LETTERS TO PI PHI

Pi Beta Phi is committed to delivering a premier experience for all members. To fulfill this commitment, we are continually striving to learn what our sisters need from the membership experience and find the best ways to deliver. We believe we can strengthen the inherent value in Pi Phi sisterhood by seeking feedback from our members and using what we learn to help plan our next steps.

We want to hear from you, whether you’re sharing your feelings on the latest issue of The Arrow, your thoughts on a Fraternity email or social media post or a heartfelt critique encouraging Pi Phi to do better. Below are a selection of thoughts Pi Phi sisters shared on recent stories in The Arrow, social media and Fraternity communications.

In response to the all-alumnae Pi Phi Points of Interest: Issue 2

DANETTE H. MURRET, Louisiana Beta, initiated 1989

“I am so disappointed that my Nationals [Headquarters] do not think it is important to honor our past members by having legacies. I have an active daughter and one coming soon. I have always loved what Pi Beta Phi sisterhood meant to my life both in college and as an adult. This is one more thing that the world today does not understand. Honor traditions, celebrate the past that brought us to this future, do not try to erase what got us where we are.”

In response to our Facebook post sharing the Fraternity’s core values definitions that inspired the Leading with Values® refresh:

MORIAH MERKEL SOWDERS, Indiana Gamma, initiated 2003

“Love this! I was a collegian when Leading with Values was launched years ago. This is a great refresh of the supporting statements of our values to make them even more relatable and relevant today!”

In response to the Winter 2021 issue of The Arrow:

KATHIE BRIDGES, Utah Alpha, initiated 1963

“Such an amazing issue. College women should all read and live it!”

In response to the February all-member DEI Progress Report:

SHEILA MCGRATH, Illinois Theta, initiated 1953

“I wish to commend Pi Beta Phi on the energizing and encouraging work regarding the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion reports. Your work is very visible and will have many people thinking more deeply on how their lives are lived. Thank you for your hard work and time in making this mission happen.”

MELISSA PARSONNET WALLACE, Alabama Beta, initiated 1987

“I am absolutely appalled that you all have voted to take away the distinction of legacy. Since the birth of my daughter, I had hopes that she would follow in my footsteps and become a member of Pi Beta Phi. Having that distinction puts a little spotlight on members to know that the young lady has a connection to the Fraternity. In your quest to be inclusive, you all have decided to exclude.”

The opinions expressed in Letters to Pi Phi do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, nor does Pi Beta Phi endorse the opinions or viewpoints expressed within these letters. Let’s keep the conversation going, together — send your reflections and feedback to thearrow@pibetaphi.org. Please include your full name and chapter of initiation.