The Bow of Pi Beta Phi - Summer 2021

T he

Bow

Summer 2021

The official publication for donors and friends of Pi Beta Phi Foundation

A Message from Leadership Dear Sisters,

As we enter a new biennium in our 154th year of sisterhood, Pi Beta Phi has shown time and time again that our sisterhood perseveres. We press on through times of unease and uncertainty, and we do it all with our sisters by our side. It’s because of the support of members and friends like you that the essential work of our Fraternity and our Foundation can continue through whatsoever things come our way in the next biennium and beyond.

When I think about the resilience of our members and the Sincere Friendships we’ve built, I know in my heart our founders would be proud. Those 12 young women embody the true meaning of persevering through times of strife. The very foundations of our sisterhood were built by young women with a shared aspiration for community, but for whom the opportunities weren’t available. Rather than accepting those conditions, our founders set out to forge a new kind of friendship; one that continues to this day.

Working side by side toward a common mission is a natural way to forge friendships. By supporting Pi Beta Phi Foundation, we are interconnected, bound and linked through friendship in pursuit of a brighter future for our sisters and our communities. The work we do together is inspiring, and it makes real, meaningful change. Your contributions leave a lasting impact for many — through scholarships supporting members in their pursuit of education, Emma Harper Turner Fund grants to sisters in need, literacy initiatives, leadership development and support of the Friendship Fund to meet our greatest needs and provide the operational resources to make these program possible.

My own journey with Pi Beta Phi is defined by support from sisters and friends. Receiving a scholarship as a collegian provided a necessary foundation for me as I completed my degree and began my professional endeavors. I consider that support a saving grace at a challenging time, and I channel those feelings of gratitude in my service and support of our Foundation.

We’ve faced challenging times together — throughout our history and in recent years — and there are no shortcuts on the way to decreasing our outsized need.

This is another challenge we all face, and the collective efforts of our sisterhood are imperative to continue the work supported by our Foundation. We are all working together toward our common mission, and it takes each of us to make that mission

INSIDE THIS ISSUE One of the Greatest Gifts

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Giving Multiplied

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to what we will accomplish together in this biennium and in the next 154 years.

Meaningful Impact at a Critical Time

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In Pi Phi,

Points of Interest

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achievable.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your enduring support of Pi Beta Phi Foundation. I’m honored to count myself among your number, and I look forward

Gina Garrison Jones, Nebraska Beta, Incoming President, Pi Beta Phi Foundation Board of Trustees

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One of the Greatest Gifts “How have we grown? We have learned to put the needs of

played in Kathy’s college experience. Decades later, they also

others before those of our own. We have given unselfishly of

describe the lasting impact of Pi Phi sisterhood throughout her

ourselves to something very dear to us — Pi Beta Phi — and

life and her Lifelong Commitment to the bonds of wine and

have discovered the rewards to be much more than simply

silver blue.

the sum of our individual efforts. Because Pi Beta Phi has demanded that we give our very best, it has brought out in us abilities and skills that otherwise would have gone unchallenged and undeveloped … As we have grown, we have found that Pi Beta Phi is not found in three Greek letters, but in our many sisters’ hearts.”

Following graduation, Kathy and her Alabama Gamma sisters did their best to stay connected as the demands of career and family commitments increased. Kathy joined the Atlanta, Georgia, Alumnae Club and attended events as her busy schedule allowed. “I traveled a lot for work in those days, and it was hard to commit to anything with a timeframe because I

Foundation President KATHY WAGER SPRAGUE, Alabama

wasn’t in town.” Around the same time, she began making

Gamma, along with fellow Alabama Gamma CYNDI HERBERT

small gifts to the Friendship Fund, “usually when I was asked

MCGILL, handwrote these words on a sheet of notebook paper

or happened to remember,” she recalls. “I wasn’t as connected

in 1976 as a farewell letter to their chapter. As a senior preparing

as I would have liked to be, but it was a way to say ‘thank you’

for graduation from Auburn University, these sentiments

to Pi Phi.”

eloquently described the definitive role membership in Pi Phi Kathy and Bill Sprague on their wedding day.

