Megen, Your SMPS friends love you dearly and hope your 30th birthday is as amazeballs as you are! Here you'll find 30 tidbits for your 30 years. We answered the questions: 1) What words capture the spirit of Megen? (See cover for answers!) 2) What's a Megen memory, story or picture that makes you smile? (Turn the page!) 3) Tell me your reasons that Megen deserves to be celebrated! (Keep reading!) 4) What song best represents or reminds you of Megen? (You'll get the personalized cd very soon!) We love you and can never celebrate you enough to reciprocate what you do for everyone else every single day!

Contributors:

Megan Muter Brie Yaksic

Matthew Rebro Kate Mullaney Joseph Cushing

Nolah Nasser-Gertner Kathleen Stilts Scott Stelzer

Sarah Hill-Matthiesen Anne Kulick Derek Ward

Steve Nargang Tim Padgett

Roshanna Tokh Rachel Yas

Sloan Watson Ines Feiereisel

Tom Petermann Amanda Rackow Brad Thurman

Tina Myers Mary Cruz

Holly Bolton Jason Vesuvio

Andrew Weinberg Sarah Hoff

Jennifer Booth Sarah McGillicuddy

Megen, Your SMPS friends love you dearly and hope your 30th birthday is as amazeballs as you are! Here you'll find 30 tidbits for your 30 years. We answered the questions: 1) What words capture the spirit of Megen? (See cover for answers!) 2) What's a Megen memory, story or picture that makes you smile? (Turn the page!) 3) Tell me your reasons that Megen deserves to be celebrated! (Keep reading!) 4) What song best represents or reminds you of Megen? (You'll get the personalized cd very soon!) We love you and can never celebrate you enough to reciprocate what you do for everyone else every single day!

Contributors:

Megan Muter Brie Yaksic

Matthew Rebro Kate Mullaney Joseph Cushing

Nolah Nasser-Gertner Kathleen Stilts Scott Stelzer Betsy LaSalle

Sarah Hill-Matthiesen Anne Kulick Derek Ward

Steve Nargang Tim Padgett

Roshanna Tokh Rachel Yas

Sloan Watson Ines Feiereisel

Tom Petermann Amanda Rackow Brad Thurman

Tina Myers Mary Cruz

Holly Bolton Jason Vesuvio

Andrew Weinberg Sarah Hoff

Sarah McGillicuddy

We Love Y!,

Me"n!!

We Love Y!,

Me"n!!

I have so many wonderful thoughts of Megen. I'll never get over the 40th birthday video she made for me. I'll never be able to say thank you enough for the gift she gave me in nominating me for CPY. It has already made such a difference in my life in SMPS

and beyond. And all the cards and cupcakes she's

brought into my life, both in happy times as well as times I needed something to sweeten

my day. And of course the pepper cubs skybox where she agreed to be my right

and left hand, and take on the leadership of the chapter!

My funniest memory is at Matt Rebro's

40th birthday and she went right up thru my sleeve to help me fix my bra strap and

keep everything together!!! True girl friendship!!

I want to celebrate Megen because she

always puts everyone else first. She'll stop at nothing to make someone else happy, or successful. Quitting is never an option. She makes everyone feel loved and appreciated

and amazing. She makes me feel special and I adore her!

Kate

Megen and friends threw me the

most beautiful baby shower. All

the special Megen touches were

everywhere, every detail was

perfect. She always puts in the

extra effort to make moments

special!

No matter if we are stepping up

at the AON Center, celebrating

at Paris Club, cheers with

champs on NYE, buying wine

from a OC housewife, sitting on

Santa's lap, or putting together

our Stella & Dot arm candy;

you are always a friend I can

count on and make me smile

every day. Thank you for being

you and I wish you the best

birthday! Love MM :)

Megen is continually giving to her family, friends, community, firm,

industry and her profession without every asking for anything in return.

She absolutely should be celebrated!! Megan

I have so many wonderful thoughts of Megen. I'll never get over the 40th birthday video she made for me. I'll never be able to say thank you enough for the gift she gave me in nominating me for CPY. It has already made such a difference in my life in SMPS

and beyond. And all the cards and cupcakes she's

brought into my life, both in happy times as well as times I needed something to sweeten

my day. And of course the pepper cubs skybox where she agreed to be my right

and left hand, and take on the leadership of the chapter!

My funniest memory is at Matt Rebro's

40th birthday and she went right up thru my sleeve to help me fix my bra strap and

keep everything together!!! True girl friendship!!

I want to celebrate Megen because she

always puts everyone else first. She'll stop at nothing to make someone else happy, or successful. Quitting is never an option. She makes everyone feel loved and appreciated

and amazing. She makes me feel special and I adore her!

