The Bow of Pi Beta Phi Foundation - Spring 2026

SPRING 2026

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE INVESTMENT LEADS TO IMPACT INN THE | POINTS OF INTEREST P I B E TA PHOPE HI FOU DAT I WORLD ON SPRING 2026

Message from Leadership Dear sisters and friends of Pi Phi, Pi Phi taught me the power of saying "yes," and staying connected to our sisterhood has empowered me to grow in confidence as a leader. Through my volunteer roles, including my current role as the Fraternity Housing Corporation Board President, I’ve gained invaluable experience that both complements and extends beyond my professional career.

I've also had the opportunity to build meaningful friendships and connections with sisters across North America—both as a collegian and now an alumna. Through these relationships, I’ve strengthened my

of those directly impacted by

ability to listen and collaborate with

Foundation giving—like the ones

a diverse group of women working

you’ll read in this issue—reminds me

toward a shared purpose. Our

why I give. Together, we are changing

collective vision to create a lasting

lives in meaningful and lasting

impact on the lives of our sisters is

ways. Through scholarships, grants,

deeply fulfilling, and being a part of

literacy initiatives and more, Pi Phi

this work that is bigger than any one

helps women focus on academics,

individual inspires me to give back

navigate unexpected financial

as a sister, leader and Pi Beta Phi

challenges and invest in their own

Foundation donor.

personal growth. For collegians

The tangible support the Foundation provides for our members inspires my involvement. Hearing the stories

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specifically, I’m proud of the wide range of leadership opportunities Pi Phi offers that prepare them for

life after college, reinforcing the value

It’s this shared support that has

and relevance of alumnae engagement.

shaped my own growth and will

Staying engaged after graduation, both through giving back financially

continue to shape the future of Pi Phi.

and volunteering one’s time and

My volunteer journey has been

wisdom, is critical to our sisterhood

deeply fulfilling, and I’m incredibly

and the Foundation’s future success.

grateful for every opportunity

The level of participation directly

I’ve had to learn and grow from

determines how much we can do for

the women alongside me. As we

our members and the communities

look forward to the year ahead, I

we serve. Though our individual

encourage you to invest in the future

passions and purpose may call us to

of Pi Beta Phi in a way that feels

different avenues of giving, financial

meaningful to you. Whether that

support in any capacity empowers

calls you to pay your alumnae dues

every sister to make a difference.

or give back to the Foundation—and

When alumnae invite and encourage

maybe deepen your impact through

one another to join in giving

volunteer service—I hope you feel

back, the collective impact grows

inspired by the connections you

significantly, allowing us to invest

will build and the collective power

more in our members, their futures

you become a part of. When we

and the communities they serve.

say “yes,” to our sisterhood and to one another, we create exponential opportunities together.

In Pi Phi,

Together, we are changing lives in meaningful and lasting ways.

P I B E TA P H I F O U N DAT I O N

Alisa Brooks Rudlang, Minnesota Alpha Fraternity Housing Corporation Board President

SPRING 2026

Members from the Phoenix, Arizona, Alumnae Club attend the Convention 2025 kickoff event at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. From left: Ohio Zeta KIM OBRIEN, South Dakota Alpha RENEE RICHARDSON BENNETT, New Mexico Beta HEATHER WILSON MILLER, Kentucky Gamma MORGAN RILEY SEXTON, Martha, Georgia Alpha WENDY PUTMAN BROOKS and Nebraska Beta GINA GARRISON JONES.

Investment Leads to Impact For many Pi Phis, service and

from—Martha grew up seeing

sisterhood go hand-in-hand and

firsthand how involvement fuels

giving back to an organization that

impact. Now, as the president of the

means so much to them comes as

Phoenix, Arizona, Alumnae Club,

a natural choice. For Kansas Alpha

Martha carries that legacy forward

MARTHA WILLIAMS NIELSEN ,

with a deeply committed group of

Pi Beta Phi values were an inherent

women, whose passion for Pi Phi’s

part of her upbringing. With three

philanthropy is matched only by

generations of Pi Phis in her

their enthusiasm for friendship

family—and three generations of

and fun.

Alumnae Club Presidents to learn

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Martha’s first introduction to

succeed—was contagious,” Martha

the Phoenix, Arizona, Alumnae

shares. “I was instantly hooked!”

