Continuing to Receive

As an alumna with over 20 years of volunteer experience and serving as Massachusetts Gamma’s Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) New Member Experience Advisor, KRISTIE CALLAHAN GILL finds that staying involved with Pi Phi gives her much to be thankful for in return. Read more about her story and how our sisterhood has enriched her life over the years.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?

Pi Phi has always been part of my life; I’m so grateful. From the training and support I’ve received to the social aspects, Pi Phi has always been there for me. The Bostonian Alumnae Club is my family. Those women are truly my sisters as much as my original member class—we’ve been together for decades and I love them dearly.

WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI? WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP VOLUNTEERING?

Pi Phi has always seen the best version of me and given me space to grow and make an impact. I’ve been fortunate to engage in meaningful volunteer work through Pi Phi as the first AAC Chair for the Massachusetts Gamma Chapter, serving on the Gatlinburg Study Committee and as a member of the Foundation Ambassadors Council. The women I worked with in each capacity have been phenomenal role models. I have grown both professionally and personally from these roles, and with each new role, I make new friends who turn into lifelong friends.

HOW HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH PI PHI IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?

True friendship, sisterhood and Lifelong Commitment that goes both ways. I feel like Pi Phi is as committed to me as I am to it.

WHAT ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING AND REWARDING PARTS ABOUT SERVING PI PHI?

Any type of volunteer work has challenges. We serve in our free time and with jobs and families, there often isn’t enough time to serve at the level we may like. It’s also challenging to work with collegians who are struggling but that work can be the most rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to serve on great teams of dedicated, smart women who truly care, and even if life gets in the way, we are there for each other and for Pi Phi.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT OUR SISTERHOOD?

Our sisterhood has felt incredibly consistent to me for 30 years. In each club and volunteer role I have felt connected, valued, appreciated and part of something much bigger than myself. I have seen Lifelong Commitment and Sincere Friendship repeatedly throughout my life.

AS AN ENGAGED ALUMNA YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK STAYING INVOLVED WITH OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?

I would be hard pressed to express all the ways Pi Phi has impacted my life positively. I want that for future generations. The mentorship we can offer young women is deeply impactful. Without alumnae support, there would be no Pi Phi. While my four years at

University of California, Davis were amazing, I’ve had over 30 years as an alumna. The people I’ve met and places we’ve gone together have enriched my life. Like most things, you get back what you put in. By staying committed, I continue to receive.