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| 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.”
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.”