Illinois Theta Bobbie Lay Nack jokingly reminds me that “yes, there was electricity and running water” when she pledged Pi Phi in 1957. People love her story and I do too: Twin sisters Bobbie and Bettie pledging Pi Beta Phi at Bradley University. Bettie made a difficult decision to leave school to get a job. Bobbie stayed in school and initiated into the sisterhood. Bettie sent her flowers to congratulate her, but it still did not feel right.

Fast forward to our biennial convention in 2011 in Orlando. Bobbie’s twin sister became an Alumna Initiate, a member of Illinois Theta, nearly 50 years later. As imagined, Bobbie gets choked up talking about the experience, but it is all just wonderful to hear. “Pi Phi has always been a part of my life and now it’s finally a part of Bettie’s life,” she said.

Bobbie’s newest leadership endeavor is to serve as the President of the Alumnae Panhellenic of Lee County. The objective of the organization is to promote inter-fraternity friendship and cooperation and is open to every initiated member of a National Panhellenic Conference organization.

Bobbie has been involved for 15+ years, most recently serving as the Chaplain. At all gatherings, Bobbie repeats the blessing crafted by Michigan Alpha Ida Spicer Sharpe, the last Pi Phi to serve as President of the organization:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the fellowship of this gathering of college women meeting today in a special fraternal relationship to promote mutual interests. Help us to grow in sisterly affection to work together for the benefit of others.

Keep us ever mindful of our initiation vows, varied in word and ritual, but identical in spirit and ideals. Guide our association into worthwhile purposes with charity to others.  Bless the bounty of this table to our use and to your service. Amen.

Bobbie loves these words and is honored to serve as the President of the Alumnae Panhellenic of Lee County. Of course her twin sister Bettie Crawford is joining the organization and will be by her side supporting Bobbie there too!