Rochelle Bullock (Loyola-New Orleans)
Why did you join Gamma Phi Beta?
I decided to go through recruitment mostly because my roommate was doing it, and I didn't have anything else planned that weekend—so I figured, why not? As soon as I stepped into the Gamma Phi Beta party, they started singing to us with these huge smiles on their faces, looking so beautiful and welcoming. I was instantly captivated by the whole experience.
From that moment, I fell in love with everything: the genuine sisterhood, the emotional music during Preference Night, the fun social events and all the leadership opportunities that let me grow and get involved. It turned out to be so much more than I ever expected!
What keeps you connected to the Sorority?
After a wonderful but lengthy hiatus while I raised and homeschooled my four children, life brought me back to Gamma Phi Beta in a beautiful way. In 2021, when my oldest daughter, Merritt, headed to the University of Alabama and dove into sorority recruitment during the famous “Bama Rush” era, I felt inspired to reconnect with sorority life.
I jumped right in by joining the Greater Houston Alumnae Chapter and the Panhellenic Association of Houston. I truly love connecting with sisters from all different chapters and meeting incredible women who are making such positive impacts in our Houston community.
One of my favorite experiences has been serving as a Panhellenic Specialist, where I've had the privilege of guiding and mentoring so many outstanding young women. This generation brings so much amazing strength and qualities to our Sorority including resilience, creativity and leadership. I'm grateful for every opportunity to support them along the way.
Our alumnae chapter started a Mother-Daughter Tea three years ago for collegians in the Houston area, and we are finally gaining some traction on that. It will be fun to see where it is in five years!
My big goal now is to help the Gamma Phi Beta alumnae experience truly explode! I believe initiatives like the Parent and Family Giving Society can play a key role in building that personal vision, fostering even stronger connections and resources for our sisters today and tomorrow.
What motivated you to become involved with the Parents and Family Giving Society?
For Gamma Phi Beta to continue growing as a strong, thriving international sorority, it's essential to help parents and families truly understand the profound value of sorority membership for their daughters. Beyond a structured social network that fosters lifelong friendships, Gamma Phi Beta offers unparalleled leadership opportunities, personal development, scholarships and support systems that empower young women to launch confidently into adulthood.
When parents and families embrace what we provide by building confident women of character, they become powerful advocates. This understanding can lead to stronger collegiate retention, as members feel even more supported in their commitment. It also inspires greater alumnae participation, creating a vibrant, lifelong connection to the sisterhood.
Initiatives like the Parent and Family Giving Society are so exciting because they invite families to partner directly with us, contributing to essential programs that support student success while recognizing their generosity.
What would you say to family members who want to be involved in their Gamma Phi Beta’s experience?
To get the most out of your daughter's Gamma Phi Beta experience and truly see the lifelong value of sorority life, I would say do the following:
- Ask thoughtful questions about her sorority journey: What leadership roles excite her? How is she building friendships and skills? These conversations help her reflect and maximize every opportunity.
- Guide her in exploring all Gamma Phi Beta offers: From sisterhood events and personal growth programs to philanthropy and networking, encourage her to dive in fully.
- Stay connected through official resources: Read The Crescent, Gamma Phi Beta's beautiful quarterly magazine (published since 1900 and full of inspiring stories of sisterhood), and explore the official website at GammaPhiBeta.org for updates, history, and ways to support.
- Build community locally: Start or join a parent group for fellow Gamma Phi families in your area which is a great way to share experiences, offer support and strengthen connections.
- Consider joining as a non-initiated mom: If you're a mother who was never initiated into a sorority, Gamma Phi Beta's Alumnae Initiate Program welcomes qualified women to become part of the sisterhood and it's a wonderful way to experience the magic firsthand! My mother joined Gamma Phi Beta when I was President of the Epsilon Mu Chapter. I was honored!
- Get involved in our philanthropy: Volunteer or support Girls on the Run in your community since they are our exclusive national partner. Girls on the Run empowers young girls to build confidence through running and life skills, aligning perfectly with our vision of inspiring the highest type of womanhood.
When families actively engage like this, it not only supports your daughter but helps create stronger retention, vibrant alumnae involvement and a thriving sisterhood for generations to come. Your partnership makes all the difference!