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The Bow
Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists For many donors, philanthropic decisions are influenced by the potential impact we can make through our gifts. We want to strengthen our connection to the causes close to our hearts and know the difference we’re making in our communities. Yet while we often think of the impact we can make for those we seek to help, we might not consider the positive effect our giving can have on those closest to us — our family and friends. Georgia Alpha DOREEN MUELLER understands the power of philanthropic leadership by example. Growing up in Atlanta, Doreen learned the importance of charitable giving from her parents, who emphasized sharing their time and resources with others. As a young alumna, Doreen’s first gifts to Pi Beta Phi starting in 1985 were inspired by influential Fraternity leaders and mentors she came to know through her time in the chapter and the Atlanta, Georgia, Alumnae Club. Now a longtime donor, she continues to model the way for younger generations — including her twin daughters South Carolina Alpha MARDY KRAMER and North Carolina Delta NIX KRAMER — through her philanthropic commitments. “I believe we all have the ability and responsibility to give back,” Doreen says. “Our ability to give varies — sometimes we’re able to give time and talent, and at other times we’re able to give financially. But we all share the responsibility, and that’s what I want to teach our children.”
Georgia Alpha DOREEN MUELLER (center) with her twin daughters, South Carolina Alpha MARDY KRAMER (left) and North Carolina Delta NIX KRAMER (right) at Nix’s Initiation in October 2019. “Mardy was initiated two weeks before Nix, so she made the trip to Raleigh to surprise her sister,” Doreen says.
“I learned so much about leadership from them and continue to
“Pi Phi is the anchor that enables me to be the best I can be, through leadership, growth and giving back.”
take those lessons throughout my life.” Those leadership lessons included the importance of Philanthropic Service to Others. When Sis, Marilyn, Carolyn and
Doreen met two of her closest Pi Phi friends and mentors, future
other club leaders talked about the importance of supporting
Grand President SARAH “SIS” MULLIS, South Carolina Alpha,
the Fraternity, Doreen felt inspired to follow suit. “The women
and longtime editor of The Arrow, MARILYN SIMPSON FORD,
I admired and knew well included Pi Phi in their charitable
Nebraska Beta, soon after pledging Pi Phi at the University
giving, and I wanted to be part of it, too,” she explains. “Giving
of Georgia in the mid-1970s. The women developed a cross-
was in my DNA, and I wanted to see the positive impact I could
generational connection during Doreen’s college years, and
make. When you give to our Foundation, you know you’re
Sis and Marilyn welcomed her into the Atlanta club following
making an impact.”
graduation. Through her club involvement and leadership, she also grew close to future Grand President CAROLYN HELMAN LICHTENBERG, Ohio Alpha. “I’m so fortunate to have such great mentors in Sis, Marilyn and Carolyn,” Doreen reflects.
A career change brought Doreen to the Washington, D.C., area, where she met her husband, Ted Kramer. An aviator in the U.S. Navy and a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Ted hailed from a philanthropic-minded family and shared
