When thinking about where she’d like to go to college, junior Hailee Binet, Texas Beta, knew almost immediately that she’d end up at Southern Methodist University (SMU). After all, both of her parents went there, and her formative years were spent on the vibrant Dallas campus.

“I knew I wanted to stay relatively close to home, and so the four-hour drive from Houston was the perfect distance,” Hailee said. “I’ve always loved the school atmosphere, and the academic programming and business school are prestigious.”

Hailee’s decision to attend SMU was also influenced specifically by her mother Heidi Burkholder Binet, who not only went to the school but was also a Texas Beta Pi Phi. Following her lead, Hailee joined Pi Phi and was pinned by Heidi during initiation. It was a special time for both of them: “We found old photos of her in her New Member class — it was such a cool experience to share with her. She was beyond excited when I joined and even more so, when I became Chapter President.”

As Chapter President, Hailee has attempted to bring a renewed sense of fun to the chapter. She also places importance on recognition and praise, encouraging members to give out “Super Sister” and “Philanthropy Sister” awards to one another each week.

Hailee says that she has always enjoyed serving in leadership roles within the organization, and that “hard work, ambition and drive” all helped her attain her goals. She hopes these qualities will also serve her well in her professional career as well. Hailee is majoring in finance with a concentration in entrepreneurship and would someday like to start her own non-profit organization, incorporating the things she has learned in Pi Phi and in college. “I love to travel and I think it’s important to help those who are less fortunate around the world,” Hailee said. “I want to take what I’ve learned and give back to the international community.”