The Bow of Pi Beta Phi Foundation - Spring 2024

Message from Leadership

Dear Sisters,

A deeply rooted philanthropic spirit has been part of Pi Beta Phi since our founding. Today, nearly 157 years later, your support to our Foundation continues to make a difference for Pi Phis across our sisterhood. Through your generosity, we’re finding new ways to enrich our members’ lives and expand the impact we’re making in our chapters, clubs and communities.

As the recipient of scholarships and grants that helped me fulfill my educational goals and paved the way for my future, I understand the power of impact firsthand. During my collegiate years, Pi Phi encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace my leadership potential as a Leadership Development Consultant. As I grew into new leadership roles in Pi Phi, I was continually surrounded by an incredible support system of women. My experiences gave me the skills, knowledge and resilience to step confidently into my role as our Foundation’s Director of Advancement in 2019, and now, as Executive Director.

The work happening within our Foundation today fills me with

energy and hope—and we have so much to look forward to in the next year and beyond. In July, emerging and experienced leaders will attend Pi Beta Phi Leadership Institute to further develop their leadership skills and build connection, confidence and purpose. We are also approaching a remarkable milestone with the Local Impact Grant program, as we anticipate reaching $1,000,000 in grants supporting literacy programming and nonprofit organizations in the next 12-18 months. Moments like these truly put into perspective the incredible love and care our members hold for the

betterment of our sisterhood and our communities.

Yet gifts to our Foundation not only prepare women to lead with confidence and inspire a lifelong love of reading—they touch every part of our member experience. The collective impact of your philanthropy helps Pi Phis find their passion and purpose in the world, inspired to achieve their fullest potential and empowered to use their gifts for the betterment of others. Your partnership gives us roots and wings—providing the resources we need to preserve our past, focus on our present and dream of a bright future.

I would not be who I am today— as a woman, daughter, mother, sister, friend or professional—had Pi Phi not been a part of my life. I genuinely love connecting people—to each other, to opportunities for growth, to causes they are passionate about— and I hope the work we do within Pi Phi fosters our highest aspirations and kindles a philanthropic spirit in each of us. It’s my honor to keep the

I would not be who I am today— as a woman, daughter, mother, sister, friend or professional— had Pi Phi not been a part of my life. “

flame of friendship burning bright for future generations of Pi Phis.

In Pi Phi,

JILL MACKEY CARREL, Indiana Gamma

Pi Beta Phi Foundation Executive Director

Integrity Over Everything

Venturing beyond our comfort zones can be intimidating, as fear of the unknown leaves many of us plagued by hesitation. As someone who identified with this mindset, Nevada Alpha ABBY NEELEY CLAYPOOL discovered that some of her most impactful experiences happened after she took the initial step forward and asked herself, “what’s the worst that could happen?”

In her first year at the University of Nevada, Abby did not intend to join a sorority. It wasn’t until her

sophomore year that her curiosity grew when she happened upon a Pi Phi table promoting Continuous Open Bidding for the Nevada Alpha Chapter. Overcoming her hesitation, Abby walked up to the women at the table and asked about this opportunity. “Looking back on it, I don’t think I would’ve had the same experience in college if I hadn’t walked up to them and asked about Pi Phi,” Abby reflects. “I think the initial step is oftentimes what stops people.” Soon after, Abby said yes to

Pi Phi sisterhood, a decision which would bring her unexpected—and unforgettable—gifts.

After joining the Nevada Alpha Chapter in Fall 2017, Abby knew she wanted to become involved in chapter leadership and eventually began serving as the chapter’s Policy and Standards Board Chair. While this role helped Abby develop foundational leadership skills, she also understood the challenges it posed. “I had to have difficult conversations with women in the chapter,” she shares. “My intentions were never to get anyone in trouble; I was in the role to uphold the integrity of the chapter and the Fraternity.”

Near the beginning of her term as Policy and Standards Board Chair, Abby began hearing of a leadership development opportunity for collegians—Pi Beta Phi Leadership Institute. At this point in her collegiate career, Abby knew she wanted to pursue education and saw this event as a stepping stone for her future as well as a chance to collaborate with other chapter leaders.

“It was amazing to gather with likeminded individuals from all over the country,” Abby says. “I had a wonderful, supportive group that was willing to listen to how I wanted to develop in my own leadership journey.” Abby also notes that confiding in her sisters about the obstacles she faced serving in chapter leadership was integral to her growth.

These connections helped Abby develop a broader understanding of her role as a leader as she engaged in the programming at Leadership Institute. “I learned to have integrity over everything,” Abby shares. “That was one of my biggest takeaways— and I carry that sentiment with me in every aspect of my life.”