Club was through its special interest group, Lunch Bunch, and the Birthday Books program— which provides two new books to each student at a local school during their birthday month. That experience ignited her involvement, leading her to be deeply engaged in the club’s Champions are Readers® and Fraternity Day of Service programs. “The excitement around literacy—and the genuine commitment to helping children

That passion led Martha to leadership within the club, where she served as Vice President Philanthropy and now serves as president, gaining a deeper appreciation for how intentionally the club supports literacy; both through volunteer service and meaningful contributions to The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation. “The club’s dedication to literacy is both heartfelt and hands-on and is strengthened

Four members received the Phoenix, Arizona, Alumnae Club’s monthly halo award for those who have gone above and beyond with a philanthropy initiative or event. From left: Iowa Zeta MARIANNE HAGAR MALLIA, New Mexico Alpha MURISA WESTGATE STENKE, Minnesota Alpha TRISH LARSON and Louisiana Beta DEBRA WARNER.

P I B E TA P H I F O U N DAT I O N

SPRING 2026

by intentional financial giving,”

spends in schools and with

she says. The Phoenix, Arizona,

students. The club continuously

Alumnae Club’s largest fundraising

partners with Kids Need to Read, a

initiative is 28 Days of Giving,

Phoenix-based literacy nonprofit,

where members work toward a

to supply books for their Birthday

goal of raising $10,000 each year

Books program and has nominated

for The Literacy Fund. “This annual

the organization for both a Pi Beta Phi

campaign reflects our belief that

Literacy Grant and a Local Impact

while volunteer hours are critical,

Grant—ensuring children in the

sustained financial support creates

community have access to new,

lasting change.”

high-quality reading material.

That financial investment directly complements the time the club

The club has also partnered with Arizona Beta collegians to volunteer

Members from the Phoenix, Arizona, Alumnae Club and Arizona Beta Chapter gather at Brunson Lee Elementary in preparation for their Champions are Readers® partnership.

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at Brunson Lee Elementary, where

and sustained partnerships in our

they helped create a pen pal

community, we are investing in

program to engage new readers,

children, education and the future,”

reorganized the media center to

says Martha. “I feel incredibly

ensure students can check out

blessed to serve as president of a

books and hosted a Storybook

club where generosity, friendship

Adventure read aloud event.

and purpose come together so

A testament to the club’s success is the unique way the women of all ages work together in service and support. Golden Arrows—members

beautifully. Being a Pi Phi isn’t something we were—it's something we live, every day, through service and sisterhood.”

celebrating 50 years since their

No matter how you stay engaged

initiation—make up nearly 35% of

with Pi Phi, getting involved creates

the membership and play a vital

opportunities to serve, give back to

role in leadership and participation.

the community and make a lasting

Many members have been involved

difference through Pi Beta Phi

since their collegiate years and

Foundation. When Pi Phis join

continue to serve in leadership

together, their collective impact

roles today.

reaches farther than any one of us

The club’s support of Pi Beta Phi Foundation and literacy initiatives is more than checking a box—it's an example of how engagement leads to investment, and investment leads to impact. “Through campaigns, volunteer service in classrooms

could alone. Consider joining or reconnecting with an alumnae club by visiting pibetaphi.org/club-locator and see how your engagement can make a difference for literacy, sisterhood and the future of Pi Beta Phi.

The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation powers the Fraternity’s Read > Lead > Achieve® initiatives, funding programs like Champions are Readers®, Fraternity Day of Service Signature Events and Local Impact Grants. Your gift helps continue these efforts and strengthens our collective commitment to literacy. Scan the QR code to give now and visit pibetaphi.org/literacy to learn more.

P I B E TA P H I F O U N DAT I O N

SPRING 2026

Hope in the World When Michigan Beta BETHANY

That moment meant far more than

BEATTY opened an email from

financial assistance. It preserved

Pi Beta Phi Foundation during her

Bethany’s place in a sisterhood that

senior year of college, the weight

shaped her undergraduate years

she’d been carrying for weeks

and ensured she could remain

finally lifted. “Learning I received

enrolled and graduate as a member

an Emma Harper Turner (EHT)

of Pi Phi at a time when uncertainty

Fund grant bathed me in relief,”

touched nearly every part of her life.

Bethany says.

Bethany grew up in the South Bay of Los Angeles, raised by parents who owned a small business in the restaurant industry. A love of learning led her to pursue bachelor’s degrees in biological sciences, healthcare sciences, and later, a master’s degree in integrative anatomical sciences.

Today, she works as a senior project data manager for a clinical research organization.

Bethany was drawn to Pi Phi during recruitment at the University of Michigan by the warmth she felt the moment she stepped into the chapter facility. “The genuine friendships among the members were tangible from the first moment I walked in,” she says.

Bethany at her graduation from the University of Southern California.

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From left: Michigan Betas REGAN WILCOX, Bethany and CHRISTY PEPLOW KUBERT at Michigan Beta Bid Day.

