Sophomore Erin Bongo was not originally signed up for recruitment. The Rockwood, New Jersey, native came to Dickinson College to play for the Red Devil women’s volleyball team. Erin was intent on her specific schedule to keep herself in line: classes, practice, dinner and homework. She wasn’t sure she had time for anything else. However, after talking it through with her sister, Keri, she decided to see what sorority recruitment could offer her. Low and behold, she found her second home with the Pennsylvania Gamma Chapter. “Pi Phis all share core values that are really important — this is what stuck out about Pi Phi from the very beginning.”

Joining Pi Phi has enhanced Erin’s college career in many ways. “The chapter is full of so many athletes — volleyball, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse,” Erin said. “Pi Phi is understanding and works with you which is important for any student-athlete balancing academics, athletics and co-curricular activities.”

Another great experience Erin reflects on is the closeness of the chapter with University administrators and faculty, especially North Dakota Alpha Jennifer Froelich Schaefer. Jennifer is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Dickinson College and previously served on the chapter’s Alumnae Advisory Committee. She often attends events and was this year’s Founders’ Day keynote speaker.

Initiation was the first time Erin met Jennifer in a Pi Phi setting, and once Erin declared mathematics as her major, Jennifer became her advisor. “My sister Keri said ‘it’s so cool your advisor is your sister!’” For Erin, it is wonderful to see a successful woman in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M.), who is a leader in academics and maintains a strong connection with her sisterhood.