Not many people can say that they’ve walked alongside an organization since its inception, but Past Foundation President and 1852 Society Member Claudia Nemir, Eta Alpha, is proud to say that about her relationship with Phi Mu Foundation. It was soon after the Phi Mu Foundation had been established at the 1956 National Convention in Edgewater Park, Mississippi, that Claudia began her lifelong relationship with investing in the future of Phi Mu women.

“My contribution to the Foundation began with just one dollar tucked into an envelope that one of the very first Foundation Trustees Ruth Cushman Fox had given me at the 1956 National Convention. From then on, every time I’d see Ruth, she’d slip me another envelope, and I’d put in another dollar. I equate giving to the Foundation to making a regular contribution to a savings account to take advantage of the compound interest growth. You have to start somewhere, and then over time, you’ll be amazed how your contributions can accumulate into something life-changing.”

Since then, Claudia has been a lifelong donor and Phi Mu volunteer. She’s served the Fraternity as National Housing Director and on National Council, and on the Phi Mu Foundation Board of Trustees, assuming the presidency in 1998. One of her fondest Foundation memories includes fellow Past Foundation President and Heart and Hand Fund endower Leona Hughes Hughes, Delta Delta.

“When the Foundation was just building its endowments, Lewis Hughes, Leona’s husband, made a challenge gift to help us raise $10,000. His challenge created a huge buzz around Phi Mu and helped the Foundation surpass its 10-year anniversary goal of raising a total of $50,000. Leona and Lewis created a tremendous legacy for Phi Mu through their generosity. They set a wonderful example of giving back for all of us; it was pretty remarkable to watch over the years.”

Claudia has enjoyed watching the Foundation grow over the years and the tremendous benefit that fundraising efforts have had on the lives of Phi Mu women. She currently volunteers on the Foundation’s Member Assistance Committee and has a bird’s eye view of her investment in the Foundation at work through the grants made through the Member Assistance program.

“It’s overwhelming for today’s college woman with all of the challenges out there that can stand between her and her education. From rising tuition rates to mounting student loan debt, there are women out there who are struggling to make it all work. If you add in a personal emergency to all of that, it can make paying for the cost of college and Phi Mu almost impossible. If you are on the fence about making a gift to Phi Mu Foundation, I can promise you that helping these women get back on their feet is worth every penny.”

If you are interested in joining Claudia in becoming a member of the 1852 Society or another one of Phi Mu Foundation’s Giving Programs, please contact us at foundation@phimu.org.

Little did I know when I pledged Phi Mu in the Fall of 1979 that all the years later my sisters would be lifelong friends and sustain me through the most difficult time of my life.  In September of 2018 at the tender age of 57, I became a bride for the first time.  The wedding was put together in exactly two weeks.  My husband had been diagnosed with liver cancer just six weeks prior and I was so blessed to have several of my Phi Mus sisters rearrange their schedules to share in the event!  Unfortunately, after that day things began to spiral downward.

My husband began chemotherapy and even though he was uncomfortable he remained stable.  However, in December I was unexpectedly laid off from my job.  Our primary concern was insurance since we didn’t want to experience any interruption of his care.  As you can imagine, even with COBRA this was quite expensive.  While we had savings, a cancer diagnosis can quickly drain your resources, especially if there is no more money coming in. He remained stable and I immediately began looking for another job.  However, in February we learned that in addition to liver cancer he also had colon cancer which would need surgery.  At this point, he was requiring quite a bit of care. At this time I began to realize even if I was able to get a job I didn’t know how I would be able to work and take care of him at the same time.

He was recovering nicely and remained stable, but after about six weeks while undergoing a routine procedure he suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed and in the hospital for the remaining 33 days of his life.  During this time, my Phi Mu sisters continued to support me in every way possible with prayers, calls, texts and one dear friend came and stayed with us the last week of my husband’s life so that I could go home and take a shower and rest.  When she arrived she brought a card with a substantial financial gift from my Phi Mus sisters. I was shocked because many of the women listed I had not seen or kept in touch with over the years. The gift helped me get through the next month because I was in no way able to seek employment.

During this time a friend from another sorority asked me if Phi Mu had any kind of grant for people who were experiencing financial hardship.  This is when I became aware of the Leona Hughes Heart and Hand Fund.  I applied for assistance with my mortgage.  I was approved and thankful to receive the generous grant.  I never expected to find myself in a position where I would have to ask for this type of help, but I was treated with dignity and respect and the grant allowed me some time to make sure I found the right job.  I am pleased to say I did return to work in September 2019 and couldn’t be happier with my new job.  Thank you for your contribution to the Leona Hughes Heart and Hand Fund.  Your gift is making a difference in lives.  I know it did in mine.

You can lend a helping hand to sisters just like Jill with a gift to the Foundation’s Member Assistance Funds.  Click here to give today.

Dear Sisters,

The safety and well-being of not only our members but also our staff is of the utmost importance. Therefore, we have made the decision to close the Phi Mu National Headquarters building until further notice. This is the right thing to do for our staff and while we are not coming to the building, we will be working remotely. To reach a staff member, simply call their office extension which will be re-directed to their cell phone. Staff members will be available during the normal business hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET.

The front page of the Fraternity website links to a special COVID-19 page that has all of the resource information we have shared with our chapters; that is being updated regularly: https://www.phimu.org/.

The Fraternity and Foundation will be working hard to support our members while we are all facing this COVID-19 situation. As always, please take care of yourselves and one another.

Love in Our Bond,

Darlene Reyes, KH                       Kristin Tofanelli, KM

Phi Mu Fraternity                        Phi Mu Foundation

Executive Director                       Executive Director