In the fall of 1991, Susan Parker became a member of the Oregon Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. It was in her New Member class activities that Susan met one of her first friends, Michelle Pixton. By alphabetical default, Parker and Pixton were next to each other for many class activities. “I’m so glad we had similar last names!” Susan laughed. “We also had the same major. Because we sat next to each other for almost everything, we bonded immediately. One of my favorite memories was when we were initiated next to each other.”

Susan and Michelle stayed close, even after Michelle had to transfer. They participated in each other’s weddings. Susan threw a baby shower for Michelle’s first daughter, Makenna. A few months later, Michelle threw a baby shower for Susan’s first daughter, Rachel. “And then we fell out of touch,” shared Susan. “It’s sad, but life gets busy. Our daughters stayed in touch through competitive dance, but even that was few and far between.”

Fast-forward to the fall of 2014, and Rachel Benner is a New Member of the Oregon Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. When Rachel got to the house, she saw a familiar face. “I saw Makenna at the house on Bid Day and connected the dots. We totally freaked out!” Rachel joked. “Because of that, she was also my very first friend in my New Member class. We even stood next to each other at our initiation, since we’re Benner and Billings. It was special for us, and especially for our moms. Our history is a cool catalyst for what ended up becoming a great friendship.”

Not only do Rachel, Susan, Makenna and Michelle all share an affinity for Pi Phi, they share a love for Oregon Alpha; for their home at 1518 Kincaid Street, for the chapter songs, Cookie Shine traditions and secrets only Oregon Alphas pass down.  “And Makenna and I send each other funny pictures of our moms all the time.” Rachel added. “Like old composite pictures and funny ones we find hiding around the house!”