One day, New York Epsilon Kayla Melanson was scanning through her Facebook and noticed a post from New York Epsilon Amanda Lambros, who had been a few years younger than her at Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Amanda mentioned a K-9 study at Yale University. They messaged back and forth about the study then the conversation moved to Pi Phi. Amanda invited Kayla to the New Haven, Connecticut Alumnae Club Facebook page. Because of that invite, Kayla began attending club events, became Secretary for the club and, as they say, the rest is history.

Recently, Kayla and her husband, Jared, attended Alumni Weekend at RPI. Her husband is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and they were happily surprised to hear that two of his brothers had moved close to them in Connecticut. Lambda Chi Alpha does not have a local alumnae club to help Jared connect with brothers in the area, so it was nice to know some brothers would be close. Considering how active Kayla is in her alumnae club, she wondered, “what would happen if the Pi Phis were not in my life?” The experience made Kayla appreciate her alumnae club even more.

One of the events Kayla enjoys most is the club’s annual holiday auction. Members of the club collect items to auction off, and bring delicious appetizers and desserts to the event. Money raised at the event is donated to Pi Beta Phi Foundation. The event invitation is extended to friends and family, so Kayla’s mother and aunt have attended the last few years. “It is fun to show them what Pi Phi is all about,” she said. Kayla is proud to continue to share the value of our sisterhood with anyone she can.