Epsilon-Minnesota + Delta Rho-Ball State A Sister in an Unlikely Place The National Student Exchange (NSE) offers undergraduate students the opportunity to study away from their home campuses while continuing their academic journey. When Elleanna Herner (Epsilon-Minnesota) learned that her university participated in NSE, she didn’t hesitate to apply. This spring, she’s taking her studies beachside at the University of Hawaii at Manoa — a dream destination that came with its own set of adjustments. A new campus, new classmates and a completely different environment meant stepping far outside her comfort zone. During her first week, while studying on the beach, Elleanna met another NSE student, Ava Lusby (Delta Rho-Ball State) . What began as a casual conversation quickly turned into something more meaningful when the two discovered they share a special bond: they’re both Alpha Phis! In the midst of navigating unfamiliar surroundings, finding a sister in such an unexpected place was more than a coincidence — it was a reminder that no matter how far from home you travel, our sisterhood has a way of finding you. “Having a sister alongside me this semester has truly made the hard days feel lighter, and I deeply value the friendship we have created,” Elleanna shares. Although Elleanna and Ava will return to their home campuses after the spring semester, they're committed to maintaining their friendship from afar and reuniting whenever their schedules allow.
Surina
Eta Iota-Pennsylvania A Multifaceted Alpha Phi
Meet Surina Ramoutar (Eta Iota‑Pennsylvania) . Now a senior, Surina came to the University of Pennsylvania with a plan: get involved, make lasting connections and grow. With graduation in sight, she can confidently say she’s done just that. Though joining a sorority wasn’t originally on her radar, she knew she had found her home after stepping into Eta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi. “Alpha Phi just felt very involved. All the women were smart, social; they had such cool things going on for them outside of the chapter, and that stood out to me,” she reflects. Surina dove headfirst into leadership, serving as vice president of membership and recruitment (2023-24) and chapter president (2024-25), honing her focus on care and community building. She brings that same energy to other campus roles, including captain of Penn’s cheerleading team, president of the university’s Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, tutoring middle school students and writing for WALK magazine. This multifaceted Alpha Phi will graduate this May with a degree in environmental studies, concentrating in sustainability and environmental management. After college, she's moving to New York to work as an investment analyst at Blackstone. Wherever she goes, we’re certain Surina will bring the same dedication, care and commitment to community that have defined her time at Eta Iota Chapter and the University of Pennsylvania.
“This is a friendship that will last a lifetime,” Elleanna says.
Elleanna (left) and Ava (right).
Manoa, Hawaii
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