Just months ago, the Pi Beta Phi house felt like a celebration. Award-winning “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie walked through the doors not as a national television anchor but as an alum coming home. She returned to the University of Arizona, the school that holds a special place in her family’s life, and to the sisterhood that helped shape her early years.
She stayed. She laughed. She took time with every sister. One by one, she posed for photos with each member. More than 400 young women felt seen in that moment. She did not rush through it.
Today, the atmosphere inside that same house feels different. The laughter has faded. Her mother, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing.
The sisters who once welcomed Savannah home in celebration are now standing beside her in a different way. They are offering steady support, shared hope, and a reminder that their connection extends far beyond the spotlight.
‘We Are Her Sisters’: Showing Up With Purpose
Since Nancy’s disappearance, the Pi Phi chapter has received messages from alums across the country. One question has been repeated again and again: How can we help?
One sister described the importance of standing together. “Whether you’re young or you’re old, you felt an impact through this case, and it’s really important to stay together, especially now, and just continue to support them and show our love, especially because we are her sisters.”
For these women, support is not viewed as symbolic. It is felt personally. Savannah’s presence for them has been remembered, and that same commitment is now being reflected to her.
“She showed up for us, and so us showing up for her is just so important.”
Prayer, Privacy, and Quiet Strength
The chapter deliberately decided not to reach out to Savannah directly. They wanted her family to have space and privacy during an already overwhelming time. Instead of calling or texting, the sisters chose something quieter.
Before speaking publicly, they gathered together and paused to pray.
When asked what she prayed for, one sister answered softly, “I kind of just asked if the Holy Spirit was able to fill this room and put a hand of protection over wherever Nancy is, and that, I mean, we’re college students, we’re inexperienced in this field, it’s new, and sometimes new feelings are hard.”
She added, “And honestly, at the end of the day, giving it to someone who’s able to put control over that situation is all we can do.”
The sense of concern stretches beyond the sorority house. Across Tucson, yellow ribbons have been tied around trees.
Neighbors are watching out for each other. Many of the women in the chapter grew up in Pima County, which makes the situation feel deeply personal.
“I mean, I’ve lived in Pima County my whole life, and it’s hard to think that something that awful could happen to anybody.”
‘We Will Have Enough Hope for Her’
GettyThe sisters have a message for Savannah. “She knows Tucson is her home, but we hope that she knows that we are all her home now, too.”
Another sister’s voice wavered as she added, “She might be feeling hopeless, and I hope that she doesn’t, but we will have enough hope for her to have this whole thing come to justice.”
That feeling reaches far beyond the sorority house. Across campus and throughout the city, people are searching for ways to help. They want to contribute. They want to matter in this moment.
“You feel helpless, but we’re not.”
GettyIn times like these, strength does not always arrive loudly. It builds quietly. It grows in shared prayers, in steady presence, in neighbors standing a little closer together. And through it all, the women of Pi Beta Phi are sending Savannah a simple message.
She is not facing this alone.
