Giving Back For The Future

KAREN VELDE DOLLMEYER is passionate about serving our sisterhood, aiming to both give back and pay it forward. In her role as Delaware Alpha's Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) Operations Advisor, Karen makes a meaningful impact on both current and future members of Pi Phi.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?

My most favorite thing is the bond of everlasting friendships. Even if we didn't see each other for years due to our busy lives, it is as though we were never apart from each other. I also love meeting new Pi Phi friends throughout my life at work or other social activities.

WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI?

Once I graduated and started my career, I attended several local alumnae club meetings, however, I thought I was too busy to truly get involved. Once we moved to Delaware, I became involved with the University of Delaware (UD), and in 2016, UD announced an opening for a new sorority on campus and Pi Beta Phi was selected, which then became the Delaware Alpha Chapter. I joined several of the initial meetings and then volunteered as a member of AAC and have been in many different AAC roles ever since. I felt this was my opportunity to give back to Pi Beta Phi as well as give to the future of many young women.

HOW HAS PI PHI SHAPED YOU AS A LEADER?

Pi Phi values provided me with the framework to be a good person and leader. I developed many leadership skills in my career, and I have utilized and shared those skills by mentoring the young women in leadership roles at the Delaware Alpha Chapter.

WHAT ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING AND REWARDING PARTS ABOUT SERVING PI PHI?

As a member of AAC, I had to understand how collegiate women viewed things from their perspective. I had to adjust my thinking from my past experiences to what our collegiate women were experiencing now in order to be a good mentor. The biggest reward is advising these women and providing them with ideas and perspectives that can assist them in their decision making.

BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER LIFE, HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE?

I find balance by identifying specific times of the week to dedicate to Pi Phi. Yes, there are some impromptu things that occur; however, enough notice and planning is key to finding the necessary balance.

HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

The sisterhood and values are everlasting. I am so proud to be a Pi Beta Phi!

AS A PI PHI VOLUNTEER YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK VOLUNTEERING FOR OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?

Volunteering gives me the opportunity to give back to the Fraternity, however, the most important part is ensuring our sisterhood is shared with all the young women in the future.