Summer 2021

As her career took off, Kathy found herself with more capacity to support Pi Phi financially. “I realized I was at the point where I had enough to be philanthropic in ways other than my time,” she says. “I knew I didn’t have the time to give, but I did have the treasure.” Kathy decided to give a more substantial gift to Pi Beta Phi Foundation — a decision she distinctly remembers because of the thank-you call she received afterward. “I got a stewardship call from [past Grand President and Ohio Alpha] CAROLYN HELMAN LICHTENBERG,” she smiles. “She left a voice mail with her home phone number, which of course I immediately put into my Rolodex.”

Over time, Kathy was able to step into volunteer leadership roles with the Fraternity and Foundation, but never lost sight of the impact she could make for Pi Phi through her philanthropic support. She became a member of the Evelyn Peters Kyle Society during a Foundation campaign in the mid-2000s and has continued to give at that level each year. In addition, Kathy viewed the SHINE THROUGH campaign as an opportunity to significantly increase her giving and formalize her plans to include Pi Phi in her estate, hoping her support would both inspire generosity among her peers and light the way for the women who would follow.

Kathy’s Alabama Gamma sisters honored her with a candlelight in celebration of her 2019 wedding. From left: CYNDI HERBERT MCGILL, TRICIA RAY HILL, MARY BETH RHYNE DYKES, KATHY WAGER SPRAGUE, ANN STALNAKER TINER, ANN MITCHLER BOSWELL, KARIN DANIEL FRYE and PAM DYAS VAUTIER.

The remarkable depth and longevity of those friendships was not lost on Kathy’s husband, Bill, when they married in 2019. Kathy and Bill have mutual and individual charitable interests, but share a mindful approach to financial decisions and make it a priority to support one another’s philanthropic involvement and goals. As a couple, they support numerous causes in the Atlanta area through gifts of time and treasure, including community food banks and outreach to the city’s

“This is a way I can leave a legacy to something that’s such an

homeless population. While not a fraternity member himself,

important and significant part of my life,” she says. “I’d like for

Bill has come to embrace Kathy’s love of Pi Phi, recognizing the

future Pi Phis to know there was someone who believed this

special place our sisterhood holds in her heart. “He realizes how

sisterhood was so important that she wanted to ensure they

important it is to me and supports it, but sometimes I remind

could have these opportunities and experiences, too. I don’t

him I committed to Pi Phi before I committed to him,” she jokes.

think there will ever be a time in the future when women won’t need other women. We were founded on friendship and support; we needed it then and we need it now.”

Recognizing the impact Pi Phi has made on her life, Kathy hopes her ongoing support through gifts to our Foundation will develop new generations of friends and leaders. “I think if the

Kathy counts her Pi Phi friendships among the aspects of our

world was led by women, it would be a much kinder, gentler

sisterhood she especially cherishes — both the relationships

place,” she says. “If we could focus on creating better leaders

she’s cultivated through alumnae club involvement and

and making the world more equitable, we would have far fewer

volunteer service and those that blossomed decades ago at

challenges. Sororities are the best place for women to learn

Alabama Gamma. Her friends from the chapter have remained

and practice their leadership skills. Women solve problems

close since their college days, supporting one another

differently, and that’s why everyone’s voice needs to be heard.

unconditionally through life’s celebrations, heartaches and

The world will never have too many women leaders.”

everything in between. “We’ve been there for each other in every single situation,” Kathy says. “Pi Phi is one of the greatest gifts in my life, and I can’t imagine my life without these friends.”

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Giving Multiplied Membership in Pi Beta Phi offers something unique to each

special about having a shared sisterhood,” Shannon says.

member. From leadership opportunities to sincere friendships,

“It travels with you throughout your life.” Although her

Pi Phi’s sisterhood supports and empowers members. For New

involvement with the Fraternity has varied at different points in

Mexico Alpha SHANNON KIMBROUGH LUCE, the guidance

her life, Shannon has always felt Pi Phi’s constant support.

provided by Pi Phi alumnae was a positive influence during her collegiate years and beyond.

