Courtney Schreier finds her home at UNI through Greek life
Courtney Schreier finds her home at UNI through Greek life
During Courtney Schreier's first few months at UNI, she was contemplating whether she had made the right choice. The university was farther from her Story City, Iowa, home than other options she had considered. But an unexpected conversation with a coworker ultimately changed her path for the better.
While working at the front desk in the Office for Professional Distinction, Schreier was asked if she had ever considered joining a sorority. She hadn't, even though her mother had been involved in Greek life in college. But it sounded fun and offered a chance to meet people and try something out of her comfort zone.
This small, unplanned step led her to Alpha Xi Delta, and it made all the difference, cementing her place and happiness at UNI.
Joining the sorority really made me feel at home here. It really helped me get to know more people because there are so many girls from different areas. I got a broader feel of campus beyond the business college.
After going through primary recruitment, Schreier quickly realized that Greek life was about much more than social connections — it also focused heavily on philanthropy and academics. Alpha Xi Delta's national initiative, the Kindly Hearts Initiative, which supports children in foster care and homelessness, was a major draw.
Her favorite experience is contributing to a like-minded local organization, Cedar Valley Angels. She recently participated in an event making “love boxes” for Christmas, which included presents, foods, letters, and notes for families and youth.
"Knowing that they're going to families who really need them is really special,” Schreier said.
Schreier credits her on-campus involvement, including some time with the Accounting Club, with building key professional skills, particularly in finance and management. She has held multiple leadership positions within Alpha Xi Delta, including finance director and inspire chair, and currently serves as the academic achievement director and retreat chair.
Beginning next semester, she will take on the role of finance and operations vice president, which aligns directly with her academic goals as a finance and real estate major. She’s been able to gain experience poring over budgets and receipts.
"I've gotten good with organizing Excel spreadsheets and managing budgets,” Schreier said. “I’m starting small, but when I’m eventually in a bigger company, I’ll have that experience.”
The sorority has also provided an unexpected professional network, offering advice on resumes, courses and future career paths from older sisters and engaged alumni. While it hasn't led to a professional opportunity for her yet, Schreier said it is common for sorority sisters to connect others to jobs and internships.
Looking back, Schreier knows she made the right choice for her education and career, and she feels right at home.
"I think college would be a lot different for me [if I didn’t get involved], and I'm so thankful for everything," Schreier said. "The organization has really helped me, especially two of my best friends in the sorority, who are also business majors. They have supported me through all my decisions.”
