Hi! My name is Tori McNelis, and I am the president of the Gamma Phi Beta, Eta Theta Chapter, at the University of Connecticut! I am immensely proud to lead our chapter of 130 passionate, inspiring, and determined women. 

 

Our chapter exhibits an incredible support system. Our sisters consistently motivate each other to excel academically, socially, and philanthropically. Our chapter’s vision is to build confident women of character through our four core values: Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty. Each of these values allow us to share an unbreakable bond that is unique to our sisterhood. 

 

An incoming freshman at the University of Connecticut, I joined Gamma Phi Beta as a fraction of the woman that I am today. I stepped onto this campus as an overwhelmed, soft spoken, confidence lacking young girl. I was terrified of what was to come, and simply had no clue where to go next. Looking back, I am astonished at the personal development I have made in the past year of my life, and I thank my sisters in Gamma Phi for this growth with no hesitation. This organization has surrounded me with women who empower me to be the best version of myself each and every day. Gamma Phi Beta has encouraged me to reach my full potential through the countless opportunities and experiences it has put directly at my fingertips. 

 

Outside of our individual chapter, Gamma Phi is one of the largest Panhellenic sororities with over 200,000 international members. Being a Gamma Phi extends far beyond Storrs, CT and allows our chapter members to create lifelong connections and friendships. During their undergraduate career at UConn, sisters are comforted by the genuine love and support offered by our chapter, which truly never goes away - even after graduation. 

 

Having a home at UConn is so special to our chapter, and the memories made at the pink door of our house in Husky Village are everlasting. From sister dates or “Moonies” spent picnicking on Horsebarn Hill, to late-night study sessions in the Homer Babbidge Library -  there is always someone to spend your days with. My favorite sisterhood events are the simplest ones, like self-care Sundays in the Ville house, and  nights painting signs for our littles. The time we spend together is what allows our genuine connections to become that much stronger. 

 

I was fortunate to grow up in a family of strong and empowering female role models. I spent most of my time surrounded by family - my mother, grandmother, and cousins were the women I strived to be most like. Upon my arrival at the University of Connecticut, I found myself feeling lost; suddenly the woman I looked up to for so long seemed so far away. Throughout recruitment, I strived to connect with women who embodied the values my family instilled in me from such a young age. In Gamma Phi, I found this embodiment in abundance. Our philanthropy, Building Strong Girls, allows sisters to be supportive mentors for girls in our community, actively being a safe space for them to grow and develop skills for the future. My family were my greatest role models, and our philanthropic mission provides our sisters the opportunity to be role models in the lives of young girls. 

 

I am ever grateful for the true and constant support the sisters in our chapter have shown me, and am proud of the woman that I am becoming.

 

We hope you take some time to browse our website and experience what it is like to be a Gamma Phi Beta.

 

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with what our sisters are up to and feel free to send me an email at president.gammaphi.etatheta@gmail.com if you have any questions! 

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In IIKE,

Tori McNelis

Gamma Phi Beta, Eta Theta Chapter President