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Winter 2021
The official publication for donors and friends of Pi Beta Phi Foundation
A Message from Leadership
Dear Sisters and friends, As we look ahead to a new year, I am drawn to the idea and practice of renewal — renewal of ourselves, of our priorities and of our sisterhood. Reflecting on all we’ve overcome and accomplished together is a meaningful, fulfilling endeavor, but we also have the opportunity to examine how recent experiences will shape our future, both personally and as a sisterhood at large. The new year brings a wealth of opportunities to adopt a new mindset and new goals, but it also presents the chance to reassess and reaffirm our priorities with a renewed sense of commitment. A motivating factor in my life is to always do more; no matter what I take on or how much I do, I make it a mission to continually do, give and be more. I call myself a “yes Pi Phi” because no matter what I’m asked to do for our sisterhood, my answer has always been “yes.” Whether it’s participating as a volunteer, donating time and treasure or advocating for Pi Phi’s programmatic efforts, I feel a pull to serve our sisterhood however I can. It’s important that I always make room for Pi Phi, and I’m lucky to have had many opportunities to answer the call. One crucial way to answer the call is by renewing our commitment to Pi Beta Phi Foundation and our collective efforts to support sisters through all stages of life. Whether we’re providing programs to foster leadership development, supporting sisters through financial hardship or encouraging a lifelong love of reading, the mission of Pi Beta Phi is one that carries through every aspect of life, as should our commitment to financially supporting these endeavors. As we look ahead with excitement toward a new year and new opportunities, I encourage all my fellow Pi Phis and friends to extend their excitement to the work we accomplish — and will continue to accomplish — as a sisterhood. Pi Beta Phi relies on the support of every donor, every year. By reflecting on all we’ve done together — and recognizing the necessary work that lies ahead — we can renew our Lifelong Commitment to one another throughout our time as Pi Phis. The promises we made upon joining Pi Beta Phi are more relevant than ever. Recalling those promises reminds us of our commitment to one another, and renewing our support is integral to sustainability and the opportunity to move
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists
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priorities for the new year and join me in continuing to say “yes” to Pi Phi.
Caring for the Pi Phi Experience
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In Pi Phi,
Points of Interest
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forward together. As we reminisce about both the challenges and joys of the last year, I hope you count Pi Phi among those fond memories and amongst your
Cindy Rice Svec, Kansas Beta Secretary, Pi Beta Phi Foundation Board of Trustees
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Inspiring the Next Generation of Philanthropists For many donors, philanthropic decisions are influenced by the potential impact we can make through our gifts. We want to strengthen our connection to the causes close to our hearts and know the difference we’re making in our communities. Yet while we often think of the impact we can make for those we seek to help, we might not consider the positive effect our giving can have on those closest to us — our family and friends. Georgia Alpha DOREEN MUELLER understands the power of philanthropic leadership by example. Growing up in Atlanta, Doreen learned the importance of charitable giving from her parents, who emphasized sharing their time and resources with others. As a young alumna, Doreen’s first gifts to Pi Beta Phi starting in 1985 were inspired by influential Fraternity leaders and mentors she came to know through her time in the chapter and the Atlanta, Georgia, Alumnae Club. Now a longtime donor, she continues to model the way for younger generations — including her twin daughters South Carolina Alpha MARDY KRAMER and North Carolina Delta NIX KRAMER — through her philanthropic commitments. “I believe we all have the ability and responsibility to give back,” Doreen says. “Our ability to give varies — sometimes we’re able to give time and talent, and at other times we’re able to give financially. But we all share the responsibility, and that’s what I want to teach our children.”
Georgia Alpha DOREEN MUELLER (center) with her twin daughters, South Carolina Alpha MARDY KRAMER (left) and North Carolina Delta NIX KRAMER (right) at Nix’s Initiation in October 2019. “Mardy was initiated two weeks before Nix, so she made the trip to Raleigh to surprise her sister,” Doreen says.
