Pi Beta Phi

Pi Beta Phi
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Name	Pi Beta Phi
Founded	April 28, 1867
Founders	Lizzie Nicolson, Emma Brownlee, Libbie Brookhart, Margaret Campbell, Jennie Horne, Fannie Thomson
Type	Social
Scope	International
Motto	Friends and Leaders for Life
Headquarters	St. Louis, Missouri

Pi Beta Phi is an international sorority that was founded on April 28, 1867, at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, by Lizzie Nicolson, Emma Brownlee, Libbie Brookhart, Margaret Campbell, Jennie Horne, and Fannie Thomson. The sorority's founders were inspired by the principles of Freemasonry and the Golden Rule, and they sought to create an organization that would promote friendship, leadership, and service among its members. Pi Beta Phi is a member of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and has over 200 chapters across the United States and Canada. The sorority's international headquarters is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and it is led by a Grand Council composed of alumnae members.

● History

Pi Beta Phi was founded during a time of great social change in the United States, with the American Civil War having ended just two years prior. The sorority's early years were marked by significant growth, with the establishment of new chapters at Illinois Wesleyan University, University of Michigan, and Northwestern University. The sorority's first convention was held in 1868 at Monmouth College, and it was attended by representatives from the sorority's five existing chapters. Pi Beta Phi has also been influenced by other organizations, such as the Alpha Phi sorority, which was founded in 1872 at Syracuse University, and the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, which was founded in 1870 at Monmouth College. The sorority has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including support for the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

● Organization

Pi Beta Phi is governed by a Grand Council composed of alumnae members who are elected by the sorority's membership. The Grand Council is responsible for setting the sorority's overall direction and making key decisions about its operations. The sorority is also divided into regions, each of which is led by a regional director who is responsible for supporting the sorority's chapters in that region. Pi Beta Phi has a strong partnership with other organizations, such as the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the Fraternity Executives Association (FEA), and the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The sorority also works closely with universities and colleges, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley, to support the development of its members.

● Membership

To become a member of Pi Beta Phi, women must go through a recruitment process, which typically involves attending rush events and meeting with current members of the sorority. Women who are interested in joining the sorority must also meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a full-time student and having a minimum GPA. Once a woman has been invited to join the sorority, she must complete a new member education program, which teaches her about the sorority's history, values, and traditions. Pi Beta Phi members are also expected to participate in community service projects, such as volunteering at local food banks and hospitals, and to support philanthropic causes, such as the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. The sorority has a strong network of alumnae members, including Barbara Bush, Laura Bush, and Geraldine Ferraro, who are involved in various professional and community organizations, such as the American Bar Association and the National Association of Women Judges.

● Philanthropy

Pi Beta Phi is committed to supporting literacy programs and has established a number of philanthropic initiatives to promote reading and education. The sorority's Read > Lead > Achieve program provides books and literacy resources to children in need, and its Champions are Readers program recognizes and rewards students who have made significant improvements in their reading skills. Pi Beta Phi also supports a number of other philanthropic causes, including the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The sorority has partnered with other organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the United Way, to support community development projects and youth education programs.

● Chapters

Pi Beta Phi has over 200 chapters across the United States and Canada, with new chapters being established regularly. The sorority's chapters are located at a variety of universities and colleges, including Ivy League schools like Yale University and Princeton University, as well as public universities like University of California, Los Angeles and University of Michigan. Each chapter is led by a chapter council composed of undergraduate members who are responsible for managing the chapter's day-to-day operations. The sorority's chapters are also supported by alumnae members, who provide guidance and mentorship to undergraduate members. Pi Beta Phi has a strong presence at universities like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and its members are involved in various academic and extracurricular activities, such as research projects and student organizations.

● Notable_members

Pi Beta Phi has a number of notable alumnae members, including Barbara Bush, the former First Lady of the United States, and Laura Bush, the former First Lady of the United States. Other notable members include Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to run for Vice President of the United States on a major party ticket, and Susan Ford, the daughter of former President of the United States Gerald Ford. Pi Beta Phi members have also gone on to achieve success in a variety of fields, including politics, business, and entertainment. For example, Sheryl Crow, the Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, is a member of Pi Beta Phi, as is Katie Couric, the journalist and television personality. The sorority's members have also been involved in various humanitarian efforts, such as working with UNICEF and the Red Cross, and have received numerous awards and honors for their contributions to society.