C O L L E G I AT E N E W S
Above: From left, Virginia Etas KATIE FITZGERALD, HELAINE RIDILLA, MICHELE LEE and SARAH SMITH.
traveling the world together. No matter where members were in the world, they were sharing incredible experiences and creating lifelong memories together. Texas Delta, Texas Christian University The Texas Delta Chapter has seen firsthand how Pi Beta Phi is not just for four years, but for life. The chapter has a strong relationship with Alumnae Advisory Committee member ANNIE BURES, Texas Beta, who works for Texas Christian University's Student Development Services Office. Annie often attends Texas Delta Chapter meetings and speaks to the collegiate women about alumnae life in Pi Beta Phi. Annie answers questions and offers advice for life after college. She is a valuable friend and mentor for the women.
VIRGINIA Virginia Epsilon, University of Virginia Like many Pi Phi chapters, Virginia Epsilon works each year on member recruitment and retention. To help introduce sisters to one another, and to keep them engaged with the chapter, Virginia Epsilon created two discretionary positions: Women's Concern Chair and Diversity Chair. The two positions work together to send out weekly emails listing fun, academic and interesting events taking place on campus that sisters can attend together. Past events include an art exhibit about the Global History of Black Girl Hood, a reading by Pulitzer
Prize Winner Junot Diaz and a panel of activists giving advice to the next generation. Going to these events has helped sisters feel closer and given them an opportunity to discuss important issues. Virginia Eta, University of Richmond From complete strangers to future bridesmaids, Virginia Eta sisters have built genuine relationships that make it hard to imagine what their lives were like before joining Pi Beta Phi. Virginia Etas MICHELE LEE and SARAH SMITH remember seeing each other frequently on campus, though they didn't know each other. It wasn't until Bid Day that the two were introduced. After many study sessions in the library and dinners in the dining hall alongside their New Member class, the two are now best friends. The two women are even going to be roommates in the Virginia Eta Chapter house this year. Virginia Theta, Washington & Lee University Virginia Thetas CECELIA WEINGART and ELIZABETH NEW hadn't crossed paths until they met through Pi Beta Phi. The women became close friends after realizing they had a mutual love for British literature. They recently participated in a study abroad program that allowed them to study this topic in Bath, England. Class trips included visits to historical sites throughout the country. On the weekends, the women visited other famous sites like Wales and Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
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