When Virginia Theta Kelly Lane began applying to college, she made a promise to herself, “I will never submit to the limits others place upon me, but rather choose to live in the world full of infinite possibilities.”
We spent a few hours together on a Sunday afternoon on a self-guided tour of the University of Georgia (UGA) campus and surrounding Athens, Georgia, downtown, one hour northeast of Atlanta. Kelly moved here a few years ago to begin studies for her Ph.D. in Genetics at UGA. Along with research, Kelly team-taught a Biology class, which includes designing the syllabus and activities for the course. She is interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Education Policy.
The more time we spent together, the more I could see how her favorite quote led Kelly’s focus not only in her academic career, but also in her Pi Phi alumnae life.
Early last year, Kelly was at a Halo Happenings in Atlanta. She recalls it was a Saturday event because she usually does not make the hour-long commute from Athens into Atlanta on weekdays due to heavy traffic. {Yes, Kelly, I recall from my visit how much quality time I spent on the freeway with my fellow commuters.}
At the event, she was seated next to Alumnae Regional Two Coordinating Specialist Susan Bruch, Michigan Alpha. In striking up a conversation about involvement in the area, Kelly mentioned the difficulties of participating in alumnae events when she was so far away and hoped to have a club in the Athens area. Susan mentioned she was in conversations with Georgia Alpha Taylor Smith about starting a club in Athens, Georgia. This is where is all began. A few weeks later, Susan called them together and Taylor and Kelly were instrumental in starting the process of chartering a club.
The Athens Area Alumnae Club came together for its first meeting in June 2015 to sign their charter and host a celebratory Cookie Shine.
In its first year, the club has made leaps and bounds to support Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. They were the recipients of an FDS500 Grant, thanks to Pi Beta Phi Foundation, in which 500 books were given to the children of Alps Road Elementary School. The club has supported Georgia Alpha with study bags and was present for the Installation celebrations of Georgia Beta.
Although she did not serve on the Executive Council as an undergraduate, Kelly hopes to continue developing her leadership skills and make connections in the role of Club President for the upcoming year. I know the Club will continue to have sisterhood events to get to know each other better, as well as grow their philanthropic efforts and support of the local chapters under Kelly’s leadership.
Happy first anniversary Athens Alumnae Club and many more to come!