REMEMBER
The Healing Power of Sisterhood By Historian and Archivist FRAN DESIMONE BECQUE, New York Alpha
It’s the sincere hope of every Pi Beta Phi member that our sisterhood is a place of belonging and comfort for everyone. Whether celebrating personal achievements or coping with loss, Pi Phis are sincere friends who care for one another through it all. For one eternally dedicated Pi Phi, Grand President Emerita MARIANNE REID WILD, Kansas Alpha, Pi Phi not only provided a lifelong source of friendship, but also a crucial source of support through an incredible personal loss. Marianne joined Pi Phi at the University of Kansas in 1924, where—as an only child—she came to treasure her new sisters and the Fraternity at large from the very beginning. Always the dedicated Pi Phi, Marianne’s involvement with the sisterhood was a constant throughout her life, even amid the ups and downs.
In 1926, shortly after marrying Robert Wild, a Phi Kappa Psi alumnus, Marianne gave birth to her only child, Leonard Low Wild. Even as a young mother, Marianne showed her steadfast loyalty to Pi Phi as she joined the Indianapolis, Indiana, Alumnae Club and soon took on leadership roles, including President of the club. After holding that role for two years, she went on to serve in the office of Delta Province Vice President before serving for 12 years as Assistant to the Grand Vice President. She ultimately took over the role of Grand Vice President before succeeding Illinois Epsilon AMY BURNHAM ONKEN as Grand President. Even with her continued commitment to Pi Phi, Marianne's first priority was always her family. Pi Phi was a constant in the lives of Marianne, Bob and Leonard, the latter of whom grew up almost entirely during Marianne’s tenure
From left: Past Grand Council member EVELYN PETERS KYLE, Illinois Alpha, Past Grand President DOROTHY WEAVER MORGAN, Nebraska Beta, Marianne and past Grand Council member EDYTHE MULVEYHILL BRACK, Kansas Alpha.
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