The philanthropy round of

her final year of college, however,

recruitment further deepened that

circumstances beyond her control

connection, as learning about the

would put her ability to remain an

literacy crisis in North America

active member—and even to remain

challenged her perspective. “With

in school—at risk.

my upbringing in a privileged community, I had no idea there was such a large percentage of people unable to read,” Bethany says.

“Reading has always been a favorite past time of mine, but it is also such an important everyday skill.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic upended daily life, Bethany’s family experienced sudden financial hardship. Her parents’ business lost nearly all income, and the support they had been able to offer throughout her

That awareness, paired with the

undergraduate education quickly

ease she felt being herself among

became impossible. With tuition

members, made joining Pi Phi feel

payments looming and limited

like a natural next step. During

personal resources, Bethany began

P I B E TA P H I F O U N DAT I O N

SPRING 2026

to question whether she’d be able to

When she learned she’d been

finish her degree. Facing mounting

awarded the grant, the relief was

uncertainty, she also believed her

immediate. Because the grant

time in Pi Phi was coming to an end.

helped cover tuition, it eased the

“I went to our chapter meeting for

most pressing financial burden

what I thought was the last time,”

threatening her enrollment. The

Bethany says.

support made it possible for her

Then she learned about the EHT Fund. EHT Fund grants support collegians by helping cover educational expenses billed by their host institution—providing critical relief during times of financial distress. Bethany applied, feeling hopeful for the first time in weeks.

to remain enrolled and finish her final semester strong. By alleviating those educational expenses, the grant freed up her limited personal funds—allowing her to meet other financial responsibilities and remain active with Pi Phi during the last chapter of her collegiate experience.

That continuity mattered more than she realized at the time.

“Being able to remain a collegiate member during that time was incredibly meaningful because Pi Phi had been a constant during my undergraduate career,” Bethany says. “I don’t think I’d be as involved as an alumna today without that final semester. It cemented my connection to the organization.”

From left: Pi Beta Phi Foundation Director of Development Amy Riesinger and Bethany at a South Bay, California, Alumnae Club Foundation engagement event.

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That connection continues to shape

deeply with her. “Learning about

her life. As an alumna, Bethany

the work the Foundation has done

found her way to the South Bay,

to give back to members in need

California, Alumnae Club, seeking

was very meaningful,” Bethany says.

community while working remotely

“This event inspired me to give back

and living far from college friends.

to Pi Phi.”

By joining the club, she found camaraderie across generations.

“I truly feel the meaning of Sincere Friendship when I’m at club meetings and spending time with sisters in between,” Bethany says.

Looking back, Bethany sees the EHT Fund grant as a turning point with an impact that extended far beyond one semester. Knowing she had the financial support—made possible

by Foundation donors—needed to

In Fall 2025, Bethany attended her

finish her senior year strong, she

first Foundation engagement event

applied to graduate school, which

and gained a deeper appreciation

helped her secure the job she has

for the impact of generosity within

today. “That generosity gave me

our sisterhood. Hearing about

hope in the world,” Bethany says.

grants awarded to sisters affected

“Receiving this grant reminded me I

by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires

belong to a community of amazing

and the Foundation’s continued

women, even when the world feels

commitment to literacy resonated

upside down.”

Bethany’s story shows what is possible when support is available at the right moment. For every sister whose path was changed by an EHT Fund grant or scholarship, there are others who may still be wondering how they will continue. Imagine the impact future gifts could have on members facing unexpected hardship, uncertainty or transition. By making a gift to our Foundation, you can help ensure more sisters experience the same life-changing support Bethany did.

When you give to Pi Beta Phi Foundation, you help turn moments of unease into moments of hope. Make your gift at giving.pibetaphi.org or scan the QR code.

P I B E TA P H I F O U N DAT I O N

SPRING 2026

Points of Interest $270,018.67 RAISED ON PI PHI GIVING DAY! On March 14, more than 1,200 Pi Phis and friends celebrated Pi Phi Giving Day by raising $270,018.67 for The Friendship Fund—our biggest giving day yet! These gifts help prepare members to lead, award scholarships, provide care for sisters in crisis and meet additional needs not covered by designated funds along.

Thank you to everyone whose gifts, encouragement and enthusiasm helped make Pi Phi Giving Day a success, and a special thank you to our milestone and challenge donors who helped us surpass our goal!

1,013 ALUMNAE DONORS

153 FRIENDS OF PI PHI

348 NEW DONORS

249 WITH A GIFT OF $186.70 OR MORE

THANK YOU, FOUNDATION DONORS! Pi Beta Phi thanks our sisters and friends who have made gifts of $1,000 or more between July 1, 2025, and March 15, 2026. Donors who make annual gifts of $1,000 or more model the way through loyalty, leadership and Lifelong Commitment—and provide pivotal support to Pi Phi each year.

