Alpha Phi

President's Message

Dear reader, 

​

Hi! My name is Eva Grunburg, and I have the honor of serving as Chapter President of Alpha Phi. 

​

Whether you are reading this as a Potential New Member, as a member of Alpha Phi, or as a stranger to Greek Life at UCSB, I hope to give you a glimpse into how this community has had an everlasting impression on my life and how it has the potential to forever change yours. 

​

When I arrived at UCSB in Fall of 2021, I was ready for the college experience everyone raves about. To my surprise, I was met with a school whose foundation was still recovering from pandemic normalities—a school that seemed like it wasn’t as ready to welcome me as I was to welcome it. With obstacle after obstacle, I immediately thought, “This place will never feel like home.” 

​

But, this sentiment immediately changed when Alpha Phi came into my life. After Panhellenic recruitment, I began to venture out of my comfort zone, made lifelong friends, and pushed the boundaries of what I thought I was capable of. Alpha Phi provided me with a community when I needed it most, and in turn, helped me fall in love with UCSB. 

​

While I used to walk around campus feeling intimidated by the unfamiliar faces around me, I now confidently venture around school, and when I see the smiling faces and waves of my sisters, I have no doubt that I’m where I’m meant to be. Now, thanks to Alpha Phi and Panhellenic, I couldn’t feel more at home. 

​

Upon joining Alpha Phi, I threw myself into every opportunity for involvement—which Alpha Phi provides plenty of! I joined every committee, team, and position possible to give back to the chapter that gave me a home at UCSB. Eventually, I had the honor to serve on our 2023 Executive Board as Vice President of Health, Wellness, and Accountability (formerly Risk Management). Now, serving as Chapter President, I am humbled to be entrusted with overseeing chapter operations, representing our chapter in Panhellenic engagements, working alongside the brilliant women on our Executive Board. 

​

I fully understand that not everyone wants or needs to follow a path of involvement like mine, but I can assure you that, for whatever type of membership journey you want to have, there’s a path for you in Greek Life. 

​

During my time in this chapter, I have felt incredibly blessed to have experienced countless leadership opportunities, a plethora of academic resources, philanthropic endeavors, and enriching relationships. As a Panhellenic member, I’m proud to be part of a community that contributes to so many different causes; as a member of Alpha Phi, I’m proud to see the tangible, direct impacts of our efforts. 

​

Our philanthropy, the Alpha Phi Foundation, funds the advancement of women’s heart health research. A cause near and dear to my own heart, I’m thrilled that we have already raised over $40,000 for the Alpha Phi Foundation and our local Los Angeles chapter of the American Heart Association. From our annual “Red Dress Gala” in winter, to our “Phi Week” philanthropy week in spring, which includes our “King of Hearts” male beauty pageant, “Phi Ball” volleyball tournament, “Taco ‘Bout Heart Health” event, and other local food fundraisers, it warms my heart to see my sisters rally for our cause, and for each other! 

​

Not only has Alpha Phi given me a physical home in our beautiful chapter house, but it brought me a sense of belonging among 200+ bright young women who I’m proud to call my sisters. I am constantly in awe of these women, in whom I have found sisterhood, friendship, and mentorship. Our former Chapter President, Kaitlyn Ridenour, and my “Big,” Michelle Siemienowski, have been instrumental in my personal growth—and I have Alpha Phi to thank for bringing them, and their unconditional friendship, into my life. 

​

Joining Alpha Phi has not only given me lifelong friends, but it brought me the sisterhood and opportunities of the greater Panhellenic community. The dedication of the women around me inspires me every day, and I am truly honored to be a part of this community. Even if you don’t connect with UCSB immediately, I’m confident that Going Greek can help you find your home, just as it did for me. 

​

AOE, 

​

Eva Grunburg 

Chapter President 

Alpha Phi, Gamma Beta Chapter 

gammabetapres@gmail.com