisiana State University
found itself in a fortuitous situation: they had the largest
pledge class in the nation! Among the 72 women stood one who
would start a trend of giving that continues today.
Melissa Ashbey was the social chairman and treasurer of her
chapter. She lived in the chapter house and was involved in
recruitment skits, rock-a-thons, dances and intramurals. She
even received a scholarship from Phi Mu Foundation.
After her graduation in 1993 with a B.A. in Accounting, Melissa
admits to having fallen into the trap that so many Phi Mu alumnae
face: she wasn't involved in Phi Mu. But, once she moved to
Chicago, Melissa reached out to Phi Mu and never looked back.
She became a member of the Northwest Chicago Alumnae Chapter,
the Financial Adviser to Delta Beta Chapter, the Area I Finance
Director, the Area I Finance Coordinator, the Collegiate Finance
Director and, finally, the National Vice President Finance.
She is now starting her second term on National Council, maintaining
sound financial operations for the Fraternity and chapters.
Serving as Vice President Finance seems busy enough to constitute
a full time job, but Melissa's volunteer position is just that:
voluntary. She spends much of her time as an advisor at JMG
Financial Group in Chicago. Melissa comes to JMG with her CPA
certification, as well as with experience working for a Big
Six firm. "I truly love my job," Melissa says. "I
am able to work closely with individuals to achieve their goals.
It is truly inspiring."
Her free time is limited. "I spend most of my free time
serving on National Council and as a Trustee on the Phi Mu Foundation
Board," she says. "I love to travel home to see my
family and friends in New Orleans when spare time permits."
When not traveling or working, Melissa enjoys time with her
Maltese, Brandy, and relishes the entertainment Chicago offers.
Not only does Melissa share with Phi Mu her time and her many
talents, but she also shares her treasure. She supports the
Foundation's Sisterhood Fund and "The Campaign
for Phi Mu." Melissa says, "Phi Mu has so many
programs, but we could offer many more if we had the space.
Our new home will allow the Fraternity and Foundation to provide
more programming and leadership to many women around the country."
Melissa Ashbey is a shining example of that leadership.
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Photo caption: Melissa Ashbey, Alpha Eta, is grateful
for her Phi Mu experience. "I made many friends and
truly learned how to become a leader through my experience
at Phi Mu," she says. "By volunteering with Phi
Mu, I feel I can give back to someone what I have experienced."
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Melissa Ashbey's Five Things Every
Phi Mu Should Know.
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1. |
Sisters
should be proud and honored to be Phi Mus. |
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2. |
Being
a Phi Mu is a privilege and not a right. |
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3. |
Phi
Mu is forever. |
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4. |
Phi
Mu is founded on three principles: love, honor and
truth. Every Phi Mu should try to live these daily,
as did our three founders. |
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5. |
Phi
Mu provides lasting friendships. |
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