View the list at pibetaphi.org/donors.

If you're not on the list, consider making a gift before the fiscal year ends on June 30, 2026. Scan the QR code or visit pibetaphi.org/bowgiving.

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THANK YOU, CHAPTERS AND ALUMNAE CLUBS Each year, Pi Phi chapters and alumnae clubs demonstrate Philanthropic Service to Others by giving back to Pi Beta Phi Foundation and making a difference in their communities. Through their contributions, they invest in every sister and ensure Pi Phi remains a constant for future generations.

Chapters and clubs raised $1,098,282.97 for Pi Beta Phi Foundation between January 1 and December 31, 2025. We are immensely grateful for their continued support and proud to recognize the top 10 chapters and clubs for Foundation giving in alphabetical order below: TOP 10 CHAPTERS •

Alabama Beta

•

Mississippi Beta

•

California Eta

•

Missouri Gamma

•

California Theta

•

Nevada Alpha

•

California Zeta

•

Ontario Alpha

•

Florida Beta

•

Texas Eta

•

Philadelphia-Main Line,

TOP 10 ALUMNAE CLUBS •

Boca Raton, Florida, Alumnae Club

• •

•

Phoenix, Arizona, Alumnae Club

Alumnae Club

•

Richardson-Plano, Texas,

Greater Kansas City Alumnae Club

•

Alumnae Club •

Nashville, Tennessee, Alumnae Club

•

Pennsylvania, Alumnae Club

Fort Worth, Texas,

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,

South Bay, California, Alumnae Club

•

St. Louis, Missouri, Alumnae Club

Alumnae Club

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SPRING 2026

EXCLUSIVE DONOR RESOURCE Our investment partner, AMG National Trust, has created a collection of insightful reports tailored to various life stages. As an exclusive digital resource for our donors, these reports provide valuable guidance—whether you’re launching your career, getting married or planning for retirement.

“Leaving a Legacy” provides expert financial insights on legacy building across life phases and making a lasting difference with donor advised funds.

Make a gift that lasts with FreeWill Pi Beta Phi Foundation has partnered with FreeWill to offer members a free, secure way to create or update a will or revocable trust—providing a meaningful and practical way for you to shape Pi Phi’s future for years to come by considering an estate gift to Pi Beta Phi Foundation. By removing common barriers to estate planning, FreeWill empowers individuals to take an important step in planning for their future. Through this partnership, our donors will have a simpler pathway for legacy giving.

Scan the QR code to learn more and create your free will today.

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10,000 NEW BOOKS FOR PORTLAND DURING FRATERNITY DAY OF SERVICE In early March, Pi Phis across North America celebrated Fraternity Day of Service (FDS) by engaging in literacy-related service events within their communities. As part of our commitment to inspire a lifelong love of reading, the Fraternity hosted a book distribution on March 14 in Portland, Oregon, for our FDS Signature Event. In partnership with First Book®, Pi Phi volunteers distributed 10,000 new, culturally responsive books to Portland youth-serving organizations and schools.

Our Signature Events are a tangible demonstration of Pi Beta Phi’s ongoing support for children, teachers and communities—especially in places where budgets often cannot stretch to provide new, diverse books.

Gifts to The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation are essential to the success of Pi Phi’s literacy initiatives—providing full financial support for all Read > Lead > Achieve® programs, including FDS Signature Events. When you give to The Literacy Fund, you expand children’s access to diverse books and create opportunities for them to read, learn and reach their full potential.

Scan the QR code to make a difference today.

From left: Oregona Alphas MADDY HERINGER, ELOISE DICK, CHLOE BRANSON, KATIE CHENG and ANDRIA YAO volunteer at the FDS Signature Event in Portland, Oregon.

P I B E TA P H I F O U N DAT I O N

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Your gifts to the Friendship Fund help Pi Phi prepare members to lead, award scholarships, fund our literacy work, care for our sisters—and so much more. Make a gift today at pibetaphi.org/bowgiving or scan the QR code.

You can ensure an even brighter future for our sisterhood.

See Foundation staff at pibetaphi.org/staff

Ex-Officio Beth Torres, Illinois Zeta Alisa Brooks Rudlang, Minnesota Alpha

Trustees Connell Sullivan Branan, California Gamma Kim Barger Durand, Oregon Alpha Alison Veit Heafitz, Illinois Zeta Kathy Pizzetta Springer, Mississippi Alpha

Secretary Michael Bettin, Utah Alpha

Vice President Development Kathleen Meriano, New York Eta

Vice President Finance Donna Butterworth, Virginia Eta

Board of Trustees President Wendy Labreche Pratt, Massachusetts Beta

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