Kate

Megen and friends threw me the

most beautiful baby shower. All

the special Megen touches were

everywhere, every detail was

perfect. She always puts in the

extra effort to make moments

special!

No matter if we are stepping up

at the AON Center, celebrating

at Paris Club, cheers with

champs on NYE, buying wine

from a OC housewife, sitting on

Santa's lap, or putting together

our Stella & Dot arm candy;

you are always a friend I can

count on and make me smile

every day. Thank you for being

you and I wish you the best

birthday! Love MM :)

Megen is continually giving to her family, friends, community, firm,

industry and her profession without every asking for anything in return.

She absolutely should be celebrated!! Megan

I want to celebrate Megen because she

can multi-task like no other, always gives

the best advice, calms me down, needs to stop offering to buy (everything). She makes everyone around her feel

special….. because who doesn't like a

party and she celebrates everyone like a rock star! She deserves the biggest

event ever!

Brie

I celebrate Megen because

she has an encouraging,

positive personality that inspires those around her to

give and do their best.

And also because she is just a lot of fun to be around!

Sarah

I want to celebrate Megen because she

can multi-task like no other, always gives

the best advice, calms me down, needs to stop offering to buy (everything). She makes everyone around her feel

special….. because who doesn't like a

party and she celebrates everyone like a rock star! She deserves the biggest

event ever!

Brie

I celebrate Megen because

she has an encouraging,

positive personality that inspires those around her to

give and do their best.

And also because she is just a lot of fun to be around!

Sarah

I love her taste in Red wine! One

night she already drew the line to

stop drinking, had already had her fill

. . . a few of us decided

it was time to celebrate the

Holidays early ( it was the 1st week of

November). We broke out a lovely bottle of Promis Italian wine by

Gaja. Megen took a little

sip, just to try it, then 2 sips, turned into 2 bottles later - - - The Holiday

was upon us! Joe Cush

Megen Briars is the real deal!! I've had the pleasure of working alongside

her and she is: Classy, clever, respected, meticulous, smart, impressive, genuine, sincere,

valued, willing, compassionate, beautiful, amazing, passionate, brave, capable,

surprising, considerate, silly, genuine, connected, witty and warm.

Rebro

I love her taste in Red wine! One

night she already drew the line to

stop drinking, had already had her fill

. . . a few of us decided

it was time to celebrate the

Holidays early ( it was the 1st week of

November). We broke out a lovely bottle of Promis Italian wine by

Gaja. Megen took a little

sip, just to try it, then 2 sips, turned into 2 bottles later - - - The Holiday

was upon us! Joe Cush

Megen Briars is the real deal!! I've had the pleasure of working alongside

her and she is: Classy, clever, respected, meticulous, smart, impressive, genuine, sincere,

valued, willing, compassionate, beautiful, amazing, passionate, brave, capable,

surprising, considerate, silly, genuine, connected, witty and warm.

Rebro

I remember Pam O'Deen and I having lunch with Megen to tell her about SMPS...what the

programs and professional development opportunities could mean to her personally and

as well as her firm. We extolled the fun and benefits of joining a committee and really

getting involved in the chapter. From that time on it Megen has taken charge of many projects bringing her creativity, talents and enthusiasm

to the task. Can't wait to see what she has planned for this year. Happy Birthday to our

President Megen!!

Nolah

Megen and I became friends in a stairwell. Really. We knew each other a bit from SMPS. I was living in a 29 story high rise, and I would

do stair workouts in the dimly lit, dingy stairwell. As

I was huffing and puffing down the steps one day, a blond girl was headed up.

We both did a bit of a double take. "Scott?", she said. I

looked up and, sure enough, Megen from SMPS also lived in the building and also was

a stair worker outer. Nothing was the same after

that day.... ;-)

Happy birthday, Megen!

Stelz

I remember Pam O'Deen and I having lunch with Megen to tell her about SMPS...what the

programs and professional development opportunities could mean to her personally and

as well as her firm. We extolled the fun and benefits of joining a committee and really

getting involved in the chapter. From that time on it Megen has taken charge of many projects bringing her creativity, talents and enthusiasm

to the task. Can't wait to see what she has planned for this year. Happy Birthday to our

President Megen!!

Nolah

Megen and I became friends in a stairwell. Really. We knew each other a bit from SMPS. I was living in a 29 story high rise, and I would

do stair workouts in the dimly lit, dingy stairwell. As

I was huffing and puffing down the steps one day, a blond girl was headed up.

