ROXANN GOERTZ has a rich history with Pi Beta Phi that began during her collegiate years at the University of Minnesota, where she embraced leadership roles and forged lifelong friendships. Now a seasoned advertising and marketing professional, she remains actively involved with the St. Paul, Minnesota, Alumnae Club, working alongside her sisters to better their community.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I graduated from the University of Minnesota (UMN) in 1977 and have been living in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area since 1983. During my time at UMN, I was involved in student government and served as the Chapter President for Minnesota Alpha. After completing my undergraduate degree, I accepted a job as a Traveling Graduate Counselor, now known as a Leadership Development Consultant.

I am now an advertising and marketing professional with more than 40 years of experience, specializing in new product development and brand growth strategy. I have also held various volunteer leadership positions, including mentoring and serving on the University of Minnesota Alumni Board and Minnesota Council on Economic Education.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PI PHI MEMORY?

During my three years living in the chapter house, I experienced so much camaraderie. One of my favorite memories is when we created an "engagement candle" to pass around in a circle for our friend PAMELA SHEEHANRYAN to blow out. She was getting married and would be leaving soon after. Both my friend JAN OLSEN MCCOY and I were Pam’s bridesmaids, and we remain close friends to this day, messaging daily in our Pi Phi Wordle group we call the "Pi Phi 9."

WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI?

A dear friend initially invited me to join the Chapter House Corporation when my children were teens and becoming more independent, giving me the time to volunteer. I believed my business management skills would be beneficial as President and Treasurer. This led to a new role leading campus sororities and fraternities in forming the Minnesota Greek Alumni Council, which focuses on supporting fraternity/sorority chapters and houses alongside the university administration. After completing my term as President, I took a break, and was later asked to join the St. Paul, Minnesota, Alumnae Club, where I’ve served in various roles.

I believe being an engaged alumna adds value in many ways. For young women, involvement in Pi Phi enhances leadership skills, expands networks and exposes them to career and life paths they may not have considered before. For longstanding alumnae, participation keeps them engaged and connected. At both ends of the spectrum, members can also contribute to meaningful philanthropic efforts. The St. Paul, Minnesota, Alumnae Club is dedicated to supporting literacy and addressing children’s needs in St. Paul Public Schools, and I am proud to be part of this group.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?

My favorite thing about alumnae life is maintaining special relationships with Pi Phi sisters and meeting new sisters from around the country.