Having experienced one of Pi Phi’s leadership development opportunities firsthand and gained valuable insights, Abby feels passionate about encouraging others to do the same. “Leadership opportunities are not as easy to come by once you’re beyond your education,” she says. “I am always of the mindset that you should take every opportunity you can while

you have it—you can adapt those leadership skills into any career you pursue.”

Now, as a high school algebra teacher, Abby finds herself relying on the skills she learned from Leadership Institute and her experience in Pi Phi overall. “I try to display the values of Pi Phi as much as I can and instill them in my students,” Abby explains. “Not only do I want to teach them math, but I want to teach them how to be good people.”

Abby is also a Foundation donor, and while she supports and encourages the empowerment of future women leaders, her reason for giving back to our sisterhood stems from an even more personal place. “Looking back on it, I don’t know where I would be without Pi Phi; I think I would’ve been very isolated and lonely,” she shares. “My best friends to this day are women I met in Pi Phi, and I want to do what I can to help others have that same experience.”

In reflecting on the ways Pi Phi has impacted her life—from invaluable leadership skills and transformative experiences to lifelong connections—

...take every opportunity you can while you have it—you can adapt those leadership skills into any career you pursue. “

there is one piece of advice that will always stay close to her heart. “I was always someone who was hesitant to try new things, but my biggest takeaway from Pi Phi is that even if something doesn’t seem like it’s for you—just go for it,” Abby shares. “After all, what’s the worst that could happen?”

PI PHI ENCOURAGES AND EMPOWERS THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS.

All Pi Phi leadership development opportunities — from College Weekend and the Leadership Development Consultant program to Pi Beta Phi Leadership Institute and Leading with Values® — are supported by our Foundation.

Chapter Leadership Education Expendable (CLEE) funds support leadership development and training at the chapter level. These funds eliminate financial barriers to leadership programming for chapter officers and individual members by helping to cover travel and registration costs, giving more Pi Phis access to transformational leadership development opportunities as they pursue their goals and develop as confident leaders. Once established with a $10,000 donation, any member can make gifts to support a CLEE—scan the QR code to see if one has been created for your chapter.

To learn more about how CLEEs support your chapter sisters and ensure the Pi Phi member experience stays strong, contact Foundation Executive Director JILL CARREL, Indiana Gamma, at jcarrel@pibetaphi.org.

The Impact of College Weekend

College Weekend is a premier leadership development experience designed to educate chapter leaders and Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) members on best practices in their area of focus. Both new and experienced leaders are given the opportunity to engage in specialized programming and connect with fellow leaders to help them excel in their officer positions. California Mu LAUREN BRAJEVICH and Illinois Eta ELIZABETH HULICK attended College Weekend 2024 as emerging Chapter Presidents and left the

experience with fundamental skills, pivotal lessons and new friendships. Read their reflections below and the impact of College Weekend on their leadership journeys.

Lauren Brajevich

Heading into College Weekend, I was most looking forward to spending time with my California Mu sisters before we entered our new leadership positions together. I arrived intending to refine my leadership skills in a way that would empower my chapter and make them feel supported and loved.

My experience involved learning about my new role as Chapter President through curated sessions about leadership styles, proactive planning, time management, conflict resolution and more. It was so much fun to spend time with hundreds of fellow Pi Phi leaders and feel instantly connected to them—even upon our first meeting. On the last evening of College Weekend, we attended the biggest Pink Party I had ever seen. My California Mu sisters and I marveled at how special it was to laugh, sing karaoke and enjoy dessert with so many other Pi Phis!

Above: Lauren at College Weekend ready to attend the Chapter President College.

LORENZEN

SOUTHERLAND, Grand Vice President Finance/Housing EMORY MCGINNIS

EISON and Grand Vice President Fraternity Growth JEN PLAGMAN-GALVIN

Alongside the sisterhood fun and camaraderie, the most impactful part of my programming was learning how to gracefully lead our chapter through change. Change is necessary to keep our chapter thriving and to provide an inclusive experience for all, and I’m appreciative I learned how to navigate and handle conflict effectively.

College Weekend is a unique experience to connect with all the Pi Phi chapter leaders from so many

different universities. There is so much to be learned by listening to the experience of others, but also such a sense of belonging to be found. I am so grateful to be part of the California Mu Chapter. In Pi Phi, I have found the highest caliber of women I have ever met—every sister radiates kindness, love and a quiet confidence. Being a Pi Phi makes me better! College Weekend was such an evident reminder of this sisterhood I cherish so dearly.

Back row, from left: Grand Vice President Member Experience GREER HORNE, Grand Vice President Inclusion/Community Relations AMY

Front row, from left: Lauren and California Mu GABBI KOLB

Elizabeth Hulick

College Weekend was the first event I attended through Pi Phi. I came into the experience hoping to understand my role as Chapter President and make connections with other Pi Phis—and I’m so grateful I went!

