Q&A with Past Grand Archon Pam Downey

In celebration of Women's History Month, Grand Archon Tess Stovall sits down with a series of Phi Sigma Sigma sisters to share their stories, advice and how our sisterhood made a lasting impact in their lives. Read more stories, here.

Pam Downey served as Grand Archon from 2009-2011. She is an alumna of the Theta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign. She was formerly the strategic director of partnerships at Aramark and currently is a consultant for Greek housing needs on college campuses.

Tess Stovall: What do you believe is the biggest asset of Phi Sigma Sigma membership? And how has it played a role in your life?

Pam Downey: When a woman joins Phi Sigma Sigma or any Greek organization, they cannot possibly know the lifetime effects that sorority membership will have on them. For me, I knew attending a large state university, the way to make it more like home was to join an organization. Little did I know that Phi Sigma Sigma would have such a lasting impact on my life. Joining meant belonging and making a large campus seem manageable. Right from the start sorority membership was a positive experience, one that I wished to continue even following graduation. 

I probably never would have gotten as involved as I did were it not for the fact that our chapter Archon was not able to attend a summer conclave. That meant that the Vice Archon got to go and I held that chapter office! And that's when I got hooked. Phi Sigma Sigma would never have meant as much had I not gotten the exposure to women from all over the country who spoke the same language...Phi Sig. Even today, as I approach the ripe old age of well, you know - old, I still surround myself with women who experienced the same positivity that I did.

TS: One of the biggest benefits of membership is the lifelong friendships. Tell me about a Phi Sigma Sigma sister who has had a significant influence in your life and why? 

PD: There are two women that have impacted my life. The first currently serves as the house director at the Theta chapter house. Patty Gorman Hahn and I went through recruitment together in 1974 and again in 1975. With over 2,500 women vying for spots in sororities, it was an impossible task to get in unless you were a legacy. Patty and I did not get into our first choice sorority. I chose to walk away. Patty joined a re-establishment effort on the Illinois campus and became part of Phi Sigma Sigma in 1975. She reached out and pulled me in a year or so later. Had it not been for her, I would have remained an independent on campus. 

In 1976, when I attended my first convention in Philadelphia, I met Kim Hildred from Waynesburg College. Back then, we practiced recruitment during our national meetings. Kim and I ended up as chapter president and recruitment chairman. Our friendship forged at that national meeting that has continued for almost 50 years. Now that is sorority for a lifetime! Both of us remained active at the international level for many, many years. I am forever grateful to her for her friendship and guidance over the years.

TS: You remained involved with Phi Sigma Sigma long after graduation. Why do you believe it is important to stay connected to our sisterhood? What benefits does it offer sisters as alumnae? 

PD: We often say it's about giving back. If you have a positive experience, you want to pass it on the next generation. Staying connected provides a plethora of networking opportunities throughout one's professional career and personal life as well. There isn't a day that goes by that I can't pick up the phone and reach out to someone from my Phi Sig past or present. Sisters matter. It has a way of grounding us and keeping us close.