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Winter 2023
The official publication for donors and friends of Pi Beta Phi Foundation
A Message from Leadership
Through her lens as a corporate finance executive, Pi Beta Phi Foundation Board of Trustees Vice President Finance DONNA BUTTERWORTH, Virginia Eta, knows the value of creating more opportunities for women to lead—and why support for our Foundation is so pivotal to Pi Phi’s role in this work. WHY DO YOU STAY ENGAGED WITH PI PHI AS A VOLUNTEER LEADER? Pi Phi uses my strengths while building skills in areas where I’m less experienced—and I love the opportunities I’m given to lead. Through committee work, I’ve managed teams, resolved issues and set strategic priorities in ways that differ from how I do things professionally. In many ways, I feel volunteering as an alumna has provided an even more enriching and meaningful experience than collegiate years. WHAT FILLS YOU WITH PI PHI PRIDE? We’re proactively working to navigate a difficult environment, including decreases in college enrollment, the rising costs of higher education and the challenges fraternities and sororities are facing on campuses. The changing landscape will impact our sisterhood—we’re the sum of our members, and our members have varied experiences and perspectives. We’re moving forward in a thoughtful, measured, inclusive way—and though getting it right can be hard, we’re continuing to try. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SUPPORT TO OUR FOUNDATION? Providing leadership opportunities for women is the theme that runs through my philanthropic and volunteer support—for me, that’s the key! We need the skills and perspectives of more women leaders to bridge the divides in our world. Pi Phi is creating change by giving women scholarships and hands-on leadership experiences. Our members are able to earn the degrees and accreditations they need—and have a safe space to test their leadership capabilities, so they can demonstrate those skills once in a professional career. As a Trustee, I’ve heard from scholarship recipients whose award allowed them to stay in school. I’ve talked to Leadership Institute participants and facilitators who say it’s a life changing experience. I wish everyone could see firsthand the personal impact their gifts have on our members. WHAT ARE YOUR PHILANTHROPIC PASSIONS WITHIN PI PHI? I’m passionate about giving to the Friendship Fund because it enables all the work of our Foundation. As Trustees, we’re mindful that we’re using dollars as donors have designated, and the Friendship Fund gives us the flexibility to use resources where our Foundation and Pi Phi need them the most. If you want to see our sisterhood grow and thrive, a gift to the Friendship Fund is most impactful. HOW DO GIFTS TO OUR FOUNDATION CREATE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR PI PHI — AND WHAT COULD BE POSSIBLE WITH EVEN MORE SUPPORT? Right now, our Foundation can only fulfill a percentage of the Fraternity’s requests for financial support to our programmatic areas and what’s needed to build leaders at the alumnae and collegiate levels. But imagine if we could provide full support for every programmatic area! What if every member made a gift to our Foundation, of any amount? What if we could host hands-on leadership training for all volunteers? What if we could award 200 scholarships each year, or even 500? That’s the vision of our Foundation—to touch the lives of so many more sisters through the power of giving.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Walking the Pi Phi Path Together | Pi Phi Giving Day | Points of Interest
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Walking the Pi Phi Path Together As mother and daughter, Tennessee Gammas YVONNE SMEJKAL AYERS and CAROLINE AYERS have shared many milestones and special moments in their relationship over the years—one of the most significant has been walking the Pi Phi path together. While Caroline and Yvonne both share a sisterhood in the same chapter, they also share the experience of being Leadership Development Consultants (LDCs)—Yvonne from 1995-1996 and Caroline from 2022-2024. Although the LDC program has adapted and evolved in the last 20 years, the heart of the experience has stayed the same, and so has their inspiration for wanting to become LDCs. After both enjoying their collegiate years as Pi Phis, Yvonne and Caroline knew they wanted to give back to the Fraternity in a meaningful way. The LDC program fosters an abundance of leadership development, not only for the chapters who receive visits, but for the consultants as well. Both Yvonne and Caroline have found significant value in this and see the program as a great opportunity for young women approaching life after college. “Entering the post-graduate world is scary and different,” Caroline says. “It’s so important to step confidently into the next phase of life knowing you have that connection to Pi Phi.”
Above: Caroline and Yvonne at Caroline’s graduation.
Yvonne specifically notes the unconditional support you feel from Below: Caroline with the 2022-2023 Leadership Development Consultant class. From left: Caroline, California Epsilon TORI VASQUEZ, South Carolina Alpha PERRY HARRINGTON, Indiana Delta VALORA HART, Illinois Eta KATIE BODLAK and Ohio Theta COURTNEY KROSS.
