Grounded by Values

Above, from left, Massachusetts Gammas ANNE WARREN, CRYSTAL NOEL, ARIANNA MOSHARY, and MARIA ELENA MARTINEZ their senior year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Every member’s love for Pi Beta Phi is unique. Some members fall in love with our literacy initiatives, while others are inspired by our commitment to empowering women leaders. For Massachusetts Gamma CRYSTAL NOEL, the shared commitment to our core values sparked her interest in joining our sisterhood. Pi Phi’s core values of Integrity, Lifelong Commitment, Honor and Respect, Personal and Intellectual 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.

During Crystal’s formative years at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), she says it was important she was surrounded by people who held similar values. The transition to college and the academic rigor of MIT were challenges that could not be faced alone. As a member of the Massachusetts Gamma Chapter, Crystal was able to learn and grow because her sisters were by her side.

Pi Phi’s constant presence and support in her life sparked Crystal’s desire to give back to our sisterhood. “I want to serve 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. Crystal first supported Pi Beta Phi Foundation during her senior year of college with a small gift to celebrate our 146th Founders’ Day. Remembering what inspired her first gift, Crystal says, “Pi Phi had already given me so much and I wanted other sisters to have those same experiences. I knew that was only possible because of gifts to our Foundation.” Since her first gift, Crystal has continued to give when she can. “Until I’m able to give more regularly, it all comes down to what I have in the moment,” Crystal says. “I know every gift counts, no matter the amount.”

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 Harper Turner Fund, our Foundation’s designated emergency relief fund. The CARES Act includes provisions to support nonprofits by providing incentives that encourage individuals and corporations that are able to continue supporting their charitable interests.

“I’m lucky to have been fully employed during the pandemic and able to work from home,” says Crystal. "I knew there were sisters who needed extra support and I was in a position to give."

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.”