In 2020, Shannon was asked to serve as the Vice President Philanthropy for the Southlake Area, Texas, Alumnae Club. In

While Shannon enjoyed her time at the University of New

this role, Shannon was introduced to the many ways Pi Beta

Mexico, it wasn’t until she became an alumna that she fully

Phi Foundation supports the Fraternity. “When I stepped into

understood what she gained from Pi Phi’s sisterhood. “Although

this role, I read through my areas of responsibility to make sure

those collegiate years are great, it’s the connections you make

I covered everything,” says Shannon. “I started learning about

afterward that really cement the importance of sisterhood,”

everything our Foundation does and learning about the extent

Shannon says. “I don’t know that you can fully understand the

of our Foundation’s support for our sisterhood.”

meaning of Pi Phi during your collegiate years.”

Gifts to our Foundation provide critical funding for Pi Phi

Like many Pi Phis, when Shannon moved to a new city, her

programs ranging from leadership and literacy to scholarships

sisters welcomed her with open arms. “There is something

and housing. Through her role as Vice President Philanthropy, Shannon was able to share her deeper understanding of Foundation support with other members of the Southlake club.

As Shannon was learning about the work of our Foundation, she was also seeing the impact on sisters and communities around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the onset of the pandemic, Shannon took an early retirement and decided to work as a substitute teacher. During her time as a substitute, Shannon realized the true impact of Pi Phi’s literacy efforts — all of which are made possible by donors through generous gifts to The Literacy Fund. “You think you know when there is a need in your community,” Shannon says. “But when you’re talking to organizations and seeing it in the school system, it can be overwhelming.”

Throughout the pandemic, Pi Phis were at the forefront of literacy efforts in schools and communities across North America. In addition to the Fraternity tripling its commitment to literacy partner First Book®, members took action in their communities by hosting book drives, building Little Free Libraries and recording themselves reading children’s books to share with schools and community organizations. Members utilized the knowledge and experiences they gained from

From left, New Mexico Alphas SHANNON KIMBROUGH LUCE and KATHERINE LUCE, and Colorado Beta NANETTE CROSBY KIMBROUGH celebrating Katherine’s Bid Day.

Pi Beta Phi to put our Fraternity’s core values into action.

Summer 2021

Back, from left, New Mexico Alphas JORDAN HAARHUES VIGIL, JESSICA CHAVEZ and SHANNON KIMBROUGH LUCE. Front, from left, New Mexico Alphas SHAUNA TUITE ZAHN and MALLORY MARTINEZ.

After witnessing the ways in which our Foundation supports

In May 2021, Shannon's mother, Colorado Beta NANETTE

our members and communities, Shannon was inspired to give

CROSBY KIMBROUGH, unexpectedly passed. “When I

in whatever way she could. She was fortunate to be in a position

thought about memorial gifts, I knew I wanted to support the

to increase her giving and become part of the Evelyn Peters Kyle

Friendship Fund,” Shannon says. “My mother’s time in Pi Phi

Society for donors with gifts of $1,000 or more during the fiscal

was so meaningful to her. It was something she talked about

year. In addition to her regular giving – and after learning more

throughout her life.”

about planned giving – Shannon included Pi Phi in her estate plans, becoming part of the Marianne Reid Wild Society.

While it’s easy to think your gift isn’t big enough to make a difference, Shannon knows the importance of every gift – no

“Many of us don’t realize our Foundation supports every part of

matter the size. “Whatever amount you are able to give is

the Pi Phi member experience,” Shannon says. “Just a little bit

multiplied by the collective support from other sisters and

from each of us will make a big difference for Pi Phi.” With gifts

donors,” Shannon says. “You, along with your sisters, are giving

like Shannon’s, our Foundation is able to continue developing

back to an organization that has been a life changer for all of

women of intellect and integrity who enrich the lives of others.

us.” Pi Beta Phi Foundation supports our members at every

Gifts to the Friendship Fund help our Foundation fulfill Pi Phi’s mission, supporting every sister, every year. These unrestricted gifts allow our Foundation to respond to Pi Phi’s most urgent needs – maintaining essential support for the leadership, literacy, scholarship and emergency assistance programs that empower our sisters – and the operational resources needed to maintain our programs.

stage of membership — providing leadership development programming, literacy initiatives and individual support through scholarships and emergency funds. Your support – no matter the amount – ensures this continues for generations to come.