At the Friday night opening dinner, my Executive Council and I sat at a table with officers from Indiana Epsilon. It turns out their Chapter President was a hometown friend of our Vice President Finance/ Housing who couldn’t make the trip—which immediately helped us feel at home.

I also sat at a table with other Chapter Presidents during the specialized sessions, and these were some of the best connections I made throughout the weekend. They were all so kind, and we found so much similarity in our chapters’ experiences. While taking on the position of Chapter President can be intimidating, I know I have such an amazing support system in Pi Phi.

We were all given the opportunity to lead our chapters because someone saw the leadership skills and potential we already have—but there’s always room to grow and learn more. Opportunities like College Weekend introduced me to new techniques, strategies and perspectives for leading that will help make a huge difference for our chapter.

From left: Elizabeth, Illinois Eta

JENNA WILTJER and Illinois Eta

JADE COFFMAN

In my educational track, the facilitators discussed the similarities of a Chapter President to that of a CEO, and I had never thought about my role like that before. One of my childhood dreams was to be CEO of a big company someday, and in some way, I feel like I’m living out that dream now. I can be an example of what a sincere and empathetic leader looks like and help shape the future of an organization I care so deeply about.

I think it’s normal to sometimes feel deflated by the day-to-day operations of our own chapters, but being in an environment like College Weekend shifts your perspective and shows you the true scale of our sisterhood. It’s nice to know this journey is not one I’m walking alone, but one I’m taking alongside hundreds of sisters. Pi Phi has changed so many lives for the better and hopefully will continue to do so for a long time.

From left: Elizabeth, Illinois Alpha JULIA BEAN, Wisconsin Epsilon JORDYN OSSMANN, Indiana Zeta ALEXIS BRADLEY, Pennsylvania Zeta

EMILY SYPOLT and Illinois Beta-Delta ABIGAIL NEILAN

Pi Phi is My Constant

Whether in her family, career or Pi Phi, Kentucky Gamma MARY CECILIA

SCIALDONE MURK believes in servant leadership as a way of life. By staying attentive to the needs of others, Mary Cecilia has led by example since her days as a collegian at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Her drive to provide support wherever needed helped her discover her leadership ability and led her to her current role as a Foundation volunteer. “I try to be the person who always steps up for someone else and influences others through my willingness to help,” she explains.

Mary Cecilia’s first experience with servant leadership came shortly after joining the Kentucky Gamma Chapter. Though newly initiated herself, she said “yes” when asked to step into the recently vacated position of New Member Coordinator (now Director New Member Experience). “Pi Phi quickly saw a leader in me I didn’t think I was,” she says. “I didn’t know if I was the right person for the job, but I agreed to give it a shot—and it was a great first exposure to serving the Fraternity.”

Emboldened by her newfound leadership experience, Mary Cecilia

served as her chapter’s Vice President Communications (now Vice President Community Relations) before becoming Panhellenic President at EKU. After graduation, Mary Cecilia immediately embraced alumnae life through Alumnae Advisory Committee service and alumnae club involvement—both of which gave her a source of friendship and belonging following a cross-country move to California and the closure of her own chapter. “Pi Phi has been a constant in my life since I was 18,” she reflects. “There’s always a way it fits into my life, and an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s something I can come back to that keeps me grounded and connected to an experience that’s bigger than myself.”

Despite her ongoing service and leadership, Mary Cecilia felt she had more to give to Pi Phi. At the 2016 Fraternity Day of Service Signature Event in Silicon Valley, California, a conversation with then-Foundation Executive Director

HALLEE WINNIE, Michigan Gamma, opened her eyes to the possibility of volunteering with the Foundation.

When the Stewardship Committee needed support, Mary Cecilia

stepped into the role—drawing from her own experiences to connect with Foundation donors through phone calls and thank-you emails. “I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships and an Emma Harper Turner Fund Grant from our Foundation as a collegian, so I found it easy to sincerely express gratitude,” she says.

Mary Cecilia’s Foundation involvement inspired a desire to be more closely connected to the members impacted through Foundation programs. After taking a short break from volunteer work following the birth of her third child, she was able to join the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. The opportunity to review scholarship applications—and learn the deeply personal stories shared by collegian and alumnae applicants—felt like a full-circle moment. “I’d always hoped to help with scholarships because I received one,” Mary Cecilia shares. “To be able to say I’m part of our Foundation’s mission and the work we’re doing—I’m very thankful. I’m happy to pay it forward and be involved in any way I can.”

