Pi Phi Has Given Me Purpose
I firmly believe the fraternity and sorority experience, when done right, is the most impactful experience a collegian can have. I know it was for me and I often think about how I would not be the person I am today if not for Pi Beta Phi.
During my time at the Indiana Delta Chapter, I served as Vice President Member Development, a recruitment counselor, and eventually, Chapter President. I graduated early and knew I wanted to obtain my master’s degree but needed a gap year before doing so. Wisconsin Delta Brooke Goodman, a past Leadership Development Consultant (LDC) and now cherished friend, convinced me to apply to be an LDC. I was offered the position of Resident Leadership Development Consultant to assist in re-establishing the Washington Beta Chapter and loved my first-year experience so much, I applied for a second year.
If I am being honest, I have loved my alumnae experience just as much, if not more, than my collegiate experience in Pi Phi. As part of my current job, I advise Panhellenic recruitment at Indiana University. I spend every day investing in collegiate students in the same ways that my Advisors and mentors invested in my own personal and professional development. Beyond the sincerest of friendship, Pi Phi has given me purpose. I would not be working in sorority and fraternity life, let alone in higher education, if not for joining Pi Phi and serving as an LDC. My experience as a consultant helped me to realize my passion for supporting collegians’ personal and leadership development and led me to Indiana University to get my M.S.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
During my time as an LDC, I first became a monthly donor to our Foundation. However, during grad school, I stopped my monthly gifts and only gave on Pi Phi Giving Day. At the D.C. Convention in 2019, I had been thinking about becoming a monthly donor again for some time, and ultimately was convinced to do it thanks to past Foundation Trustee and fellow Indiana Delta Jan Kincaid Clifford. Over the years, Jan and I had developed a relationship through a mutual love for our chapter and conversations at convention every two years. At the D.C. Convention, we were discussing the SHINE THROUGH campaign and everything Pi Phi was going to be able to provide with the funds raised. With her encouragement, I went straight to our Foundation booth and signed up to become a monthly donor again.
By giving to our Foundation, I hope to support programs that provide value to our members.
I personally benefited from the funds and programs our Foundation offers through my experience as an LDC and graduate fellowships to pursue my master’s degree in higher education. For me, it’s important to ensure other Pi Phis are able to receive similar experiences in academic support and leadership development. Pi Beta Phi will continue to grow only if members continue investing in our organization. For some, that means investing time. For others, that means investing money. I encourage you to give whatever you’re able; no matter the size of your gift, it makes a difference.
During my time at the Indiana Delta Chapter, I served as Vice President Member Development, a recruitment counselor, and eventually, Chapter President. I graduated early and knew I wanted to obtain my master’s degree but needed a gap year before doing so. Wisconsin Delta Brooke Goodman, a past Leadership Development Consultant (LDC) and now cherished friend, convinced me to apply to be an LDC. I was offered the position of Resident Leadership Development Consultant to assist in re-establishing the Washington Beta Chapter and loved my first-year experience so much, I applied for a second year.
If I am being honest, I have loved my alumnae experience just as much, if not more, than my collegiate experience in Pi Phi. As part of my current job, I advise Panhellenic recruitment at Indiana University. I spend every day investing in collegiate students in the same ways that my Advisors and mentors invested in my own personal and professional development. Beyond the sincerest of friendship, Pi Phi has given me purpose. I would not be working in sorority and fraternity life, let alone in higher education, if not for joining Pi Phi and serving as an LDC. My experience as a consultant helped me to realize my passion for supporting collegians’ personal and leadership development and led me to Indiana University to get my M.S.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
"I firmly believe the fraternity and sorority experience, when done right, is the most impactful experience a collegian can have."
During my time as an LDC, I first became a monthly donor to our Foundation. However, during grad school, I stopped my monthly gifts and only gave on Pi Phi Giving Day. At the D.C. Convention in 2019, I had been thinking about becoming a monthly donor again for some time, and ultimately was convinced to do it thanks to past Foundation Trustee and fellow Indiana Delta Jan Kincaid Clifford. Over the years, Jan and I had developed a relationship through a mutual love for our chapter and conversations at convention every two years. At the D.C. Convention, we were discussing the SHINE THROUGH campaign and everything Pi Phi was going to be able to provide with the funds raised. With her encouragement, I went straight to our Foundation booth and signed up to become a monthly donor again.
By giving to our Foundation, I hope to support programs that provide value to our members.
I personally benefited from the funds and programs our Foundation offers through my experience as an LDC and graduate fellowships to pursue my master’s degree in higher education. For me, it’s important to ensure other Pi Phis are able to receive similar experiences in academic support and leadership development. Pi Beta Phi will continue to grow only if members continue investing in our organization. For some, that means investing time. For others, that means investing money. I encourage you to give whatever you’re able; no matter the size of your gift, it makes a difference.
Published June 22, 2020
