When Massachusetts Beta Edna Woodbury moved to Manchester, Connecticut she did her best to make connections with the women in the area. She had gone to lunch a few times at the local YMCA when a friend mentioned “girls in the sorority” which peeked Edna’s interest. The sorority in question was Pi Beta Phi and Edna simply said to her friend, “Ruth, I am a Pi Phi too.” Of course the women were joyful from the discovery, so Connecticut Alpha Ruth Fyler Langford invited Edna to the next alumnae club event.

At the time, Edna, Ruth and many other Pi Phis were commuting 25+ minutes for events, and they realized they wanted to start their own club to avoid the commute. Connecticut Alpha Dorothy “Dottie” Jurgelas Krivick worked with Pi Beta Phi Headquarters and realized there were 140 eligible Pi Phis in the area and thus began the Manchester Area Alumnae Club. The women worked hard to recruit members to join, which included Edna’s long time neighbor Vermont Beta Beatrice “Bea” Bickford Hicock. Since its chartering, Edna has served as Club President, Arrowcraft Sales Chair, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and many other roles.

Along with her work in the alumnae club, Edna has been an asset to the Connecticut Alpha Chapter since she began her involvement in the 1970s. Edna started as Vice President of the Chapter House Corporation (CHC) since it was first incorporated, and has since served in CHC roles like President and Treasurer as well. She supported the chapter from the time they were in university-owned dorm rooms to purchasing a four-room house on campus to a bigger house on Fraternity Circle to their current chapter house in Husky Village.

Edna remains active in the Manchester Area Alumnae Club in Connecticut. She is especially excited to see when the collegians and alumnae mix like at their annual Founders’ Day event. Edna participates in the Pi Phi Bridge group once a month, and loves to create quilts. We are grateful for our sisters who see a need for the sisterhood and make moves to help the organization. Thank you Edna!