“I learned so much about leadership from them and continue to
“Pi Phi is the anchor that enables me to be the best I can be, through leadership, growth and giving back.”
take those lessons throughout my life.” Those leadership lessons included the importance of Philanthropic Service to Others. When Sis, Marilyn, Carolyn and
Doreen met two of her closest Pi Phi friends and mentors, future
other club leaders talked about the importance of supporting
Grand President SARAH “SIS” MULLIS, South Carolina Alpha,
the Fraternity, Doreen felt inspired to follow suit. “The women
and longtime editor of The Arrow, MARILYN SIMPSON FORD,
I admired and knew well included Pi Phi in their charitable
Nebraska Beta, soon after pledging Pi Phi at the University
giving, and I wanted to be part of it, too,” she explains. “Giving
of Georgia in the mid-1970s. The women developed a cross-
was in my DNA, and I wanted to see the positive impact I could
generational connection during Doreen’s college years, and
make. When you give to our Foundation, you know you’re
Sis and Marilyn welcomed her into the Atlanta club following
making an impact.”
graduation. Through her club involvement and leadership, she also grew close to future Grand President CAROLYN HELMAN LICHTENBERG, Ohio Alpha. “I’m so fortunate to have such great mentors in Sis, Marilyn and Carolyn,” Doreen reflects.
A career change brought Doreen to the Washington, D.C., area, where she met her husband, Ted Kramer. An aviator in the U.S. Navy and a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Ted hailed from a philanthropic-minded family and shared
Winter 2021
Doreen’s generous spirit. As they raised their daughters Mardy and Nix, Doreen and Ted sought to create a culture of giving within their household. “We used to play a game with our kids,” Doreen recalls. “If they suddenly had millions of dollars, what would they do with it? What organizations would they give to,
“We have to create a culture where the Pi Phi experience is sustainable. Giving back is a perfect way to plant those seeds for the next generation.”
and what people would they help? It was so validating to hear
Since her early days in the Atlanta club, Doreen has cherished
their answers; we truly felt we were sharing the importance of
her membership in Pi Phi as a place to build skills and
helping others.”
confidence and a source of connection and support through
Their daughters grew up watching the example of their parents enthusiastically sharing time and resources with the organizations and causes meaningful to them. Today, both Mardy and Nix are monthly donors to Pi Beta Phi Foundation and supported The Campaign for Georgia Alpha alongside their mother. Though not members of the chapter, both daughters made their gifts in honor of Sis, whom they’ve known since birth. In addition, Mardy and Nix will join Doreen as members of the Evelyn Peters Kyle Society this year. “They’ve had to figure out the commitment for themselves, but it’s their responsibility,” Doreen says. “You have to start the habit of giving early. When you establish your ability to give, it becomes second nature. It’s
times of transition. “Our sisterhood is my safety net,” she says. “Pi Phi is the anchor that enables me to be the best I can be, through leadership, growth and giving back.” Continuing to support our Foundation is a way for Doreen to share gratitude for her experience — as well as another opportunity to inspire others through philanthropic leadership. “My support is a demonstrative way to stand tall and say how important Pi Phi is to me,” she says. “I love our direction and vision of what we want to be for young women — a premier organization. But to accomplish this, we have to create a culture where the Pi Phi experience is sustainable. Giving back is a perfect way to plant those seeds for the next generation.”
the methodology of giving back.” Below, from left: Georgia Alphas SUSAN TEASTER, DOREEN MUELLER and MARY BETH JORDAN CARY, with Doreen’s daughters, South Carolina Alpha MARDY KRAMER and North Carolina Delta NIX KRAMER, on a summer trip to Annapolis, Maryland, in 2007.
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Caring for the Pi Phi Experience relationships Rachael built both within and outside the chapter introduced her to a world of opportunity. She credits the Fraternity with helping to establish her professional identity. Rachael was first introduced to working in higher education by her Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) Advisor NANNETTE JIMENEZ GORDON, Virginia Zeta, who, at the time, worked in student conduct at Virginia Tech. Rachael followed in Nanette’s footsteps, now working as the Assistant Director for Student Conduct at Virginia Tech and serving as the Member Experience Advisor for the Virginia Zeta Chapter. “Without Pi Phi, I wouldn’t have met my professional mentors and the past eight years of my life wouldn’t have happened the way they did,” Rachael says. “I really do have everything to thank Pi Phi for — friends, professional life, family — and what better way to give back to something that has given me everything than to support our sisterhood as an alumna.” In addition to serving on Virginia Zeta’s AAC, Rachael has prioritized giving to Pi Beta Phi Foundation during the past Virginia Zeta RACHAEL TULLY
several years. “Giving back has always been important to me,” Rachael says. “You never know the effect of one conversation,
The Pi Beta Phi member experience is ever-expanding and
one action or one donation; every gift impacts our current and
provides something unique to each of our sisters. For some,
future sisters.”
