Sisterhood Under the Big Sky
Tell us about your Pi Phi journey.
My aunt, a Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Oregon, encouraged me to go through recruitment at Oregon State University (OSU) in Fall 1987. She said it would be a great way to make lifelong friends and find community at college—words of wisdom I’m very grateful for. The Pi Phis I met were friendly and fun, and I felt at home from the start.
How has your Pi Phi experience evolved over the years?
After graduation, I moved to Montana, which only has one Pi Phi chapter—Montana Alpha in Bozeman—hundreds of miles away from my home in Whitefish. For many years, my main connection to Pi Phi came from the friendships I made at OSU and through The Arrow arriving in my mailbox. I’m such a reading nerd, so I love staying connected to Pi Phi through those stories.
Being able to get involved again after so many years is very special. Pi Phi was such an important part of my college years, and now I'm so glad to have this opportunity to give back.
You recently founded the Flathead Valley, Montana, Alumnae Club. What inspired you to start this club, and how has your journey as a volunteer been so far?
I wanted to experience what being part of an alumnae club was like, so I reached out to Pi Phi Headquarters (HQ) to see if it was possible to start one in the Flathead Valley. I’m so glad I did! The women I’ve met are interesting, fun and so encouraging. What started as a “let’s see what happens” idea has turned into something deeply rewarding. My vision has grown to see that Pi Phis in northwest Montana can stay involved for life through our alumnae club.
As the club’s first President, how are you building connection and sisterhood?
I learned so much at Pi Phi’s 75th Biennial Convention in Louisville, where our club was officially chartered. I was listening and taking notes when other alumnae club presidents were sharing their wisdom and tips. I’m currently focusing on monthly gatherings so everyone can meet and connect!What role does your local community play in your club’s plans?
With Glacier National Park nearby, two ski hills and great hiking trails, I hope to incorporate the outdoors into our gatherings and add some family-friendly events in the future. My professional background is in teaching, and I now work at the Whitefish Community Library, so literacy is close to my heart. Reading changes and enriches lives, and I’d love for our club to focus on holding book drives and adopting classrooms in smaller rural schools around the valley.
What are your favorite Pi Phi memories?
Cookie Shines were always a highlight! But one memory from my senior year still stands out. My brother, Jeff, had a serious medical emergency and needed surgery, so I left school for over a week to be with my family. When I returned to the Pi Phi chapter facility, I found a stack of cards on my desk from my sisters expressing love, care and encouragement. 34 years later, that support still touches my heart. And I'm happy to share that my brother is doing great today!
What advice would you give to an alumna who wants to become more involved with Pi Phi?
I’d encourage them to visit the Pi Phi website to see if there’s an alumnae club nearby. If not, reach out to Pi Beta Phi HQ to explore starting one. Attend a gathering or convention—you won’t regret it. Deb launched the Flathead Valley, Montana, Alumnae Club after reaching out to Pi Phi Headquarters for guidance. With support from volunteers Oregon Gamma Carolyn Much Reil and Missouri Gamma Laurel Ricketts Klinge, she spent about two years planning events, connecting with alumnae and building a community of sisters. “Even though I was spearheading the effort, it never felt like I was alone. The support made the process less daunting.”
Want to start a club in your area? Email alumnae@pibetaphi.org to learn more about the process and how you can volunteer to connect Pi Phis in your community.
Published January 20, 2026