When people think about Greek life, they usually picture the social stuff first. Big‑little reveals, formals, matching outfits. But what gets overlooked is the part that actually makes sororities meaningful.
The service, the fundraising, and the impact they have on real people in the community.
At Stevenson, Phi Mu’s Phi Pi chapter has been making this impact since they were founded in 2020. Their national philanthropy is Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), which supports 170 hospitals and provides 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. And for a lot of Phi Mu members, this mission is their reason.
Phi Mu’s Philanthropy Chairwoman, Ella Javier, didn’t just fall into this role. After she was initiated in her freshman year, come the fall, she earned her first leadership position, Alumni Relations Chairwoman. Javier later started serving as Philanthropy Chair during her sophomore Spring.
For her, Phi Mu became the place where she could build friendships and make a difference. Something that she was actively looking for when she came to Stevenson.
“Our philanthropy is what drew me to Phi Mu. Being a nursing major and supporting the Hopkins Children’s Center has helped deepen my passion for working in healthcare,” Javier said.
Nationally, Phi Mu has raised over $26 million for CMN since 1986, and Stevenson’s Chapter is adding to this legacy. This semester alone, they’ve proudly raised over $2,563 for CMN and the Phi Mu Foundation. Alongside these achievements, Phi Mu was recognized as a CMN Hospitals Miracle Million Club in 2019.
Funds that the chapter raises, as well as all other Phi Mu chapters across the country, support items such as books, toys, activities, dances, and other experiences that bring joy and comfort to patients during difficult times.
And it’s not just fundraising. Members volunteer their time at events such as Kards for Kids, the MIX 106.5 Hopkins Radiothon, and the Lemonade Stand for CMN.
This past Fall, members were even given the opportunity to attend a tour at John Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, MD. A chance for members to see firsthand where their fundraising efforts go.
Sophomore Caroline Smolen didn’t picture herself in Greek life at all. At least not until she learned about Phi Mu’s mission.
“I never imagined I would join a sorority, but once I learned how central philanthropy is to the experience, I was immediately drawn in,” Smolen said.
She grew up valuing service and helping others, so joining her felt natural. One thing that she shared she is most proud of is their chapter’s partnership with Double Good Popcorn, which raised approximately $2,289.50. One of the strongest fundraising efforts yet.
Phi Mu is already planning its impact for next semester, including a collaboration with another Greek organization on campus. Their recent lemonade stand this year with Phi Mu Delta was a successful and fun event, and they want to build on that momentum.
They’re also planning to host a National Philanthropy Day Event in October 2026, centered around CMN. This is a full circle moment, considering Phi Mu was the first sorority to establish National Philanthropy Day more than 20 years ago.
When it comes to the “why” behind all of this, it’s simple for Javier.
“I believe that philanthropy is a very important aspect of Greek life. It brings communities together in a way that helps members of different sororities and fraternities across the country to support different causes,” she said.
When you make the effort to look past the stereotypes, you see students who are genuinely trying to make a difference.
“These efforts show that members are actively engaged in giving back to their communities and not just socializing,” Javier said.
Smolen agrees, adding that Javier has gone “above and beyond” this year to introduce new and creative ways to support both Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Phi Mu Foundation.