Inspired by the legacies of longtime Pi Phi volunteer leaders, including Grand Vice President Emerita CAROL INGE WARREN, North Carolina Beta, and past Grand President PAULA PACE SHEPHERD, Texas Epsilon, Mary Cecilia plans to continue serving our sisterhood in whatever capacity she can, for as long as she can. She also hopes her servant leadership sets the tone for other Pi Phis to join her as a volunteer. “If not you, then who?” she smiles. “A lot of people wait for others to step up, but it’s more rewarding to be that person yourself. Give Pi Phi the opportunity to take up space in your life—the reward is far greater than the work we put in. What might feel like a small ‘yes’ can change your life in a big way.”

Clockwise, from left: Mary Cecilia with her son Callahan, husband Harrison, son Anderson and daughter McKenna.

Points of Interest

Thank you, Donors!

Pi Beta Phi thanks more than 300 sisters and friends who have made gifts of $1,000 or more between July 1, 2023, and March 15, 2024. With every gift, you help us envision how bright our future can be—to dare to imagine what we can achieve and the endless impact we can make with your support. View the list at pibetaphi.org/donors.

Double Your Donation!

Thousands of companies match donations by employees to Pi Beta Phi Foundation! Taking advantage of your employer’s corporate matching gift program amplifies your impact and helps ensure Pi Phi remains a constant in the lives of our sisters; a source of steadfast support and a place of belonging through challenges and celebrations. Every gift to our Foundation matters—the futures of our sisters and communities are brighter because of your support. You can make the most of a qualifying corporate matching gift program in a few simple steps:

1. Search the database at pibetaphi.org/giving to see if your employer matches gifts to the Foundation.

2. Select your company to receive specific instructions and guidelines on how your gift can qualify for your company’s matching gift program.

3. Follow your company-specific matching gift instructions found in our database to have your gift doubled by your employer.

Pi Phi Giving Day Was a Sweet Success!

On March 14— Pi Day—Pi Phis and friends joined together to raise $215,018.67 for our Foundation! Just like pi, the mathematical constant (3.14) that gives Pi Day its nickname, Pi Phi is a never-ending source of support and true friendship in the lives of our sisters. More than 800 sisters and friends helped make it possible for our Foundation to continue impacting lives within our sisterhood and communities.

Two recipients at the Austin 2024 Fraternity Day of Service Signature Event.

Pi Phis Made an Impact in Austin and Across Maui

Every year in early March, Pi Phis celebrate Fraternity Day of Service by participating in literacy-related service in their communities. As part of our commitment to inspiring a lifelong love of reading, Pi Phis and friends helped to distribute more than 45,000 new books through two book distributions. The 2024 Fraternity Day of Service Signature Events included one in-person book distribution in Austin, Texas, coordinated by the Austin, Texas, Alumnae Club, and one virtual book distribution in Honolulu open to the greater Hawaii community to meet the immediate need for support following the recent devastation in Maui.

Gifts to The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation are critical to the success of Pi Phi’s literacy initiatives—providing full financial support for all Read > Lead > Achieve® programs, including Fraternity Day of Service Signature Events. Because of your support, children in Austin and across the greater Maui community received 50,000 new books which will make a tremendous difference in their formative years as young learners. Your support makes it possible for children to forge a lifelong love of reading and is an example of Pi Phi’s more than 100-year commitment to furthering literacy in our communities.

See Foundation staff a t pibetaphi.org/staff

Brenda Balkunas Wirth, Wisconsin Alpha

Ana Mancebo Miller, Texas Beta

Ex-Officio

Leslie Magnus, New Jersey Alpha

Gina Garrison Jones, Nebraska Beta

Mary Jane Buchele Johnson, Illinois Eta

Terre McFillen Hall, Ohio Alpha

Kim Barger Durand, Oregon Alpha

Trustees

Wendy Labreche Pratt, Massachusetts Beta

Secretary

pibetaphi.org/fndn-ed .

In August 2023, the Pi Beta Phi Foundation Board of Trustees announced an Executive Director search to identify the next leader of the Foundation. After an extensive search process led by the Board in partnership with a Search Committee and the Headquarters Senior Director of Human Resources, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Indiana Gamma JILL MACKEY CARREL has been selected as Executive Director, beginning February 9, 2024. View the full press release at

Kathleen Meriano, New York Eta

Vice President Development

Donna Butterworth, Virginia Eta

Vice President Finance

Cindy Rice Svec, Kansas Beta

President

Board of Trustees

Mission Pi Beta Phi Foundation enables the Fraternity to realize its mission and ensures the future of our sisterhood.

To be recognized as a premier organization for women by providing lifelong enrichment to its members and contributing to the betterment of society.

Shared Vision of Pi Beta Phi

Pi Beta Phi Foundation Announces New Executive Director

Town & Country, Missouri 63017

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