We both did a bit of a double take. "Scott?", she said. I

looked up and, sure enough, Megen from SMPS also lived in the building and also was

a stair worker outer. Nothing was the same after

that day.... ;-)

Happy birthday, Megen!

Stelz

Megen is so diligent – she seems to have so many ‘balls in the air’ and she can balance

them all. And she is so warm –

she is so very kind and approachable!

Happy Birthday, Megen

Tom Petermann

Megen, what a pleasure it has been working with you on SMPS graphics / ads / logos / you

name it for nearly 3 years now! I am continually impressed by your energy, your

ability to develop streamlined processes and your talent for getting everyone rowing in the

same direction! Oh, and you are better at putting personality into your emails than

anyone I know; I love the expressions use .... It’s not every day that someone tells me I

rock, but I can count on it from you! :) It has been so wonderful to get to know you as a

colleague and now a friend.

Anne

Megen is so diligent – she seems to have so many ‘balls in the air’ and she can balance

them all. And she is so warm –

she is so very kind and approachable!

Happy Birthday, Megen

Tom Petermann

Megen, what a pleasure it has been working with you on SMPS graphics / ads / logos / you

name it for nearly 3 years now! I am continually impressed by your energy, your

ability to develop streamlined processes and your talent for getting everyone rowing in the

same direction! Oh, and you are better at putting personality into your emails than

anyone I know; I love the expressions use .... It’s not every day that someone tells me I

rock, but I can count on it from you! :) It has been so wonderful to get to know you as a

colleague and now a friend.

Anne

After joining the Board of SMPS, I made an effort to arrive early to my first several Board

meetings. Always beating me there was Megen. I mentioned this to her and she said she 5 minutes early to a meeting is already late to her. I always knew Megen was dependable, but in this small moment I gained a lot of respect for her. When she commits to something, she is all in. She is

mature beyond her years and an incredible asset to our organization and the industry at-large.

Megen is a rockstar. Always on top of her game and pushing the bounds of creativity. When she accomplishes in one week, most couldn’t do in one month. On top of all that, she is one of the kindest and most generous people I know. Let's

celebrate Megen!

Amanda One of my favorite memories of my life is when Megen asked me to be her co-chair for

life. What an honor! I can't believe she picked

me!

Ines

After joining the Board of SMPS, I made an effort to arrive early to my first several Board

meetings. Always beating me there was Megen. I mentioned this to her and she said she 5 minutes early to a meeting is already late to her. I always knew Megen was dependable, but in this small moment I gained a lot of respect for her. When she commits to something, she is all in. She is

mature beyond her years and an incredible asset to our organization and the industry at-large.

Megen is a rockstar. Always on top of her game and pushing the bounds of creativity. When she accomplishes in one week, most couldn’t do in one month. On top of all that, she is one of the kindest and most generous people I know. Let's

celebrate Megen!

Amanda One of my favorite memories of my life is when Megen asked me to be her co-chair for

life. What an honor! I can't believe she picked

me!

Ines

In 2009, I participated in an industry charity event known as Stitch. Stitch is a Charity event

thrown by International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Chicago. OKW Architects was one of the firms that designed and created an outfit which Megen Briars was kind enough to

model at the event in front of hundreds of spectators in the industry. She looked stunning

as these pictures show!

Roshanna

My favorite memory? When Megen told me that I looked exactly like her friend who is a meteorologist and then I told her that I once predicted a tornado, and that’s she’s the 3rd person who’s told me I look like a weatherman!

I absolutely admire Megen for all she takes on, and does so

with such a positive attitude without ever losing focus. Furthermore, you can tell she does everything she does in the best interests of others rather than to boost her own interests. It’s rare to come across someone as selfless as

her, and her self-sacrifice is something to be celebrated in an era where people are worked to the bone and have little time for extra-curricular and charitable endeavors. I need

to take a few pages out of her book! She’s amazing.

Thanks for the tickets and getting me and my buddy backstage to meet Jana! Happy Birthday!

Derek (D$)

In 2009, I participated in an industry charity event known as Stitch. Stitch is a Charity event

thrown by International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Chicago. OKW Architects was one of the firms that designed and created an outfit which Megen Briars was kind enough to

model at the event in front of hundreds of spectators in the industry. She looked stunning

as these pictures show!

Roshanna

My favorite memory? When Megen told me that I looked exactly like her friend who is a meteorologist and then I told her that I once predicted a tornado, and that’s she’s the 3rd person who’s told me I look like a weatherman!

I absolutely admire Megen for all she takes on, and does so

with such a positive attitude without ever losing focus. Furthermore, you can tell she does everything she does in the best interests of others rather than to boost her own interests. It’s rare to come across someone as selfless as

her, and her self-sacrifice is something to be celebrated in an era where people are worked to the bone and have little time for extra-curricular and charitable endeavors. I need

to take a few pages out of her book! She’s amazing.

