Cele Hoffman Eifert (Southern California)
Why did you join Gamma Phi Beta?
Gamma Phi Beta was the most welcoming, friendly and down-to-earth of all the sororities at the University of Southern California (USC). I felt valued and loved. The members did not mind that I was a junior or cared that I was in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps — because it was the early 1970s, there was still a lot of anti-war/anti-military sentiment on college campuses as the war in Vietnam was winding down. They did not care that I was a band geek in the USC Trojan Marching Band. And they did not mind that, after two years, I had left the women’s Swim team, as Title IX was being implemented and scholarships were being given out (I was a good swimmer but not scholarship-worthy!) I felt like I could truly be myself with Gamma Phi.
What has kept you engaged with Gamma Phi Beta?
Membership enhanced and improved my experience at USC immensely, so I’ve always felt I have a debt to repay Gamma Phi Beta — like we are reminded during initiation — because Gamma Phi Beta has given me so much. I volunteer as much as I can. During my military career, I was sometimes assigned to duty stations without any semblance of alumnae activity. So, even before the advent of computers, cell phones and social media — I am THAT old! — I always endeavored to stay connected to Gamma Phi Beta in some way. When I was stationed where alumnae chapters were located, I definitely got involved! Additionally, I am happy that I can also stay connected via our wonderful Foundation! I am not rich, but over time, I can contribute financially. And I can help remember sisters who have meant and done much for our Sorority. I think by contributing like I have, others may follow my example rather than thank think, “I am not well-off-enough to do that!” I love the opportunities I have been given to engage with other sisters who may not be at all like me. I love having the opportunity to give back by volunteering with collegians. I honestly believe my involvement and example helps Gamma Phi Beta thrive and grow. It would take a lot for me to disengage from Gamma Phi Beta!
Tell us about Christi Kinkle Fredricks (Southern California, 1976).
There was not a more caring, loving, thoughtful friend than Christi! She always had words of kindness and understanding to share. She was a great listener. Even after she had passed away, her husband was sending me little things he had found amongst her things that were labeled "For Cele." Christi was the embodiment of living your values and giving your whole heart to your endeavors. I admired her so much. She was extremely loyal and very loving. And she was incredibly, magnificently, unapologetically FUN! She was the life of the party and had an infectious laugh everyone loved to hear! You always felt so happy when you were around Christi! Even after we all left college, Christi would organize and host reunions, all at her own expense, which involved overnight stays at our old Beta Alpha Chapter facility or special dinners at elegant restaurants. She wanted us all to stay in touch, never forget each other or our Gamma Phi Beta sisterhood. What an amazing sister, incomparable friend and role model Gamma Phi Beta gave me (us) in Christi!
What drove you to recognize Christi with the Christi Kinkle Fredricks Beta Alpha Chapter Sisterhood Scholarship?
I wanted to honor Christi and let others know about her. Christi truly valued her Gamma Phi Beta membership and strongly believed in donating to the Foundation. While she was alive, she was an 1874 Member, one of the Foundation’s giving societies. She was also hugely supportive of our Beta Alpha Chapter throughout her membership. As a collegian, she was recruitment chair. After college, she began her longtime volunteer journey, serving in roles like chapter advisor, affiliated house corporation board president, ritual advisor and more. She’s the epitome of True and Constant and even now, 11 years after her untimely passing, she continues to inspire me to be a devoted Gamma Phi Beta no matter what. I want Christi's memory and legacy to be an inspiration for others.
What advice would you have for others who want to honor their sisters with a scholarship or fellowship?
You can do it! As I mentioned before, I am not rich but by donating overtime and working with our helpful Foundation staff and volunteers, you can make it happen! It is such a great way to honor your special sisters and help grow and nurture Gamma Phi Beta now and in the future. In fact, I have already started funding another endowment to honor a beloved older sister, Fay Miller Hardy (Florida State), who is still with us. Ironically, Fay and Christi were friends. The endowment has just been set up with Fay’s two adult daughters and me and will go toward a scholarship at Fay’s initiating chapter, Beta Mu. If I ever win the lottery, I would like to endow more scholarships at the chapters where I volunteer, including Delta Upsilon (Georgia), Eta Epsilon (Virgina Tech), Gamma Phi (Auburn) and Eta Xi (Florida).
