Widening the Circle

As Alumnae Club President for the Conroe-The Woodlands, Texas, Alumnae Club, DEBRA RANDLE BITELY has found staying involved as an alumna has brought her new friendships, connections and cherished memories. Read more about what she loves most about alumnae life and our sisterhood.

WHAT DREW YOU TO PI PHI DURING RECRUITMENT?

The sisters were very welcoming! Rather than an interview, they made you feel like a new friend.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PI PHI MEMORY?

Our road trip to Convention 1979. Six members of outgoing and incoming chapter leaders traveled by bus starting in Vermont and picked up others in Connecticut and Pennsylvania on the way to Phoenix. At that convention, we received the Vera Moss Bowl for most improved chapter!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?

The opportunity to meet people that I might not have otherwise ever encountered.

WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO JOIN AN ALUMNAE CLUB?

They found me! The mothers of a couple of my children’s classmates saw my name on the roster and invited me to join them.

WHAT ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING AND REWARDING PARTS ABOUT LEADING AN ALUMNAE CLUB?

Outreach is both the most challenging and the most rewarding. I love identifying other alumnae, making those connections and widening our circle.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A SISTER WHO IS INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR PI PHI OR JOINING AN ALUMNAE CLUB?

Just do it! Everything you enjoyed about chapter life is available in alumnae life.

HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

Lifelong friendships. Although we are scattered across the country now, when we get together it’s like no time has passed.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT OUR SISTERHOOD?

Supporting, encouraging and uplifting each other through various stages of our lives.

WHY DO YOU THINK STAYING ENGAGED AS AN ALUMNA IS SO IMPORTANT?

It gives an opportunity to continue supporting and mentoring our sisterhood while doing our best to serve our community in any way we can.

Membership in Pi Beta Phi brings a lifetime of fun and friendship. Alumnae clubs offer a meaningful way to make new friends, expand your network and stay connected to our sisterhood. If you are interested in joining an alumnae club, scan or click the QR code to view our club locator and find one near you!