Beta Mu

University of Alabama

Betty Clark was a key force in the establishment of the Beta Mu-Alabama chapter. Along with Alpha Phi President Margaretta Lindsay (Zeta-Goucher) and area alumnae, fourteen members were initiated into the new chapter. The banquet that followed was memorable for its camaraderie, laughter, inspiring speakers and the ice cream roses in a shade of Bordeaux. They were presented to the university at a tea hosted at their chapter house and then celebrated at a bonfire on campus. 

After more than 40 years, the Beta Mu chapter made its return to Alabama’s campus. March 5-7, 2009, was filled with excitement, sisterhood and celebration in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The installation of the Beta Mu chapter and initiation of more than 200 collegiate members and mothers marked a historic moment in Alpha Phi with the Fraternity’s return to the University of Alabama. 

The weekend was the culmination of the hard work of countless Alpha Phi volunteers who spent more than a year planning, troubleshooting and guiding the growth of the new chapter. Initiation was conducted on March 6 in the university’s Ferguson Center Theater. International President Laura Malley-Schmitt (Zeta Phi-MIT) presided over the ceremony.

On March 7, 500 collegians, alumnae, parents and campus and community members gathered in The Zone at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the installation banquet. Team Lead and International Executive Board Director Deana Koonsman Gage (Gamma Iota-Texas Tech) served as toastmistress, while Laura Malley-Schmitt presented the charter to new Chapter President Nicole Blum. Foundation Chairman Linda Gardner Massie (Delta Alpha-East Carolina) presented the scholarship pin and the Foundation’s traditional $1,000 gift in celebration of the chapter’s installation. Director of Marketing and Extension Megan Bouché (Epsilon-Minnesota) and Interim Executive Director Linda Schnetzer (Beta Omicron-Bowling Green) were also present to congratulate the new chapter.