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Meaningful Impact at a Critical Time More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, access to books

with demonstrated need. First Book membership and resources

remains critical for both children and educators. With many of

are available only to organizations that serve populations with

our traditional literacy events on hold, Pi Beta Phi collaborated

at least 70% need, benefiting children from highly diverse

with our partners at First Book® to reimagine the ways we

backgrounds. Educators and representatives from these

could continue to make an impact. During March, Pi Phis

organizations have reached out to tell us about the impact

participated in a one-time literacy initiative by identifying

our literacy advocates and donors are helping to make for the

qualified educators and organizations in their communities and

children and families served through this initiative. Cheryl

encouraging them to register for First Book membership.

Wietlispach, who stewards a Little Free Library in her hometown

By the end of the month, 178 new educators, organizations

of Crystal Lake, Illinois, shared the following reflection.

and programs in the United States and Canada registered with

“As the proud steward of a Little Free Library book sharing

First Book through the initiative. Each newly registered group

box, I want you to know how meaningful and appreciated

received immediate access to First Book’s extensive library

your generous gift certificate to the First Book Marketplace was

of free reading materials and resources, as well as a $250 gift

to me. This opportunity will allow me to offer new, relevant,

certificate toward new books from First Book Marketplace. Half

inspiring books to children in my community. Because of your

of the books available featured titles from First Book’s “Stories

support, kids who have already experienced a tough school year

for All” collection. Books from this collection include diverse

due to quarantines, remote learning and library closures can

characters and themes, helping children gain confidence and

safely walk or bike down their own street and choose books to

develop empathy. As with all Read > Lead > Achieve programs,

keep them engaged and dreaming of their futures.

®

the initiative was fully funded by grants from Pi Beta Phi Foundation, made possible by generous donors supporting The Literacy Fund.

“Keeping the library filled is a daunting task. I scour resale shops, but often the books I find there are woefully outdated, dirty or torn. It's time consuming and costly to purchase, sort,

The newly registered groups include Title 1 schools, Head Start

clean and store a steady supply of quality titles for different

and other early childhood programs, Little Free Libraries,

reading levels and interests. Finding the Pi Phi offer was an

special needs classrooms, shelters and community programs.

amazing gift. With this resource, I'll be able to fill my library

Yet while many of these groups differ on the surface, they are

with new books addressing current social issues kids face,

linked by a common purpose: serving children and families

biographies of inspiring people striving to make the world

Young readers enjoy the new selections in Cheryl Wietlispach's Little Free Library.

better, STEM titles and stories of kindness and empowerment — all of which the neighborhood kids can keep for free! Seeing them stand at the box browsing, then tucking a book or two under their arm as they head home, warms my heart.

“Your generosity will have a meaningful impact at a critical time in children's lives. It's proven that access to books improves children's achievement and builds readers for life. Pi Phis, thank you for helping me do my small part in building kids up and guiding them during this important time of renewal in our world. As a book lover myself, I can't imagine a world without quality, inspiring books — and I don't want kids to live in that world, either.”

Summer 2021

Points of Interest Congratulations to Our Top 10 Chapters Every year, Pi Phi chapters demonstrate the strength of their commitment to Philanthropic Service to Others. Throughout 2020, our chapters’ fundraising efforts were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; many had to re-envision their fundraising and philanthropy events. Despite the challenges, our chapters collectively raised $423,598.80 for Pi Beta Phi Foundation!

We recognize the Top 10 Chapters for their outstanding contributions in support of scholarships, leadership, literacy, sisters in need and more through your Foundation.

