Phi Mu is one of the oldest sororities in the country, founded in 1852 to emphasize the core values of love, honor and truth while promoting personal and academic development, leadership and community service among its members. Phi Mu supports the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to provide resources and technology for children in need who cannot always afford them. Additionally, the Kappa Iota chapter at Northwestern State University directly supports the Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, supplying the hospital with new incubators, rehabilitation playgrounds and more.
The sorority is centered around philanthropy, and its members try to visit the Alexandria hospital each semester. Kyra Davis is a sophomore accounting major whose favorite memory with the sorority was getting to visit the hospital and receive a tour of the place where they fundraise. “It was so endearing to be able to see what the money we raised was able to purchase for the hospital,” Davis said.
Their philanthropy doesn’t stop with one hospital, they provide aid to the Natchitoches community as well. “I got to participate in lots of service opportunities as a former service chairwoman, including painting the Boys and Girls Club building and helping garden in the NSU Elementary Lab’s butterfly garden,” Davis said. “It is so fulfilling to be able to actually make a difference around Natchitoches and give others a helping hand when they need it.”
The Kappa Iota chapter also supports the Phi Mu Foundation and M3 Foundations, where sisters support sisters in educational, scholarship and personal endeavors. Abby Chop is a junior nursing major who loves the connections that the sorority provides. “I love how Phi Mu creates such a strong sense of sisterhood and lifelong friendships. Plus, their dedication to helping others through philanthropy is really heartwarming,” Chop said.
Abigail Coker, a senior health and exercise science pre-physical therapy major, loves her position as the provisional member director of Kappa Iota because it allows her to educate and facilitate the transition of new members into active membership. “I knew this was my dream position in the chapter the moment I got my bid and it has been such a blessing to accept this role,” Coker said. “I love seeing new members grow into their own individual beings in Phi Mu. Each of them has a specific spark and it’s so exciting to see exactly where they belong in our sisterhood.”
One of the most unique things about Phi Mu is how close its members grow, bonding with one another for life. “In a sisterhood, you get to make connections that are unlike any other. My big and little are my best friends, my future bridesmaids and my sisters and I thank God every day for them,” Coker said.
“Something that makes Phi Mu special is our bond. We at Phi Mu know that there is immense love in our bond at both the chapter and national levels, and it is something we try to exemplify day in and day out,” Coker said. “From sisterhood events to intramural games, we love to support each other. Some of my favorite memories include late nights setting up for events or the little moments after a chapter meeting. Kappa Iota truly is home for so many of us, and I just think it’s so special to walk in somewhere and know that it’s exactly where you belong.”
Chop recommends that every young woman at NSU consider joining Greek life to find that family. “Phi Mu has given me so many great opportunities and has allowed me to thrive not only as a student but as a person as well,” Chop said. “I think everyone should try Greek life. It could never hurt to try something new and you might just meet the best friends and mentors.”
Davis also encourages girls to support one another through Greek life, using sororities as a way to bond and grow closer. “It is important as women to support each other, especially throughout our college experiences,” Davis said.
“I have never had sisters before, but since joining Phi Mu, I have been able to create a family here in Natchitoches who can support me whenever I need, especially when I am missing home,” Davis continued. “There is always a place for you somewhere, and Phi Mu can provide that sense of stability and even give you important opportunities in the future.”
