blAST from the pAST: Lois Forbes

In honor of the recent inauguration of JMU’s sixth president, we sat down with one of our alumnae members who helped Mr. Alger reach this historic moment, Mrs. Lois Forbes! Mrs. Forbes serves as the Vice Rector on the Board of Visitors and oversees JMU’s education and student life committees, as well as serving on the athletic committee. Together with Mr. Forbes, the couple also helped to ease the problems of student housing by building The Commons, and Stonegate Apartments!

Performing Arts Center named after Forbes family!

While at Madison College in the early 60’s, Mrs. Forbes was a History and Political Science major (and went on to work with The American Political Science Association in D.C.). She rushed Alpha Sigma Tau in her sophomore year and was initiated in 1961. At the time the chapter had approximately 30 members and was one of the few sororities on Madison’s campus. Since Eagle Hall was not built until Forbes graduated, ASTs only had the opportunity to live together during their senior year in Zirkle House, located where the Forbes Center is now. (4^th year perks, anyone?) The house came complete with a housemother and one shower for all of the girls that lived there. 

“We would sunbathe on the roof of the house,” recalled Forbes,  “and we were always sneaking out and going places we shouldn’t have.” 

Her favorite memory of AST involves a pledge class retreat spent in a cabin at Massanutten Springs; “They took us on a bus to this place that seemed so far away. It seemed like we traveled for hours to spend the night, but it was really just down Route 33!” Whenever she drives past Massanutten these days, Forbes can’t help but enjoy the memory.  

Mrs. Forbes has recently gotten in touch with a few Alpha Sigma Tau sisters in order to begin planning her 50^th class reunion, and mentions that she has learned much through her time as a collegiate member of the chapter. “I had no sisters growing up and I think being in a sorority really taught me about getting along with women. It taught me how to be a sister,” she said, “Being a sorority sister helps you once you get out into the world. It was an important time and I appreciate looking back on it and seeing how women can help one another.” 

Jen Parravani and Mrs. Forbes getting coffee :)

Mrs. Forbes is an example of a successful alumna who exemplifies the qualities of an Alpha Sigma Tau woman; it is easy to see how she fit so well into our organization. Her story is also shows that sisterhood is timeless; it is effortlessly easy to connect when you share the same rituals, creed, and letters. Not to mention she is ridiculously fun to talk to! 

Her biggest piece of advice for current sisters? 

“Enjoy your sisters while you have them. If at all possible really keep in touch with them; it can enrich you in so many ways. It is easy to get so caught up in life that you forget you spent four years with these women, and they should be apart of your life for the rest of your life.” 

Special thanks to:

-Lois Forbes for taking the time to share her AST memories with us!

-Jen Parravani for interviewing Mrs. Forbes and writing this post