Thanks for the tickets and getting me and my buddy backstage to meet Jana! Happy Birthday!

Derek (D$)

Megen is smart, creative, accomplished, funny...and apparently a terrific photo bomber!! Tim Megen,

When you do your birthday shot, this photo illustrates the proper form! Happy Birthday! Steve

Megen is smart, creative, accomplished, funny...and apparently a terrific photo bomber!! Tim Megen,

When you do your birthday shot, this photo illustrates the proper form! Happy Birthday! Steve

Megen is always perfectly bejeweled and accessorized.

And I have 2 words to sum up my memory of Megen:

stick puppets (mine is on my desk)! and I celebrate her simply because she rocks

the hizzy!!!

Katie

Megen is someone I couldn't be more grateful for meeting, and I would like to celebrate her amazing personality. I love how she can read a situation and determine the best course of action to address problems calmly and with a smile. Her self-deprecating humor and interest

in having fun bring a brightness to every interaction I've had with her. She's wise well

beyond her years, and when she shares suggestions, you never feel judged. Megen is the type of person you can't help but want to know better - to not only have a great friend,

but also to have a great role model.

Shelley

Megen is always perfectly bejeweled and accessorized.

And I have 2 words to sum up my memory of Megen:

stick puppets (mine is on my desk)! and I celebrate her simply because she rocks

the hizzy!!!

Katie

Megen is someone I couldn't be more grateful for meeting, and I would like to celebrate her amazing personality. I love how she can read a situation and determine the best course of action to address problems calmly and with a smile. Her self-deprecating humor and interest

in having fun bring a brightness to every interaction I've had with her. She's wise well

beyond her years, and when she shares suggestions, you never feel judged. Megen is the type of person you can't help but want to know better - to not only have a great friend,

but also to have a great role model.

Shelley

My favorite memory of Megen is the love and joy in Megen's outreach to create something special for Kate's

birthday. She is always doing something for others. I'm so proud she is a

Conductor!

I want to celebrate her warm heart and kind and old soul, and to celebrate

all that she has achieved at this young age.

Andrew

Megen makes me think of the Buddhist concept of anatta or "no

self". From my unique vantage point, she was more than selfless; beyond putting of others before

herself. Her actions and behaviors revealed someone who saw no distinction between people and

acted out of pure kindness. Kind of amazing.

Vesuvio

My favorite memory of Megen is the love and joy in Megen's outreach to create something special for Kate's

birthday. She is always doing something for others. I'm so proud she is a

Conductor!

I want to celebrate her warm heart and kind and old soul, and to celebrate

all that she has achieved at this young age.

Andrew

Megen makes me think of the Buddhist concept of anatta or "no

self". From my unique vantage point, she was more than selfless; beyond putting of others before

herself. Her actions and behaviors revealed someone who saw no distinction between people and

acted out of pure kindness. Kind of amazing.

Vesuvio

I remember Megen giving me a warm welcome (with wine!) when I was in Chicago on business. It was so great to hang out and

get to know her!

Holly

Megen is creative, fun, dedicated, smart, beautiful. Let's celebrate Megen BECAUSE SHE IS

AWESOME . . . and awesomeness needs to be celebrated. ;-)

Tina Meyers

Megen is Clever! Thoughtful! Dedicated! Polished!

Mary Cruz

I remember Megen giving me a warm welcome (with wine!) when I was in Chicago on business. It was so great to hang out and

get to know her!

Holly

Megen is creative, fun, dedicated, smart, beautiful. Let's celebrate Megen BECAUSE SHE IS

AWESOME . . . and awesomeness needs to be celebrated. ;-)

Tina Meyers

Megen is Clever! Thoughtful! Dedicated! Polished!

Mary Cruz

I reached out to Megen to inquire about strategic planning. Immediately she followed up with a response and offer to

connect. We chatted on the phone and her warm personality immediately struck me. She shared numerous

documents with me that aided in my own strategic planning. She really helped me out. What I do know about Megen so far I love! I hope she has an amazing 30th! She is

a beautiful soul.

Sarah McGillicudy

Megen is awesome!! We owe you a pickle back!

#conductors4ever

Sarah Hoff

I reached out to Megen to inquire about strategic planning. Immediately she followed up with a response and offer to

connect. We chatted on the phone and her warm personality immediately struck me. She shared numerous

documents with me that aided in my own strategic planning. She really helped me out. What I do know about Megen so far I love! I hope she has an amazing 30th! She is

a beautiful soul.

