Phi Mu celebrates 80 years at IU

Phi Mu sorority celebrated its 80th anniversary of the Delta Alpha chapter of IU at the chapter's house at 1442 N. Jordan Ave. Saturday afternoon. The festivities included an open house for students, faculty and members and a special initiation ceremony. \nJoanna Shalin, a senior and 80th anniversary chairperson, said the celebration plays an important role in the lives of the members.\n"It is a great way of uniting everyone," Shalin said. "To hear the stories of how IU was like in the '50s is a lot of fun."\nOne of the highlights of the anniversary was the initiation of former house mom Norma Jo Cooley. She served the Phi Mu house from 1992 until the spring of 2000.\n"She's done so much for us, and it be a nice way to honor her since she is no longer our house mom," Shalin said.\nCooley went through formal initiation Saturday night. \nDuring the open house, current Phi Mu members set up stations throughout the house offering information about the events they take part in. One of those activities is the upcoming philanthropy event "Phi Mu Chili Cook Off" which will take place during the Homecoming game. \nFor $5, participants can taste three types of chili. Greek members have an opportunity to enter in a drawing for the top prize. Senior and philanthropy chair Holly Miller said proceeds will go towards Riley Hospital for Children.\n"Just the fact we make a lot of money from these events is great -- it's helping kids," Miller said.\nPhi Mu members also shared their scholarship achievements with the attendees. For the past two semesters, the sorority has had the top GPA in the Panhellenic Association. Their GPA for spring 2000 was 3.3.\nBeth Myer, class of 1947 and Phi Mu alumna, said the organization is proud of the achievements of the active Phi Mu members.\n"They are top quality of women, so very talented and dedicated to doing things for other people," Myer said. "We are so proud of them."\nMyer said the anniversary is exciting for Phi Mu alumnae because of the opportunity to see and meet past and current members.\nTo remember its members, Phi Mu is selling bricks engraved with their names. The bricks create a walkway in the backyard. \n"It will be fun to come back to the house for the 100-year anniversary and show the house and the bricks to our families," Shalin said.