Angel UPDATE
LIVING OUR VALUES
Gathering in Sisterhood Leads to Meaningful Impact
In Pi Beta Phi, we deeply cherish the values of community and togetherness. From chapter-specific events and traditions to collaboration with members across North America, there is no replacement for being together with our sisters. As Michigan Gamma continues into the Fall 2024 term, we look forward to the abundance of opportunities it will bring.
Returning to campus is always a special time filled with excitement and gratitude. We are so excited to kick off the fall semester with
recruitment and welcome our New Member Class into our chapter. We are also looking forward to hosting our families at the house, planning many alumnae events to grow our relationships with local sisters and preparing many fun and meaningful sisterhood events.
Being together on campus not only allows us to foster genuine connection and Sincere Friendship, but also provides the opportunity for community engagement. As Pi Phis, we embrace our mission to enrich lives through community service.
Giving back is at the core of who we are, and Michigan Gamma is dedicated to fulfilling this vision for our sisterhood.
There are many opportunities for Michigan Gammas to engage with our community in purposeful ways. The Fall 2024 term is especially meaningful, as we celebrate Read > Lead > Achieve ® month in September alongside the entirety of our sisterhood. Our chapter is also looking forward to reading to children at the local schools for our Champions are Readers ® program and hosting our first ever Pi Phi Puppies philanthropy event! Events like these give us a chance to expand our impact in the community and bond with our fellow fraternity/ sorority life organizations on campus.
The Fall 2024 term looks promising at Michigan Gamma, and as Chapter President, I’m honored to keep witnessing Pi Phi’s commitment to bettering the lives of our sisters and community members. Nothing fills our hearts with more Pi Phi Pride than authentically living the values of our sisterhood.
In
Pi Phi,
CIARA DALTON Chapter President
Michigan Gamma Spring 2024 seniors.
MICHIGAN GAMMA CHAPTER AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Welcome, New Angels
SPRING 2024 NEW INITIATES
Eileen Angel Saint Joseph, MI
Ruya Antisdel Cassopolis, MI
Portia Beebe Rapid City, MI
Lauren Cermak Highland, MI
Isabella Cheng Grand Blanc, MI
Lauren Chojnacki Clarkston, MI
Delaney Denike Kalkaska, MI
Molly Doherty Glastonbury, CT
Kayla Hakim Bloomfield Hills, MI
Grace Horton East Lansing, MI
Megan Kurkowski Novi, MI
McKenna Lenz Clarkston, MI
Kylie MacDonald Romeo, MI
Gabriella Miller Alto, MI
Natalie Patercsak Davisburg, MI
Abbigail Peterson Shelby Township, MI
Grace Polcik Frankenmuth, MI
Micah Scales Farmington Hills, MI
Rylee Schlaud Davison, MI
Wave Spence Traverse City, MI
Emily Tobin Royal Oak, MI
L eadership
Scan or click the QR code to see the alumnae and collegians currently leading your chapter!
Do you have any interesting life updates to share with your sisters?
Scan or click the QR code and fill out the form for a chance to be featured in the next newsletter!
Sisterhood Spotlight
Upper: Michigan Gammas at a sisterhood getaway earlier this year.
Middle: Michigan Gammas at their Lemonade for Literacy event.
From left: CAROLINE O'ROURKE, KARLY HARRIS, ANNIE PETRAK and JOELI POND.
Lower: Michigan Gammas on Spring 2024 Bid Day. From left: GABBY MILLER, CIARA DALTON, SCARLETT SHAYA and IZZY CHENG.
Living Vibrantly
As the Region Nine Inclusion Specialist and Chapter Support Officer for New York Eta, MONICA ELMS has found true fulfillment and even truer friendships through her experience as a Pi Phi volunteer. Read more about her story and what she loves most about our sisterhood.
WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI? WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP VOLUNTEERING?
