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Phi Mu member receives scholarship |
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Thursday, 13 September 2007 |
 Gramham and Alexis Nelson with their son Ridge. Alexis received the Mary F. Elvey Scholarship. Jon Heller
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by KELLY BURCHFIELD
Intern News Reporter
Triple major Alexis S. Nelson is a wife, mother, student and recipient of one of the 122 Phi Mu Foundation Scholarships awarded nationally this year.
National Phi Mu Operations Director Susan P. Logan said the $1,000 Mary F. Elvey Scholarship was awarded to two Appalachian State University students in memory of a former advisor for their chapter.
Logan said Nelson and Caitlin Webb were chosen based on grade point average and service to the chapter and community.
“Alexis stood out to the selection committee because she is a
nontraditional student who still makes a great commitment to her
chapter,” she said.
A Phi Mu ring on one hand and a wedding band on the other hand
represent Nelson’s family - her husband, son and sorority sisters.
She is committed not only to her family, but also to finishing three degrees in apparel and textiles, marketing and dance.
While most students struggle to wake up in time for an 8 a.m. class,
Nelson said she wakes up at 4 a.m. every day to study before her
two-year-old son wakes up.
“I can’t say I am able to do all this by myself,” she said. “It’s
really a team effort. Without my husband and sisters, I wouldn’t be so
ambitious.”
Nelson said after other sororities turned her down because she had a
family, it was necessary for Phi Mu to support her as a wife, mother
and student.
According to its Web site, Phi Mu prides itself in welcoming member diversity.
“They actually let me bring Ridge, my son, to a recruitment event,” she said.
Phi Mu President P. Beth Casey said there was no reason not to accept Nelson.
“Someone who can raise a child and go to school is someone who obviously has something special that we can’t pass up,” she said.
But sorority sisterhood involves both receiving and giving.
Phi Mu Foundation scholarship recipients must show commitment to the chapter and community.
Nelson said she gives back to Phi Mu and the community by serving as
the ritual chair, contributing her artistic abilities and giving her
time to charity events.
Junior, communication major and fellow Phi Mu member Caitlin L. Webb was also awarded the scholarship.
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