SISTER PROFILE: Beth Metzger Conrad

We are pleased to introduce Beth as our Sister of the Week. Beth has maintained her committment to AOII ... she is one of the few sisters who has remiained consistently active through the years - - yes, she's been in it for the 'long haul'! She is currently involved in the Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter and previously served as Tau Lambda Chapter Adviser. She is always willing to help out to improve the sorority and her efforts are much appreciated. Let's get to know her a little better...

FOCUS ON: BETH METZGER CONRAD

Please share a little about yourself (hometown, career, family, etc.)? I’m from Lancaster, PA and now home is Hampden Township near Harrisburg. I’ve worked in Human Resources for the past 91/2 years in an HR office and am now taking a slight curve by working for one of our program areas, the Bureau of Disability Determination (we authorize Social Security payments for disabled people) of the PA Department of Labor and Industry. I’m doing hiring and labor relations in addition to budget and purchasing work. I married Troy Conrad, a Sig Tau from Ship and we have 2 wonderful kids – Evan will be 7 in May and is in 1st grade and Megan who turned 4 in November. Evan plays soccer and does everything Star Wars related. Megan likes to dance and sing and talk on her “cell phone”.

What is your favorite AOII memory? The memory that stands out is a post-initiation sisterhood party at “72”. Boys came later, but what stands out is the togetherness of our group of sisters at that point on that night, especially during the song "The Promise".

What is your most meaningful AOII moment? Participating in Initiation from the Adviser side and being able to see the excitement in our new members’ eyes – it reminded me of the excitement I had during that ceremony.

What do you remember most about your SHIP days? Lots of fun times at both 53 College Park and at the house. You never knew who was walking in the door and what might happen next!

What funny story can you share with us? There are so many funny stories that it's hard to choose! Going to the TKE house after they had won Greek Week, getting a beer and turning around to see my normally reserved big brother, Steve, stripping with a full beer on his head! The look on his face when he saw me watching made it even funnier! On the girl front, one night we were hanging out at the appartment in College Park. I don't remember what started it, but Joanne laughed so hard that she tipped the recliner back and was laying on her back, still on the recliner!

What is your most proud accomplishment since college? The fact that I have 2 well-adjusted, happy kids and haven't lost myself in the process. My career has been important, but nothing comes before Evan and Megan and their well-being and I am so proud of the little personalities they have become and can't wait to see who they evolve into in the future.

What advice can you give our graduating sisters? Enjoy every minute of college, but realize there is more out there and the fun times will continue well after college. Sometimes when you add kids to the mix, it may seem like the fun is over, but if you have the right group of friends and add some creativity it all comes together!