I wanted to meet new people, connect in a new city and become the leadership representation I did not have when I initially joined Pi Phi. I quickly learned that a little effort can be returned tenfold if you’re open to it. What keeps me involved is the rewarding feeling of mentoring collegians and peers to be their best selves; I want to exemplify that we are human first and nothing is more important than our well-being. The fun and friendship also keep me engaged. I couldn’t be more grateful for the diversity of friendships that are made possible through volunteering.
BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER LIFE, HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE?
Having multiple roles can cause competing responsibilities, so I constantly review my priorities. There always will be some sort of sacrifice, and you can’t always make everyone happy, but it’s important to communicate that. I also try to make sure I’m having fun! Stress and burnout can take a toll on the body, so I think it’s important to do what works best for you.
AS A PI PHI VOLUNTEER YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK VOLUNTEERING FOR OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?
It’s crucial for those who have the time and means to volunteer because Pi Phi would not exist without its volunteers. There is no perfect organization, but we wouldn’t be a good organization without our diverse perspectives. The more I learn about Pi Phi and its leaders, the prouder I am to be part of this community.
“
I couldn’t be more grateful for the diversity of friendships that are made possible through volunteering.
HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
As a first-generation college student and child of immigrants with no prior knowledge of fraternity/sorority life, I initially had many hesitations. However, Pi Phi has clearly made a significant
impact on my life. It surrounded me with friends who challenged me to grow, created lifelong memories and even led me to my husband. Fraternity/sorority life connected me with people I would’ve never encountered otherwise; these relationships pushed me to dream big and gain confidence. My Pi Phi sisters taught me how to feel beautiful, learn from my mistakes, grieve, and most importantly, have fun. I continue to learn from every member I encounter, and that is what I love most about our sisterhood—meeting people in various life stages and backgrounds that make life so much more vibrant.
Monica with her husband and first child.
Pi Phi PRESS
BetaBase is Here!
Pi Beta Phi’s cutting-edge member portal and database management system, BetaBase, is live! Within BetaBase, you can easily manage and update your personal information and communication preferences to stay connected with your Pi Phi sisters, locate and connect with sisters across the globe, access your personal donor history and make contributions online, and complete, submit and track RIFs—streamlining the recruitment process.
Didn’t receive your email invitation? Create your account now.
September is Read > Lead > Achieve ® Month
Every September, Pi Beta Phi celebrates Read > Lead > Achieve Month by working to inspire a lifelong love of reading in our communities. We encourage every Pi Phi to participate, donate and advocate for literacy through our reading initiatives, both during Read > Lead > Achieve Month and all year long. Be sure to use #ReadLeadAchieve or tag @pibetaphihq on social media to share the impact you’re making in your community
Facility Update
The Fraternity Housing Corporation is excited to welcome a new House Director to Michigan Gamma! Morgan Glazier is coming to Pi Beta Phi with an extensive background in higher education and housing
Empowering the Next Generation of Pi Phis
Your $45 international alumnae dues power the programs that define the Pi Phi member experience, from leadership events to personal development opportunities and the volunteer and staff support that helps chapters grow. You can shape the future of our sisterhood by paying your annual alumnae dues at pibetaphi.org/dues or by scanning the QR code.
Save the Date for Convention 2025
Join us in Louisville, Kentucky on June 20-22, 2025, for a celebration of sisterhood, heritage and Pi Phi Pride! Held each biennium, convention honors our history, celebrates the present and ensures we are prepared for a bright future. Registration will open in early 2025—mark your calendars now for this once in a lifetime opportunity!
1154 Town & Country Commons Drive
Town & Country, Missouri 63017
Connect with your C hapter msu.pibetaphi.org
@PiBetaPhiMsu
@pibetaphimsu
Connect with the Fraternity pibetaphi.org
@PiBetaPhi
@PiBetaPhiHQ S upported by the F raternity H ousing C orporation ( FHC )
The Michigan Gamma Chapter is supported by FHC. Learn more about FHC and the services offered, including this newsletter, by visiting pibetaphi.org/housing or contacting at fhc@pibetaphi.org .
