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The Bow
Grounded by Values
Crystal first supported Pi Beta Phi Foundation during her senior
Every member’s love for Pi Beta Phi is unique. Some members
Day. Remembering what inspired her first gift, Crystal says,
fall in love with our literacy initiatives, while others are
“Pi Phi had already given me so much and I wanted other sisters
inspired by our commitment to empowering women leaders.
to have those same experiences. I knew that was only possible
For Massachusetts Gamma CRYSTAL NOEL, the shared
because of gifts to our Foundation.” Since her first gift, Crystal
commitment to our core values sparked her interest in joining
has continued to give when she can. “Until I’m able to give more
our sisterhood. Pi Phi’s core values of Integrity, Lifelong
regularly, it all comes down to what I have in the moment,”
Commitment, Honor and Respect, Personal and Intellectual
Crystal says. “I know every gift counts, no matter the amount.”
Growth, Philanthropic Service to Others and Sincere Friendship mark everything we do as individuals and as a collective. “Our values are the foundation for everything I love about Pi Phi – the friendships, the fun and the influence we have in young women’s lives,” says Crystal.
year of college with a small gift to celebrate our 146th Founders’
Last year, as sisters were facing unforeseen challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Crystal was in a position to make a gift when others in our sisterhood needed it most. Prompted by the CARES Act, receiving a stimulus check allowed Crystal to have additional resources enabling her to make a gift to the Emma
During Crystal’s formative years at Massachusetts Institute
Harper Turner Fund, our Foundation’s designated emergency
of Technology (MIT), she says it was important she was
relief fund. The CARES Act includes provisions to support
surrounded by people who held similar values. The transition
nonprofits by providing incentives that encourage individuals
to college and the academic rigor of MIT were challenges that
and corporations that are able to continue supporting their
could not be faced alone. As a member of the Massachusetts
charitable interests.
Gamma Chapter, Crystal was able to learn and grow because her sisters were by her side.
“I’m lucky to have been fully employed during the pandemic and able to work from home,” says Crystal. "I knew there
Pi Phi’s constant presence and support in her life sparked
were sisters who needed extra support and I was in a position
Crystal’s desire to give back to our sisterhood. “I want to serve
to give."
Pi Phi in any way I can because I know that it has supported me before and will again,” she says. For Crystal, giving is a tangible way to live the values at the heart of our sisterhood.
Over the years, sisters have turned to Pi Phi for assistance during their time of greatest need. This year marks the 75-year anniversary of the Emma Harper Turner Fund, which provides emergency assistance grants to Pi Phis in sudden financial crisis. Gifts to our Foundation allow us to care for our members and support our sisterhood. Any gift — no matter the size — can make an impact. Because of gifts like Crystal’s, we are able to support sisters when they need it most. She says, “It’s about being a part of our sisterhood in any way you can, knowing we will be there for you when you need us most.”
Left, from left, Massachusetts Gammas ANNE WARREN, CRYSTAL NOEL, ARIANNA MOSHARY, and MARIA ELENA MARTINEZ their senior year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
