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Points of Interest
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!
Through our Read > Lead > Achieve® initiatives, Pi Phis are dedicating their time and resources to make a difference in 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.
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.
Scholarship Applications Open Through February 15
Undergraduate, Graduate Fellowship and Alumnae Continuing Education Scholarship applications for the 2024–2025 academic year are now open. Scholarship awards help support 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 p.m. PST on February 15, 2024
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."
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 fiscal year. Guided by insights from donor feedback, industry research and best practices, we have pivoted away from individual recognition months for specific giving societies.
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, long-term partnerships and expands our audience to be more inclusive and celebratory of all gifts to our Foundation. As always, we continue to be grateful for your continued loyalty 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.
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 service and legacy at pibetaphi.org/ann-phy.
Wine Carnation Garden at College Weekend
With the success of Halo Heaven at Convention 2023, our Foundation is excited to offer a similar giving opportunity at College Weekend 2024! Through the Wine Carnation Garden, attendees will be able to honor the special sisters in their lives. With a $5 gift to our Foundation, College Weekend attendees can send a carnation pin and personalized message to a sister. Learn more at pibetaphi.org/WCG.
