When Florida Delta Paige Martin decided to participate in formal recruitment, she knew she wanted to be part of a sisterhood and understood she would have to put in a lot to get a lot out of it. Most of all, Paige wanted to surround herself with people that would be there for her forever.

Paige had the support of her family; they encouraged her to follow her heart. Her mother was in a different sorority at the University of Southern Florida, and in fact was President of her chapter. But it was through Paige’s grandmother, Tennessee Gamma Karen Martin where Paige witnessed what sincere friendship looked like.

Karen is a member of the Clearwater, Florida Alumnae Club. Though she’s not able to attend many events, she had a special anniversary coming up and was contacted by the club. They threw her a big party to celebrate receiving her Golden Arrow pin signifying 50 years of membership in Pi Beta Phi! According to Paige, “(My grandma) felt blessed to have an organization that still cares after so long and to have supportive sisters.” Through these acts of kindness, the Clearwater, Florida Alumnae Club modeled the sincere friendship we share in Pi Beta Phi.

As the only girl in the family of grandchildren, Paige was always called “Angel Baby” by her grandma. Karen was ecstatic when Paige chose Pi Beta Phi, and Paige was initiated with her grandma’s pin. Grandma Karen came to UF for Mom’s Weekend where she was thrilled to share stories about her Pi Phi experience. Karen told the chapter women about her philanthropy efforts and her college experience more than 50 years ago.

Paige continues to understand her lifelong commitment to Pi Beta Phi and now shares an even greater bond with her grandma.