Illinois Kappa – University of Chicago Arkansas Alpha – University of Arkansas Texas Eta – Texas A&M University Indiana Beta – Indiana University California Theta – University of California, Davis Oklahoma Alpha – University of Oklahoma Idaho Alpha – University of Idaho Louisiana Beta – Louisiana State University North Carolina Alpha – University of North Carolina Colorado Delta – Colorado School of Mines

Illinois Kappa was the 2020 top fundraising chapter. From left: TIFFANY LENG, CHRISTINE PARK and ANYA WANG.

Thank You to Our Retiring Trustees We extend our most sincere gratitude to Alabama Gamma KATHY WAGER SPRAGUE and Grand President MARLA NEELLY WULF, Kansas Beta, as their service to the Foundation Board of Trustees comes to a close on June 30.

Kathy has served on the Board since 2015, including four years of service as Vice President of Development, and most recently serving as the Foundation Board of Trustees President. Marla has served the Board as Ex-Officio of the Fraternity for the last biennium. The impact Kathy and Marla have made through their leadership to Pi Phi will continue for generations of sisters to come.

KATHY WAGER SPRAGUE, Alabama Gamma

MARLA NEELLY WULF, Kansas Beta

DONNA BUTTERWORTH, Virginia Eta

KATHLEEN MERIANO, New York Eta

Welcome New Foundation Trustees Virginia Eta DONNA BUTTERWORTH and New York Eta KATHLEEN MERIANO will join the Foundation Board for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021. Donna and Kathleen will be key in providing leadership, expertise and stewarding a compelling, inspired vision for our Foundation.

Continued on back cover.

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 81

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 Kathy Wager Sprague, Alabama Gamma Vice President Finance Mary Jane Buchele Johnson, Illinois Eta Vice President Development Terre McFillen Hall, Ohio Alpha Secretary Gina Garrison Jones, Nebraska Beta Trustees Jennifer Windell Hazelton, Virginia Eta Leslie Magnus, New Jersey Alpha Wendy Labreche Pratt, Massachusetts Beta Cindy Rice Svec, Kansas Beta Ex-Officio Marla Neelly Wulf, Kansas Beta Brenda Balkunas Wirth, Wisconsin Alpha

Together, We Made an Impact!

Thank you to every Pi Phi who joined us in giving back to our sisterhood on Pi Phi Giving Day! With each gift, our members celebrated what Pi Phi has given them — and in turn, helped to ensure future generations of Pi Phis benefit from Sincere Friendship and have the inspiration to achieve their goals. Together, we raised $201,018.67 for Pi Phi!

Honor a Special Pi Phi. Ensure a Bright Future for Every Pi Phi. Send a virtual halo in celebration or memory of the special Pi Phis in your life, through Halo Heaven.

Halo honorees will receive a personalized email

Staff

letting them know you’ve made a gift to Pi Beta Phi

Executive Director Hallee Winnie, Michigan Gamma

Foundation in their honor. With your gift, you’ll send

Director of Advancement Jill Mackey Carrel, Indiana Gamma

Friendship Fund and ensure a bright future for every

Director of Operations & Programs Betsy West McCune, Missouri Alpha

Pi Phi Love to a sister, support our Foundation’s Pi Phi. Halo Heaven is open through June 30. Visit haloheaven.org to honor special Pi Phis with halos today.

Director of Finance & Administration Kim Sherman Individual Giving Officer Courtney Hammock, Colorado Epsilon Development and Engagement Manager Emily Karcher, Maryland Gamma Development and Engagement Manager Megan Schwedtmann Operations and Programs Manager Mary Beth Unger Roy, Missouri Alpha

Purpose Meets Passion Purpose and passion are two driving forces in the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Some are lucky enough to find a way to merge the two, including members spotlighted in the Spring Issue of The Arrow. Read their stories at the intersection of purpose and passion at pibetaphi.org/arrow.

Stay connected all year long! pibetaphi.org/foundation

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