Empowering Connections

GRACE SCHULZ HERRICK cherishes the lifelong friendships and experiences she gained through Pi Phi sisterhood. Read more about her journey from community health to nursing, her meaningful role on AAC and her commitment to empowering future generations of Pi Phis.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

After graduating with my undergraduate degree in community health, I quickly decided I wanted to go back to nursing school. I graduated with my BSN five years ago and have been working at the Internal Medicine Clinic at Bozeman Health. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for five years. We welcomed our first child, Harper, into the world in November 2023 and cannot believe she is about to be one already!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PI PHI MEMORY?

Between my junior and senior year of college, I did an internship in Zambia for my community health degree. We worked with the local district agencies on their clean water sanitation programs. There were four Pi Phis who were accepted into the program, including myself. Although it was an educational experience, it was also the trip of a lifetime, and I will cherish those memories with the other three Pi Phis alongside me.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?

I have been serving on AAC for three years and love staying connected to Montana Alpha and our organization in that way. There are two other members serving right now who I lived with in the Montana Alpha Chapter house, and it has been so fun reconnecting with them!

HOW HAVE YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLES SHAPED YOU?

Both as a collegian and an alumna, these roles have given me the experience and confidence to face many challenges personally and professionally.

HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

Pi Phi has given me so many lifelong friends—women who cheer me on no matter what is happening in my life, women I talk to almost every day and some I might talk to only once a year, but if I am ever in their area, they will drop everything to reconnect. These are women who were bridesmaids at my wedding, who love my child as their own and who would do anything for me in a time of need. Pi Phi also gave me the confidence as a collegian to follow my dreams, have hard conversations, never settle and always stay true to myself.

AS A PI PHI VOLUNTEER YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK VOLUNTEERING FOR OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?

It is so important to give back to this organization because I know how profound of an impact it can have on impressionable young women. I want collegians to have the amazing experiences I had, to find themselves and their people in a safe space and to gain the confidence to chase their dreams.