Pi Phi as an LDC. “Everyone around you wants you to succeed; you have this beautiful safety net of Pi Phi,” she shares. “You have your chapter to lean on, the local alumnae clubs, Pi Beta Phi Headquarters (HQ), International officers—they’re all ready to catch you. It’s so important for young women to get those affirmations and encouragement like that.” From multi-tasking to time management, Yvonne and Caroline both feel the LDC program offered them pivotal leadership skills— one of the most prominent being confidence within themselves. Caroline notes that before becoming an LDC, public speaking often spiked her anxiety, but through the program she was able to find her voice. When Yvonne was an LDC, she was able to build her confidence in leading difficult conversations with respect and sincerity. “There are so many skills you gain that are unexpected, but that push you forward for the rest of your life,” Yvonne says. Yvonne and Caroline also discuss the special relationships they’ve built through the LDC program, especially with fellow consultants.
Winter 2023
During Yvonne’s tenure, their only source of communication
would feel at home for the rest of my life,” Caroline says. “Pi Phi
was leaving messages for one another through HQ’s voicemail
was truly recruiting based on the values I was raised on. I’ve been
system—but that didn’t dim the strength of their relationships, as
around Pi Phis my entire life, so it makes sense why it feels like
she notes many of them keep in touch to this day. As technology
home, and I’ve seen that in every chapter I’ve visited—it feels like
has developed over the years, Caroline and the other consultants
home. I can’t imagine it any other way.”
stay connected through text, over social media, on bi-weekly check-in calls and more. “One of my biggest resources is the other women in the program,” she says. “LDCs are like a sisterhood within the sisterhood—it’s an instant connection point!” One of the most important relationships that strengthened from Caroline and Yvonne’s time as LDCs has been their own. Although the two have always been close, following the same path years apart nurtured a unique bond between them. Yvonne never wanted Caroline to feel pressured into joining Pi Phi, but Caroline knew it was where she belonged when the time came. “When it came down to it, I could see myself happy at any of the sororities on campus for four years, but I asked myself where I
When it came down to it, I could see myself happy at any of the sororities on campus for four years, but I asked myself where I would feel at home for the rest of my life. Yvonne feels indescribable gratitude knowing Pi Phi has given Caroline the same experiences as it brought her. “You want your kids to take their own path and do what makes them happy, so the fact that I get to share this with Caroline is beyond amazing,” Yvonne shares. To ensure all sisters can have the same opportunities as herself and Caroline, Yvonne has also been a long-time supporter of Pi Beta Phi Foundation. “Being a consultant tied me to Pi Phi forever, and it keeps giving back. Whether I was 19 or 40, I’ve gotten so much out of Pi Phi, and watching Caroline
Above: Caroline with past members of Grand Council during Pi Phi's 2023 Convention where she served as a member of the event staff. From left: Oklahoma Alpha LOU ANN MONTGOMERY CARTER, Caroline and Missouri Alpha KAREN CONSALUS PRICE.
get so much out of it gives me even more. I want my future Pi Phi sisters to have those same experiences."
Yvonne is not alone in her desire to provide opportunities to future generations of sisters. Supporting Pi Beta Phi Foundation helps ensure every sister has the opportunity for leadership development—the LDC program is just one of the many possibilities a sister can pursue to grow as a leader. To honor your Lifelong Commitment as a member and continue to support a bright future for our sisterhood, make a gift today and learn more at pibetaphi.org/foundation.
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Pi Phi Giving Day will now be held on Pi Day! Pi Beta Phi Foundation is excited to share that Pi Phi Giving Day is moving to March 14—Pi Day! 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. And, with your continued support, our Foundation is committed to ensuring Pi Phi has the resources we need to preserve our past, focus on our present and dream of a bright future for our sisterhood. Through your gifts, you’ve helped make past Pi Phi Giving Days a success, and we hope you’ll support our Foundation again next year. Mark your calendar for March 14, 2024, and plan to join us for a day filled with fun, friendship and giving back to our sisterhood. Stay tuned to your inboxes and Pi Phi’s social media channels for more information leading up to Pi Phi Giving Day. March 14 is sure to be an extra sweet Pi Day as we kick off a new iteration of a cherished day in our sisterhood. Learn more at pibetaphi.org/ppgd.
Π Β Φ 3 .1 4 . 24 Π Β Φ 3 .1 4 . 24 Π Β Φ 3 . 3 .1 4 . 24 Π Β Φ 3 .1 4 . 24 Π Β Φ 3 .1 4 . 2 Π Β Φ 3 .1 4 . 24 Π Β Φ 3 .1 4 . 24 Π Β Φ 3 .
Winter 2023
WHY I GIVE
14 .24 24 ΠΒΦ 14.24
South Carolina Alpha MARDY KRAMER is a monthly donor to our Foundation and has made a gift on every Pi Phi Giving Day since her Initiation in 2019. “I give because I know how much the Foundation helps Pi Phis across our sisterhood. I know my gifts are helping Pi Phis have the best experience possible.”
