Mississippi Alpha Ellen Poole Solich admits she was not an involved Pi Phi member in college and claimed she was “just a general active member.” But when we say Pi Phi is for life, we mean it. Ellen agrees as it was not until she started moving around a lot as an alumna that Pi Phi really kicked in for her.

Ellen’s job working for Annuities and Trust with the Salvation Army has led her to spend time in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Fort Myers, Florida, before landing in her current home of Louisville, Kentucky.

When Ellen moved to Fort Myers, she remembers being immediately welcomed by Vermont Beta Shirley Nichols Christlieb. Ellen received a booklet of local dry cleaners, dentists, doctors, etc. recommended by the sisters of the alumnae club. I couldn’t agree more as you do not realize how invaluable those things are when you are new to an area.

One of the most memorable friendships Ellen has made is with Kentucky Alpha Kathy Welch Hall. Kathy took Ellen under her wing, readily introducing her to people in town and welcoming her to the alumnae club. A special moment came in 2015 when Ellen was getting ready to celebrate her 25 years of membership in Pi Beta Phi. Ellen received a gift from her dear friend: Kathy’s Silver Arrow Society Recognition pin. It is a big deal to Ellen to have this pin passed along to her.

These moments remind Ellen how much Pi Phi has impacted her life as she has moved around. “This is a real sisterhood,” she says, “and your Pi Phi sisters will help you for the rest of your life.”