Sarah McGillicudy

Megen is awesome!! We owe you a pickle back!

#conductors4ever

Sarah Hoff

I wish I had one funny/embarrassing story to share about Megen, but I guess that is the story – she is always on her game. Megen is the girl that

puts others (charities, friends, professional organization, heck strangers) before herself, yet she always manages to maintain friendships, by keeping lunch/coffee/dinner dates and hosting fabulous get together. Just when you think she has done the sweetest thing for you, here she

comes with a bottle of champagne to top it off!

Outside of being a truly wonder person & friend, I see her (because our offices are near each other) on a random Tuesday in the rain, still looking FLY.

Betsy

I wish I had one funny/embarrassing story to share about Megen, but I guess that is the story – she is always on her game. Megen is the girl that

puts others (charities, friends, professional organization, heck strangers) before herself, yet she always manages to maintain friendships, by keeping lunch/coffee/dinner dates and hosting fabulous get together. Just when you think she has done the sweetest thing for you, here she

comes with a bottle of champagne to top it off!

Outside of being a truly wonder person & friend, I see her (because our offices are near each other) on a random Tuesday in the rain, still looking FLY.

Betsy

Megen's Top 30

Birthday Playlist

30 Songs for 30 years.........

1. Birthday

2. Girls Night Out

3. Pocketful of Sunshine

4. Just Another Day in Paradise

5. Hell on Heels

6. Good Feelin

7. Get the Party Started

8. American Girl

9. These Are My People

10. If it Makes You Happy

11. One Woman Army

12. Sexy Back

13. Good Time Comin On

14. The Dynamo of Volition

15. How You Like Me Now?

16. Stronger (What Doesn't kill you)

17. Don't Stop

18. Fastest Girl In Town

19. Round Here

20. Bulletproof

21. Extraordinary

22. Hey, Soul Sister

23. Strong Enough

24. The Girl from Ipanema

25. In Love with a Girl

26. A Little Bit Stronger

27. Bulletproof

28. You've Got a Friend in Me

29. I Have You to Thank

30. God Gave me You

1. Kings of Leon

2. The Judds

3. Natasha Bedingfield

4. Phil Vassar

5. Pistol Annies

6. Flo Rida

7. P!nk

8. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

9. Rodney Atkins

10. Sheryl Crow

11. Kate Earl

12. Justin Timberlake

13. Jana Kramer

14. Jason Mraz

15. The Heavy (sung by Tony Luca)

16. Kelly Clarkson

17. Fleetwood Mac

18. Miranda Lambert

19. Florida Georgia Line

20. La Roux (sung by Melanie Martinez)

21. Liz Phair

22. Train

23. Sheryl Crow

24. Astrud and Joao Gilberto

25. Gavin DeGraw

26. Leighton Meester

27. Steel Magnolia

28. Rand Newman

29. Gavin DeGraw

30. Blake Shelton

Megen's Top 30

Birthday Playlist

30 Songs for 30 years.........

1. Birthday

2. Girls Night Out

3. Pocketful of Sunshine

4. Just Another Day in Paradise

5. Hell on Heels

6. Good Feelin

7. Get the Party Started

8. American Girl

9. These Are My People

10. If it Makes You Happy

11. One Woman Army

12. Sexy Back

13. Good Time Comin On

14. The Dynamo of Volition

15. How You Like Me Now?

16. Stronger (What Doesn't kill you)

17. Don't Stop

18. Fastest Girl In Town

19. Round Here

20. Bulletproof

21. Extraordinary

22. Hey, Soul Sister

23. Strong Enough

24. The Girl from Ipanema

25. In Love with a Girl

26. A Little Bit Stronger

27. Bulletproof

28. You've Got a Friend in Me

29. I Have You to Thank

30. God Gave me You

1. Kings of Leon

2. The Judds

3. Natasha Bedingfield

4. Phil Vassar

5. Pistol Annies

6. Flo Rida

7. P!nk

8. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

9. Rodney Atkins

10. Sheryl Crow

11. Kate Earl

12. Justin Timberlake

13. Jana Kramer

14. Jason Mraz

15. The Heavy (sung by Tony Luca)

16. Kelly Clarkson

17. Fleetwood Mac

18. Miranda Lambert

19. Florida Georgia Line

20. La Roux (sung by Melanie Martinez)

21. Liz Phair

22. Train

23. Sheryl Crow

24. Astrud and Joao Gilberto

25. Gavin DeGraw

26. Leighton Meester

27. Steel Magnolia

28. Rand Newman

29. Gavin DeGraw

30. Blake Shelton