Virginia Theta ALLISON HARVEY GRIFFIN gives each month—and each Pi Phi Giving Day—because Pi Phi has given her so much. She knows our sisterhood is paying it forward through support to our Foundation. “Pi Beta Phi has had the biggest impact on my own leadership development over these past 25 years. Thank you to all my fellow sisters and friends who support the Foundation.”
Are you ready for Pi Phi Giving Day on March 14? Here’s what you need to know to celebrate our Foundation’s favorite day of the year. SIGN UP TO BE A PI PHI GIVING DAY AMBASSADOR! Ambassadors are advocates for our Foundation committed to sharing why they give to encourage friends and sisters to join them on Pi Phi Giving Day. These Pi Phis go above and beyond in their support and are equipped with everything they need from Foundation staff and volunteers leading up to Pi Day.
PLAN A PI DAY EVENT! Montana Alpha KRIS SEMENZA
The new date for Pi Phi Giving Day
MURPHY gives her time, talent and
provides a wealth of new opportunities
treasure to Pi Beta Phi through her
for sisters and friends to celebrate
service as a Fraternity volunteer officer,
together, in-person or virtually. Plan an
in addition to her devotion to our
event with your chapter, alumnae club
Foundation’s mission. In celebration of
or Pi Phi friends—make it a ‘bring your
Pi Phi Giving Day, she encourages her
own Pi’ event with sweet and savory
fellow Pi Phis to do the same. “Pi Phi has
treats!
given me so much more than four years in college! It has been a driving factor in my career, friendships and growth. The amazing women I have met and loved as an alumna are some of the most precious relationships in my life. I am proud of what we are doing to empower and create women of integrity and intellect. Future leaders are being made every day in Pi Phi!”
PRE-ORDER THE T-SHIRT! Pre-order this year’s Pi Phi Giving Day shirt and get ready to show your Pi Phi Pride! Order by February 15 for delivery before Pi Phi Giving Day. Proceeds from all shirts ordered through March 14 will benefit Pi Beta Phi Foundation and will be counted in Pi Phi Giving Day results. Order yours at pibetaphi.org/ppgd.
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Points of Interest Join Your Foundation at Halo Happenings Halo Happenings are celebrations of the impact our donors make on every aspect of Pi Beta Phi sisterhood. Join your sisters for the opportunity to show our Lifelong Commitment to Pi Phi and learn how gifts to our Foundation create meaningful impact. All Pi Phi sisters are invited to join us in the following locations:
• • • • • •
Pasadena, California – February 27 Corona del Mar/Laguna Beach, California – February 29 St. Louis, Missouri – April 3 Portland, Oregon – June 5 San Antonio, Texas – June 18 Austin, Texas – June 20
Learn more and register at pibetaphi.org/halohappenings.
Above: The Austin, Texas, Alumnae Club partners with the Women's Storybook Project for literacy efforts throughout the year. The club gathered books and donations during their Fall Fiesta to benefit the organization and the Women's Storybook Project was a recipient of an FDS500 Grant by the club's nomination. From left: Philanthropy Chair Texas Alpha KATIE GEORGE HALLBERG and Women’s Storybook Project Director Jill Gonzalez.
Pi Phi’s Literacy Commitment in Action Our sisterhood’s commitment to creating a more literate society is still strong more than 110 years later. Two components of that ongoing commitment are our Fraternity Day of Service Signature Events and the FDS500 grant program. We are excited to host two Fraternity Day of Service Signature Events on March 2, 2024! Members will gather in-person in Austin, Texas, for a book and literacy supply distribution coordinated by the Austin, Texas, Alumnae Club. A virtual book distribution will be held in Honolulu and open to the greater Hawaii community to meet the immediate need for support following the recent devastation in Maui. Pi Beta Phi’s ongoing commitment to literacy has touched the lives of millions of children across North America, and we’re thrilled to make an impact in Austin and Hawaii in March! Above, from left: Pi Beta Phi Foundation Board of Trustees members LESLIE MAGNUS, New Jersey Alpha, and TERRE MCFILLEN HALL, Ohio Alpha, with Ohio Alpha JANE MCNEILL GEORGE at Halo Happenings in Columbus, Ohio.
Through our Read > Lead > Achieve® initiatives, Pi Phis are dedicating their time and resources to make a difference in
Winter 2023
communities across North America and establish a lifelong love of reading. The FDS500 grant program enables chapters and clubs to nominate organizations within their communities and make an impact at the local level. This year, FDS500 grants were awarded to 50 recipient groups toward the purchase of books and school supplies from First Book® for a total of $100,000. See the full list of recipients at pibetaphi.org/blog.
