The Lesser-Known Notable Pi Phi

By Historian and Archivist FRAN DESIMONE BECQUE, New York Alpha

The history of Pi Beta Phi is brimming with stories of accomplished alumnae, many of whom are considered particularly notable due to their tremendous contributions to our sisterhood. These are the women for whom awards and scholarships are named, those who leave a legacy we rightfully celebrate long after they leave us. There are yet other women whose contributions to Pi Phi are pivotal, but whose names are lesser-known. This is the story of one such woman, past Grand President RAINIE ADAMSON SMALL, Illinois Beta.

Rainie was a Norwegian immigrant whose family settled in Minnesota in the 1860s. Even before she arrived at Lombard College, Rainie had already forged her own path, including teaching in Colorado prior to the establishment of degree requirements. She joined the Illinois Beta Chapter in 1883 and went on to attend the 1885 Convention in Lawrence, Kansas, as the chapter’s delegate. She arrived as a chapter delegate and left as Grand Illustra Regina (what is now known as Grand President). Upon her election, the title became Worthy Grand Illustra Regina. Among other business at this convention was the decision to add the Greek motto “Pi Beta Phi” to the title page of the soon to be published first edition of The Arrow.

While serving in her role, Rainie was still a student at Lombard College, graduating in 1886. Later that year— and after marrying Delta Tau Delta Wallace Small—she presided over the 1886 Indianola Convention. Two years later, at the convention in Ottumwa, Iowa, Rainie was reelected. She was the presiding officer when our sisterhood officially changed its name from I.C. Sorosis to Pi Beta Phi.

According to one account from a convention attendee, it was the “most spirited convention in the history of the Fraternity; the harmonious way in which most matters were settled was due to the business ability and untiring zeal of Grand President Rainie Small which was reflected in the enthusiasm of every delegate.” Rainie also received the first-ever Pi Beta Phi badge, adorned with diamonds and pearls.

Rainie’s legacy stretches far beyond these momentous occasions into the everyday operations of the Fraternity. In an 1888 issue of The Arrow, she emphasized the importance of chapters submitting their updates to keep alumnae apprised of all matters from each chapter; every issue of the magazine still contains updates from chapters, as well as alumnae and clubs. Rainie was also elected the first Grand Historian—likely because during her tenure she corresponded with the founders and visited Monmouth to construct and preserve the Fraternity’s earliest history. She laid the foundation for future historians.

Rainie was a lifelong committed member and staunchly supported fraternities and sororities. She aided in the establishment of the Washington Alpha Chapter and attended the 1907 installation along with founder INEZ SMITH SOULE. She also helped start the Puget Sound, Washington, Alumnae Club after the introduction of the alumnae department in 1893. Rainie died in 1922 at the age of 61; even a century later, this notable Pi Phi’s legacy continues to touch us all. As we don the arrow badge bearing our Greek letters, we can always think of the first woman to wear that arrow.