Pi Beta Phi Fraternity

Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, a U.S. nonprofit organization with EIN 860047525, is an international women's fraternity founded on April 28, 1867, at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. Initially known as I.C. Sorosis, it was the first national secret college society for women modeled after men's Greek-letter fraternities[1][2].

Founding and Early History

Pi Beta Phi was established by twelve courageous women: Clara Brownlee Hutchinson, Libbie Brook Gaddis, Emma Brownlee Kilgore, Margaret Campbell, Rosa Moore, Ada Bruen Grier, Nancy Black Wallace, Jennie Horne Turnbull, Rachel Jane "Jennie" Nicol, Inez Smith Soule, Fannie Thomson, and Fannie Whitenack Libbey[2][5]. Their vision was to create a secret society similar to those formed by men at a time when only five state universities admitted women[1][5]. The fraternity's first chapter beyond Monmouth College was established in 1868 at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa[2].

Leadership and Expansion

Pi Beta Phi has been a pioneer in the fraternity and sorority world. It was one of the first seven founding members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and established the first women's fraternity alumnae association[5]. Emma Harper Turner's leadership played a significant role in these developments, including the establishment of the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in 1912. This school provided education, economic opportunities, and healthcare in a rural area[5].

Philanthropy

Pi Beta Phi's philanthropic efforts focus primarily on education and literacy programs. The fraternity's primary philanthropy, "Read > Lead > Achieve," aims to enhance children's literacy skills through initiatives such as "Champions Are Readers," a reading enrichment program for students in pre-school through third grade[2][4]. Additionally, Pi Beta Phi supports the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, which evolved from the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School[5].

Current Status

Today, Pi Beta Phi has more than 136 active chapters and over 21,000 active members[2]. The fraternity's mission is to build friends and leaders for life, fostering a supportive community that encourages sisters to achieve their goals through lifelong friendships, leadership development, and community service[4].

Symbols and Values

The fraternity's symbols include the arrow, angel, and wine carnation, with wine and silver blue as its official colors[2][3]. The motto "Friends and Leaders for Life" reflects the fraternity's commitment to developing meaningful relationships and leadership capabilities among its members[2].

Contributions

Pi Beta Phi's contributions to women's empowerment and community service have made it a significant force in the fraternity and sorority world, enriching lives through a network of over 200,000 sisters worldwide[1].