month of the scholar

Each February, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) celebrates the Month of the Scholar. Established 11 years ago to highlight the importance of scholarship and academics for the 26 NPC member groups, it is an opportunity to recognize the importance of learning.

Gamma Alpha alumna Mindy Maris Ph.D., Phi Mu's National Advisory Council Director and the Director of Pre-Professional Health Advisory Center and Assistant Professor of Biology at Bradley University, reminds us of the history of academic excellence in our Fraternity and the importance of keeping this legacy alive.

"Our three founders, Mary Elizabeth Myrick Daniel, Mary Ann DuPont Lines and Martha Bibb Hardaway Redding, were inspirational women.  In addition to founding our shared sisterhood that has endured for over 150 years and unites over 175,000 women, I believe our Founders were inspirational because they were pioneers in higher education for women.  These remarkable women had the courage to travel far away from their homes (by the standards of the time) to attend college in an era when few institutions of higher learning admitted women. The vast majority of women at that time did not have the opportunity to pursue a college education. 

Our Founders understood that, in attending college, they had received a unique privilege.  They appreciated the importance of academics, and they had the foresight to realize that emphasizing scholarship as one of Phi Mu's core values would further the Fraternity's mission.  Through their example, they established a precedent that academic excellence would be central to the Phi Mu experience.

"I stepped onto the College of William and Mary's campus nearly two decades ago as an undergraduate, and I have had the great fortune to have remained in academia ever since.  As a biology professor, I believe I have a most wonderful job.  My colleagues and I feel so lucky that we get to spend our professional lives sharing our passions with students who - for the most part - want to learn about our areas of expertise.  In addition to these benefits, my position affords me a singular perspective on how higher education is viewed in our society.  Many people now view the opportunity to attend college as a right, not as a privilege.  However, according to a 2010 study , college graduates account for only 6.7 percent of the world's population.  Attending college is a privilege that few share.  It is incumbent upon each of us, as Phi Mus and as members of a privileged minority, to ensure that we take full advantage of our college experiences.

"As this semester unfolds, seize opportunities within the classroom as well as on your campus and in your university's community.  Enroll in a course on a topic about which you have always been curious.  Ask a professor or mentor to have coffee.  Serve as a tutor on your campus or in the surrounding community.  Become involved in research.  Do an internship.  Volunteer at a nearby clinic, nursing home or animal shelter.  Avail yourself of the services of your campus advisory centers.  Say "hello" to your president or provost when you see them at campus events.  Work out at the fitness center.  Try something new, whether that means attending a seminar in a different department, auditioning for a play or joining an intramural sports team.

"I am proud to be a Phi Mu and to be a member of the Greek community.  I am proud of the ideals shared by Phi Mus and by the Greek community.  However, when our members do not live up to our shared ideals, the danger arises of Greeks becoming obsolete.  Many professors and administrators view Greek life as a distraction at best and as a liability at worst.  However, if we set a positive example, then professors and administrators can be our strongest allies in ensuring the maintenance of a vibrant Greek community on college campuses.  Do your part to carry on the academic example set by our Founders by being an engaged member of your campus community and by taking a strong stand against academic dishonesty.  In this way, we will honor our Founders' legacy."

To read past Living the Vibrant Life articles, click here.