A Foundation of True Friendship

As an out-of-state student beginning her first year at the University of Connecticut, Connecticut Alpha LIANNA SMITH found a sense of belonging in Pi Phi. She recalls walking through the silver blue doors of her soonto-be chapter house and feeling welcomed into a community of comfort and genuine connection. Beaming with newfound love for Pi Phi and its philanthropic focus on literacy, Lianna knew she had found her home and would soon discover a lifelong source of friendship.

From heartfelt moments shared during recruitment to unconventional apple pie recipes and late-night chats, Lianna’s first year in Pi Phi was filled with boundless joy and laughter. While many members recall fond memories during their collegiate years, Lianna recently discovered the true value in staying connected after graduation.

To deepen her understanding of our sisterhood and foster new connections, Lianna attended the 2024 Halo Happenings event in Portland, Oregon, during her summer break after her first year of college. Meeting alumnae from different chapters and generations was an eye-opening experience for Lianna, one that planted a new seed of appreciation. “I loved hearing stories from alumnae about their experiences in college,” she shares. “It’s amazing that even though we attended college decades apart, our traditions and Sincere Friendships made in Pi Phi stay the same.”

As an aspiring chapter leader, Lianna also attended Pi Beta Phi Leadership Institute in St. Louis in 2024, an equally fulfilling experience. Lianna felt the three day event equipped her to be a strong leader in more ways than one. “Leadership Institute prepared me with tangible resources to be a better leader for my chapter and to advance my future career,” she says. “It taught me that being a leader isn’t dependent on the size of the impact you make, but by the difference you make in even one person’s life.”

While the leadership development added valuable and worthwhile knowledge to her skillset, Lianna’s biggest takeaway from Leadership Institute was the unforgettable connections it fostered. Attending the event alongside fellow sisters created an uplifting atmosphere to learn, seek advice and grow in confidence. “I appreciated getting to know other Pi Phis who had similar aspirations to one day serve in chapter leadership,” she reflects. “These women were passionate about Pi Phi, and to be surrounded by that strong, positive energy was truly empowering. I left St. Louis with friends from across North America. It’s amazing that there will be sisters supporting me from states away wherever I go.”

Despite the different purposes of each event, Lianna emphasizes how both Halo Happenings and Leadership Institute highlighted the importance of living Pi Phi’s mission. As someone whose member experience was previously only attached to her college campus, these events gave Lianna a greater sense of gratitude for the profound impact and reach of our sisterhood across chapters, generations and the world. “Pi Phi events are incredibly important because they remind you why you chose the wine and silver blue,” she says. “To share Pi Phi Love with someone you’ve never met before is such a blissful and unique opportunity I believe everyone should experience.”

Though anticipating her transition from collegian to alumna may bring some anxiety, these experiences have sparked hope and excitement as Lianna looks toward her future. From building connections with alumnae mentors to aspiring to volunteer herself, Lianna is confident Pi Phi will continue to be an anchor in her life—especially as a foundation of true friendship. “Pi Phi friendships are truly lifelong, and new ones are always sprouting,” she shares. “While I may not know what my life will look like in ten years, I have comfort in knowing my Pi Phi sisters will always be there.”