Pi Phi provides a support system of like-minded women. For others, Pi Phi provides opportunities to serve their community and the world at large. Still others look to Pi Phi for support and encouragement at a time when it’s needed most. For Virginia Zeta RACHAEL TULLY, Pi Phi allowed her to become the woman and leader she is today. “Pi Phi was the place where I became a version of myself I always knew was there but didn’t feel comfortable sharing,” Rachael says. “It’s a place that allowed me to figure out who I wanted to be.” As Rachael experienced, Pi Phi’s sisterhood provides support to collegiate members at a critical point in their life — building leadership skills and Sincere Friendships that extend well beyond their collegiate experience.
Rachael witnessed this impact as a collegian when several of her closest sisters received scholarships from our Foundation. Coupled with the leadership development she received as a chapter officer, she knows her gifts to our Foundation are significant to ensuring future generations of Pi Phis have the inspiration to achieve their goals and the support of Sincere Friends. Although the Pi Phi member experience might look different after graduating college, there are still many ways alumnae members can care for our sisterhood. Rachael hopes her gifts to our Foundation demonstrate her loyalty and care for the Pi Phi sisterhood. “I hope my financial support helps members see that alumnae care about the Pi Phi experience well beyond their time
Rachael’s sisters encouraged and empowered her to lead within
in the chapter,” she says. “Donating to our Foundation shows I
her chapter as Vice President Communications and, later,
care in a way that words can’t express.”
Chapter President. During her time as a chapter officer, the
Winter 2021
Virginia Zeta RACHAEL TULLY (center) organizes a group at an event at Virginia Tech University.
Pi Beta Phi Foundation is uniquely focused on helping the Fraternity fulfill its mission — promoting friendship, developing women of intellect and integrity, cultivating leadership potential and enriching lives through community service. Foundation support ensures this work continues. “Our Foundation is the core of what Pi Phi espouses itself to be and do,” Rachael says. “My gifts allow our Foundation to continue its purpose.” Gifts to our Foundation provide critical resources which support leadership development, scholarships, reading initiatives, housing, heritage and grants for sisters in need. Because of gifts like Rachael’s, our Foundation is able to continue to offer care and support to every sister, every year. To those considering making a gift Rachael says, “Don’t underestimate the impact you have — whether it be one donation or a recurring gift. Oftentimes, we underestimate our impact and our ability to improve someone else’s experience. Each of us have the opportunity to make change for our sisters — some of us don’t even know it yet.”
From left, Virginia Zetas CARA STOMBOCK and RACHAEL TULLY stand in front of their chapter house.
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Points of Interest SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN Applications for 2022-2023 academic scholarships are now open! Undergraduate, Graduate Fellowship and Alumnae Continuing Education Scholarships benefit members at every stage of their educational pursuits. Applications must be completed and submitted in their entirety, including recommendations, before 11:59 p.m. PST on February 15, 2022. View the application criteria and begin your online application at pibetaphi.org/scholarships.
FDS500 GRANTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 84 COMMUNITIES As we celebrated Read > Lead > Achieve® Month in September, alumnae clubs and chapters nominated organizations from more than 30 states and provinces to receive an FDS500 grant. Each grant puts $1,000 worth of new, highquality books in the hands of children in need — including more books that represent diverse characters, voices and life experiences. We are Pi Phi Proud to say your gifts made it possible for us to support and fulfill all 84 applications we received. Giving to The Literacy Fund at your Foundation makes it possible to support literacy on both international and local
Oklahoma Beta KARLY FISHER received the Dorothy Nelson Hunter Memorial Scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year.
levels. We look forward to seeing the impact these grants will have on students and families in these communities.
JOIN US FOR HALO HAPPENINGS Hosted by Pi Beta Phi Foundation’s Board of Trustees, our Halo
HONOR AND CELEBRATE YOUR SISTERS
Happenings events provide members the opportunity to gather,
As we celebrate this holiday season, we encourage you to reflect
hear updates from Pi Phi leaders and learn more about the ways
on the past year and celebrate the sisters who have touched
we're making a difference for our sisterhood. Your Foundation
your life with friendship, loyalty and love by sending them a
is excited to visit the following cities for fun and Sincere
virtual wine carnation with a gift to our Foundation. When
Friendship:
you send a wine carnation to a sister, your support helps our Foundation respond to Pi Phi’s most pressing needs — maintaining essential support for the leadership, literacy, scholarship and emergency assistance programs that empower our members. Each carnation allows you to send a personalized message to your recipient, whether it’s to express gratitude for
• • • • •
Charleston, South Carolina Chicago Detroit New York City/Northern New Jersey Omaha, Nebraska
their support or a wish for the holiday season. Celebrate a sister today at pibetaphi.org/carnation.
