Lasting Sisterhood - Mary Perdue, Julianne Chambliss and Dianne Isakson Apply Phi Mu Values to Their Public Lives in Georgia
Although their husbands are successful Georgia politicians, each of these dedicated women devotes her time to important Peach State causes that remain close to their hearts. Mary, Julianne and Dianne also enjoy a special bond, since they are all proud Alpha Alpha Chapter alumnae who attended the University of Georgia. Julianne enthusiastically remembers how she recruited Dianne for Phi Mu, sharing fond memories of their Greek collegiate experience.
 Today, these hard-working political wives appreciate the warm, broad network of support from sisters across the country. Thanks to Phi Mu, they have friends everywhere they go, lending a much-appreciated family feeling to life on the campaign trail and beyond.
Each woman is individually accomplished, with her own distinct personality. Mary exuded a gracious warmth as she talked; Julianne, the effervescent “cheerleader,” kept it light and fun; and Dianne, with her laid back approach, was refreshingly down to earth. This dynamic trio recently gathered at Georgia’s Governor’s Mansion to speak with The Algaia about their experiences as Phi Mus, offering advice for other women interested in making a difference.
Mary Perdue
Mary, a New Orleans native who has been married to Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue for 37 years, is committed to supporting the welfare of children, launching her influential Our Children campaign to raise awareness about the need for foster care programs in Georgia and encouraging others to take an active role in addressing the needs of their communities. In addition to serving as a foster parent, she founded the First Lady’s Children’s Cabinet, whose mission is to stem child abuse and neglect and
to promote foster care and adoption.
Julianne Chambliss
A 30-year elementary school veteran who is married to U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, Julianne serves as an active advocate for education and early childhood literacy. As part of the Reach Out and Read initiative, she spearheaded the effort to donate 500 books at every stop on a tour of dozens of hospitals and pediatricians’ offices across Georgia.
Dianne Isakson
Dianne remains active in the Junior League in Atlanta and participates in the Senate Wives Prayer Breakfast and International Club in Washington, D.C. In addition to her extensive charity work, she is an accomplished watercolor artist who exhibits her work in a number of galleries. She is married to U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia.
You each were initiated into the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Phi
Mu at the University of Georgia. What are some of your fondest
memories of rush and recruitment, both as a Phi and as a sister?
Mary Perdue
I remember the singing through rush, the Phi Mu house and the huge magnolia trees. The sisters made me feel very special. They took an interest in me personally. I went through rush my sophomore year. I remember the enthusiasm of the ladies at the house.
Julianne Chambliss
I definitely remember the Washboard Band. I loved going through rush, the fun songs and laughter. My favorite part was when I was a Rush Adviser, but it was tough not to be able to say, “I’m a Phi Mu.”
Dianne Isakson
My favorite part of rush was being a Rush Adviser, too. I especially liked helping the freshmen.
 What are some of your favorite Phi Mu memories?
Mary
I definitely remember Pledge Night. You don’t know what is
going on, so it’s a little frightening. But it all came together and
was much gentler than expected. It was a very sweet service.
Julianne
I loved the candlelight services. I remember one time the candle kept going around and around and when they finally blew it out … someone was MARRIED!
Dianne
My favorite memories are the friends I made.
How did your Phi Mu experience prepare you for your career and volunteer roles?
Mary
Phi Mu offered great lessons in loyalty, which is a rarity in these days and times. I enjoyed real kinship to these people – they were my sisters. We learned to stick up for one another, and this lesson has served me well in public life.
Julianne
Phi Mu helped me in developing personal relationships and getting to know different personalities. This helped me in my teaching career. I also gained important organizational skills.
Dianne
Phi Mu taught me about connection to a larger group. I also learned leadership skills – as the Education Chair, I had my first public speaking opportunity. The contacts and friends I made
have lasted throughout the years.
Of all the accomplishments in your public life, which do you hold most dear?
Mary
My personal focus is foster care and the children in the system. My goal is to encourage people to become engaged in their communities. Through a special program called Champions for Children, we have brought together over 100 corporations that have agreed to participate and become involved in the community as champions of children’s causes.
Julianne
My most memorable accomplishment as a teacher was to have a former student name me as his STAR teacher during his senior year, which recognizes a student’s most influential teacher. It is very rare to have an elementary school teacher named as STAR teacher and I was honored to be remembered by this student. Also, Saxby and I were quite involved in the Georgia Reach Out and Read initiative. We visited 64 clinics to introduce this important statewide literacy program, and I’m proud of that accomplishment.
Dianne
I don’t really consider myself to be in the public eye, that’s Johnny’s role. I enjoy time with my family, my children and grandchildren – they keep me busy. We are very involved in our church and local community.
What one bit of advice would you give to today’s collegiate women?
Mary
Remember where you came from. Every day you make decisions that will affect your life. Stay on the right path.
Julianne
Stay true to your faith. Make sure you stay true to your friends and follow the rules.
Dianne
Open your eyes, open your mind, and have your own college experience.
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