Scholarship Applications Open Through February 15
Evolving Donor Recognition Practices As part of our commitment to providing an exceptional donor experience, our Foundation has already started to evolve recognition and stewardship practices for the 2023-2024
Undergraduate, Graduate Fellowship and Alumnae Continuing
fiscal year. Guided by insights from donor feedback, industry
Education Scholarship applications for the 2024–2025
research and best practices, we have pivoted away from
academic year are now open. Scholarship awards help support
individual recognition months for specific giving societies.
and encourage collegians and alumnae as they pursue their academic goals, making a true difference in the lives of our members. If you or a Pi Phi you know are currently enrolled in an eligible program, we encourage you to submit one application to be considered for more than 100 scholarships and fellowships. Applications must be submitted before 11:59
This shift allows us to direct our time and resources toward prioritizing meaningful, personal stewardship throughout the year, acting with intention as we share our gratitude for the impact donors make through their gifts. Aligning our stewardship efforts with donor needs helps us build stronger,
p.m. PST on February 15, 2024.
long-term partnerships and expands our audience to be more
Below: California Kappa PAIGE ADAMS received the Elsie Lantz St. Cyr Graduate Fellowship for the 2023-2024 academic year. Paige shared, "This scholarship means so much to me and allows me to focus more on my studies, rather than the financial burden of medical school."
always, we continue to be grateful for your continued loyalty
inclusive and celebratory of all gifts to our Foundation. As and generosity as we work together to create a bright future for our sisterhood!
Fraternity and Foundation Help to Amplify Sorority Grand Council and Pi Beta Phi Foundation’s Board of Trustees have joined many of our National Panhellenic Conference peers in supporting the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence’s Women’s Research Initiative with a collective $50,000 pledge to the Amplifying Sorority campaign. The Women’s Research Initiative seeks to share the relevance of the sorority experience with Potential New Members and their families, collegians, alumnae, volunteers, donors and administrators in higher education. Investing in sorority-led, sorority-focused research today will arm us with data and tools to support our members and organization now, as well as future generations of sorority leaders to come. Read more about the research effort and campaign at foundationfe.org/amplifying-sorority-campaign.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 1828 ST. LOUIS, MO
1154 Town & Country Commons Drive Town & Country, Missouri 63017
Shared Vision of Pi Beta Phi To be recognized as a premier organization for women by providing lifelong enrichment to its members and contributing to the betterment of society.
Mission Pi Beta Phi Foundation enables the Fraternity to realize its mission and ensures the future of our sisterhood.
Board of Trustees President Cindy Rice Svec, Kansas Beta Vice President Finance Donna Butterworth, Virginia Eta Vice President Development Kathleen Meriano, New York Eta Secretary Wendy Labreche Pratt, Massachusetts Beta Trustees Kim Barger Durand, Oregon Alpha Terre McFillen Hall, Ohio Alpha Mary Jane Buchele Johnson, Illinois Eta Gina Garrison Jones, Nebraska Beta Leslie Magnus, New Jersey Alpha Ex-Officio Ana Mancebo Miller, Texas Beta Brenda Balkunas Wirth, Wisconsin Alpha
Every gift to our Foundation matters—and the futures of our sisters and communities are brighter because of your support. Providing support to the Friendship Fund is the most impactful way you can help fulfill the promise we make to every Pi Phi sister. Scan the QR code or visit give.pibetaphi.org to make your gift online today.
Remembering Foundation President Emerita Ann Dudgeon Phy With great sadness, we share that Pi Beta Phi Foundation President Emerita ANN DUDGEON PHY, Texas Alpha, passed away on November 26, 2023. Ann served the Fraternity as Grand Secretary from 1981 to 1983 and as Pi Beta Phi Foundation’s first Board of Trustees President from 1990-1995. To put Ann’s impact on our sisterhood into words is a challenge, as she’s left a lasting impact on the Fraternity, Foundation and the entire organization through her decades of service. You can learn more about Ann’s incredible
Staff
service and legacy at pibetaphi.org/ann-phy.
Director of Advancement Jill Mackey Carrel, Indiana Gamma
Wine Carnation Garden at College Weekend
Director of Finance & Administration Kim Sherman
excited to offer a similar giving opportunity at College Weekend 2024!
Individual Giving Officer Mary Showman Carpenter, Kansas Alpha
the special sisters in their lives. With a $5 gift to our Foundation,
Development and Engagement Manager Emily Karcher, Maryland Gamma
message to a sister. Learn more at pibetaphi.org/WCG.
With the success of Halo Heaven at Convention 2023, our Foundation is Through the Wine Carnation Garden, attendees will be able to honor College Weekend attendees can send a carnation pin and personalized
Development and Engagement Manager Megan Schwedtmann Programs Manager Betsy West McCune, Missouri Alpha Operations Coordinator Tyronnica Johnson
STAY CONNECTED! @PiBetaPhi
@PiBetaPhiHQ pibetaphi.org/foundation
@PiBetaPhiHQ