Halo Happenings are open to any Pi Phi who would like to attend. Visit pibetaphi.org/halohappenings to learn more and register.
Winter 2021
PI BETA PHI LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE TO RETURN IN 2022 Pi Beta Phi is excited to return to Washington University in St. Louis July 14-17 for Leadership Institute 2022. In this three-day experience, participants will explore, investigate, dream and develop into confident women leaders who contribute to making the impossible the inevitable. Participants should desire to exemplify the Pi Beta Phi vision, mission and core values as leaders in their chapter, on their campus and in their communities. If you are interested in learning more about making a lead gift to support Leadership Institute, please contact Individual Giving Officer COURTNEY HAMMOCK, Colorado Epsilon. Learn more at pibetaphi.org/events.
WELCOME NEW TRUSTEES Your Foundation is excited to introduce the newest leaders on the Foundation Board of Trustees.
DONNA BUTTERWORTH,
KATHLEEN MERIANO,
GREER HORNE,
Virginia Eta, Trustee
New York Eta, Trustee
Virginia Zeta, Ex-Officio, Fraternity Grand Vice President Alumnae
Donna Butterworth is a long-time
Kathleen Meriano has been a Fraternity
Fraternity volunteer and Foundation
volunteer and Foundation supporter
Greer has spent her professional career
supporter. With a professional background
since joining her alumna life. A former
fundraising for national non-profits. She
in accounting and business, Donna brings
Regional Programming Specialist and
has volunteered for Pi Phi since 2008
a diverse financial business background
Leadership Development Consultant,
and served in various roles on the local,
and skillset to the Board of Trustees, one
Kathleen combines her passion for service
regional and international level. Greer
she has employed in numerous volunteer
with her business-oriented professional
believes in women supporting women, in
roles for Pi Beta Phi. Donna’s commitment
background to help guide the next
the experiences and opportunities Pi Phi
to sustaining Pi Phi for the long term
generation of Pi Phi leaders. She utilizes
has brought to women for the past 150
makes her an invaluable asset to our
this powerful combination to advocate
years, and in the opportunity we have to
Foundation’s leadership.
for the future of our sisterhood, represent
do so for the next 150.
young alumnae and steer our Foundation toward success in the long term.
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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 Gina Garrison Jones, Nebraska Beta Vice President Finance Mary Jane Buchele Johnson, Illinois Eta Vice President Development Terre McFillen Hall, Ohio Alpha Secretary Cindy Rice Svec, Kansas Beta Trustees Donna Butterworth, Virginia Eta Jennifer Windell Hazelton, Virginia Eta Leslie Magnus, New Jersey Alpha Kathleen Meriano, New York Eta Wendy Labreche Pratt, Massachusetts Beta Ex-Officio Greer Horne, Virginia Zeta Brenda Balkunas Wirth, Wisconsin Alpha
Engage with Your Foundation Virtually As we continue to seek out new ways to stay connected, your Foundation remains committed to evolving how we engage with donors and friends of Pi Phi. While we still cherish the chances to connect in-person, we are excited to continue offering engagement opportunities to keep in touch virtually. Setting aside a few minutes to connect with your Foundation — whether individually, with a group or even as an alumnae club activity — helps sisters and friends of Pi Phi remain connected despite physical distance. If you are interested in a virtual visit with a member of our Foundation staff or volunteer team, please contact Individual Giving Officer COURTNEY HAMMOCK, Colorado Epsilon, at chammock@pibetaphi.org.
Staff Executive Director Hallee Winnie, Michigan Gamma
Save the Date for Pi Phi Giving Day
Director of Advancement Jill Mackey Carrel, Indiana Gamma
Pi Phi Giving Day is April 28, 2022! Join Pi Phis and
Director of Operations & Programs Betsy West McCune, Missouri Alpha
friends around the world to celebrate and care for
Director of Finance & Administration Kim Sherman
Fund. After April 1, 2022, visit piphigivingday.org
our sisterhood by making a gift to the Friendship
Individual Giving Officer Courtney Hammock, Colorado Epsilon
and use #PiPhiGivingDay on social media to help
Development and Engagement Manager Emily Karcher, Maryland Gamma
Pi Beta Phi!
Development and Engagement Manager Megan Schwedtmann Operations and Programs Manager Mary Beth Unger Roy, Missouri Alpha
spread the word and share why you support
Stay connected all year long! pibetaphi.org/foundation
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