Through Phi Mu, this young woman learns about giving back.

"I want to be an active citizen within my community," Florida State University graduate Stefanie McCormack states. "No doubt, a lot of my inspiration to serve others stems from Phi Mu and our creed."

This Alpha Epsilon young alumna is unquestionably fulfilling Phi Mu's ideal of noble womanhood. Stefanie has spent practically all of her free time in volunteering. She has arranged alternative spring break trips to areas in need, such as poverty-stricken Panama and orphanages in Ukraine. She has served as a telephone counselor for various helplines. She has worked at a food bank, danced for hours at CMN dance marathons and spent time working with the Special Olympics.

But Stefanie McCormack's free time is limited. When she's not volunteering for social service organizations, she is likely to be found planning philanthropic events with Phi Mu's Gamma Omega Chapter at the University of Virginia as a member of the advisory board. When not working with the collegiate chapter or the newly formed Central Virginia Alumnae Chapter, Stefanie is busy representing her fellow students on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Council.

She is also a member of Phi Mu Foundation, stating that "the Foundation does so many amazing things, from establishing scholarships to overseeing the construction of our new National Headquarters!" Stefanie says, "I can't wait until I start earning enough money to give back to the Foundation, as I would like to give future Phi Mu women the same opportunities that we available to me."

Stefanie's legacy of giving back doesn't end with her volunteer experience; rather, it extends to 		 
Alpha Epsilon alumna Stefanie McCormack is pursuing her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Virginia, where she is focusing her studies on cognitive function.

Here are five truths about life, according to Stefanie McCormack.
What I know for sure. . .

1.

 The distance to your airline departure gate is directly proportional to the weight of your carry on luggage and inversely proportional to the time remaining before your flight!
2.
 You have to take time and relax once in a while. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say, "All that relaxation has totally ruined my day!"
3.
 If you have ever dreamed of winning the lottery, maybe you already have. Take a closer look at your life. If you are a Phi Mu, then you've already won both the "sisterhood and friends lotteries!"
4.
 Movies that are not available on video are the ones you want to see.
5.
 "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." -Ferris Bueller
her career path as well. She is currently in her second year as a graduate student in UVa's Ph.D. program, pursing a degree in Neuroscience. She balances lab work, classes and studying so that she can fulfill her dream of one day establishing her own research lab. "I hope that I can pave the way to get more women involved in science, an area where women are a minority," shares Stefanie. "I think we need more women in fields where there has been a trend for men to dominate."

In recognition of her academic, civic and social endeavors, Stefanie was awarded a Phi Mu Foundation scholarship. She was recognized by her peers as a homecoming princess candidate and was honored by the academic community as first runner up for Florida College Student of the Year.

With all of these honors, one might develop a bit of an ego, but not Stefanie. She stays grounded by learning golf from her dad, watching her favorite comedians on Saturday Night Live and keeping in touch long-distance with her best friend, Phi Mu pledge class Sister Sarah Jacobs.

Stefanie McCormack is quick to recognize that much of her success stems from Phi Mu. "I love Phi Mu because it has molded me into the woman that I am today." She encourages other alumnae to stay positive and stay connected to Phi Mu. Sound advice from a woman who knows that giving back far outweighs what one receives.

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