Thursday, July 20, 2017

I Wear a Badge: Dr. Mari Ann Callais, Theta Phi Alpha

Photo courtesy of Dr. Mari Ann Callais
The theme for July’s blog is speaking up for the sorority experience, following the NPC chairman’s Message of Sorority.

Dr. Mari Ann Callais is a first generation college student and first generation sorority woman. Initiated into the Theta Phi Alpha chapter at Loyola University in New Orleans as a junior in college, Callais did not have much time as an undergraduate member. However, as an alumna, Callais served Theta Phi Alpha as programming chairman, chapter administration, member of the NPC delegation, NPC delegate and National President. Plus she held many volunteering roles within the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and North-American Interfraternity Conference’s IMPACTs.

And who better to speak for the sorority experience than on whose career is all about speaking? Formerly, with CAMPUSPEAK and now The Catalyst Agency and Delta Delta Delta fraternity, Callais shares her experience with thousands of students a year. She reminds sorority woman that sorority is a gift not many are afforded and to take every opportunity to tell people why you are proud to be a sorority woman, as well as the value of the sorority experience.

Callais believe that it is import for both collegiate and alumnae members to speak up. In April 2016, Callais’ niece, Emily, was diagnosed with leukemia and flown to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Due to the efforts of organizations like Tri Delta and Alpha Delta Pi, her family will never receive a bill for Emily’s medical care or their housing. Emily’s family lived in Tri Delta Place on St. Jude’s campus and the Ronald McDonald House, supported by Alpha Delta Pi, for nine months.

Today, Emily is cancer free. Callais speaks on the value of the sorority experience because without the commitment of sorority women her niece may not be here today.

Callais reminds us all to not quit or walk away from your sorority experience because it might get difficult. “We are not just social organizations, but we are families who need to be there for one another.”