Phi Sigma Sigma (Phi Sig) and Alpha Phi Alpha’s Mystic Sphinx event showcased the sorority’s emphasis and efforts to make a quality education accessible to those who have no access to one.

But for sophomore and Phi Sig sister Stephanie Liu, the issue is something she has chosen to build her life around. She had been passionate about guiding others since she was a child, and when she came to Pace, she found a fitting place for her passion with Phi Sig.

Liu, along with fellow Phi Sig sisters Kiera Maher and Jennifer Palladino, ran the social, fundraising event—now in its third year—which took place on Thursday night in Gottesman Room.

The event’s goal was to raise funds through the purchase of raffle tickets for three organizations: School and College Readiness, Practice Makes Perfect, and Kids in Need Foundation. All three have a strong emphasis on supporting children and youth who lack the opportunities or the resources to receive a quality education.

As heads of Phi Sig’s philanthropies committee, Liu and Maher visit businesses in Pleasantville and ask for donations, as they did in preparation for Thursday night. Among the available prizes, guests could win gift cards from the Pleasantville Diner, Dunkin Donuts, Rhodadendron Boutique, and Frank and Joe’s Deli.

Maher considers Liu to be very creative. She especially praised Liu for her constant tabling ideas in benefit of Phi Sig’s philanthropies.

“It is great to work with [Liu],” said Maher, a sophomore.

Liu grew up in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, an environment that has definitely influenced her decisions. She hopes her involvement with Phi Sig’s philanthropies will benefit her in the future, as she looks to work with inner city children.

In addition to being involved with the Psychology Club, Liu was a Week of Welcome (WOW) Leader last fall.

She said Student Orientation and her Orientation Leader impacted and influenced her.

This motivated her to become involved with Student Development and Campus Activities (SDCA) and Orientation. Liu wanted to recreate her experience by helping incoming students and hopefully make an impact on their college lives.

Phi Sig’s education-focused philanthropies were a perfect match for Liu, who, as a child, always wanted to teach and assist others, particularly her younger cousins.
“It is such a great experience to teach others,” Liu said. “I love it when I notice that ‘aha!’ moment, I love to watch that light bulb go on in their heads once they have understood what they are learning.”

Liu admits she has been very fortunate to be surrounded by great people here at Pace, and especially by all her Phi Sig sisters.

Though she began as an education major, Liu has changed her major to psychology due to an increasing interest in counseling.

“Being here, being around [my sisters] has really helped me become better at listening, which has definitely inspired me to go on to counseling,” said Liu, who hopes to open her own consulting firm in the future and specifically address the needs of people in urban areas.