Message from Leadership
Dear sisters and friends of Pi Phi,
Growing up in a large family of Pi Phis, I witnessed the beauty of Sincere Friendships that spanned generations—and even as a young girl, I felt the lasting strength of our sisterhood. When I was a collegian attending a university far from home, Pi Phi continued to provide me with an incredible support network and many lifelong friends. Shortly after graduation, I received a mailing from Pi Beta Phi with the phrase “Pi Phi is for Life!” No truer words have ever been spoken.
Today, as an alumna and Foundation Trustee, the meaningful relationships and lifelong connections I continue to form through Pi Phi assure me there is nothing quite like the enduring bonds of our sisterhood. That’s why I feel so strongly about supporting the Foundation and ensuring Pi Phi remains a thriving, relevant place where friendships can be cultivated for generations to come. Whether it’s through developing confident leaders, providing essential support to sisters in crisis or inspiring a lifelong love
of reading—the work of the Foundation has a lasting, positive impact on members’ lives and the communities we serve. I saw this firsthand when a fellow California Gamma sister received a lifechanging scholarship through Pi Phi that enabled her to continue her education. Her story is one of countless examples of Pi Phi’s commitment to education and Philanthropic Service to Others— and it’s stories like hers that inspire me to enthusiastically contribute to our Foundation.
Giving back to Pi Phi looks different for every member. Whether through time, talent or treasure, every form of support is deeply valued— and with so many talented and
successful women in our Fraternity, I would encourage every member to get involved. Whether it be locally or internationally, your involvement makes a difference!
Alumnae engagement not only ensures support for our members and philanthropic efforts, but it also provides opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment. Having the opportunity to volunteer for our Foundation has allowed me to give back in a manner focused on
service, while also reigniting my passion to stay engaged. Witnessing the incredible work and positive impact the Foundation has made in so many lives is inspiring.
Volunteering with Pi Phi has given me a lifetime of learning, leadership opportunities and Sincere Friendships with so many amazing women. There’s something truly special when Pi Phis work together toward a common goal. This sense of unity is why I encourage every member to give back in a way that feels meaningful to them.
... the meaningful relationships and lifelong connections I continue to form through Pi Phi assure me there is nothing quite like the enduring bonds of our sisterhood.
As we near the end of the fiscal year, I hope you’ll join me in honoring our Lifelong Commitment. Any gift is a powerful way to show your support for our sisterhood.
In Pi Phi,
CONNELL
SULLIVAN BRANAN , California Gamma Pi Beta Phi Foundation Trustee
The Spirit of Service
Returning to her chapter to serve as an Advisor wasn’t something Alabama Beta MARY-KEELEY
MCALLISTER SMITH anticipated, but it’s become one of the most meaningful experiences of her Pi Phi journey so far. When a sister in her community encouraged Mary-Keeley to serve on the Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) for Alabama Beta, she took a leap of faith. Now, as the AAC Community
Relations, Mary-Keeley has developed a passion for supporting Pi Beta Phi Foundation through fundraising. “Year after year, our members try to out-fundraise themselves,” she shares. “The impact Foundation gifts have made in our community is unmatched— I’m so proud.”
As someone whose mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother were all librarians, The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation feels especially close to home for Mary-Keeley. “Literacy is the key to success, and being part of a sisterhood that shares and nurtures this passion inspires me every day,” she says.
At Alabama Beta, Mary-Keeley plays an important role in guiding members to live out the Fraternity's core value of Philanthropic Service to Others. Her passion for fundraising is rooted in a deep love for her community and a desire to create change at the local level. Through generous fundraising efforts for The Literacy Fund, MaryKeeley has helped Alabama Beta bring the mission of Read > Lead > Achieve ® to life in a meaningful way.
“When I joined AAC, our members were eager to support Pi Beta Phi’s literacy initiatives but weren’t sure where to start,” she explains. “I helped them recognize they could make a substantial impact by partnering with existing literacy programs in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, community. By showing our members that their time and energy can strengthen efforts already in place, we’ve been able to make a more focused and sustainable difference.”
That insight led the chapter to partner with Reading Allies, a local literacy initiative that pairs trained volunteers with first, second and third grade students reading below grade level. Alabama Beta collegians and alumnae—including members of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Alumnae Club—now donate their time each week to tutor students in local schools. “Our members are constantly striving to do more,” Mary-Keeley adds. “Through our efforts, we’ve been able to expand this program and support tutoring that brings struggling readers up to grade level, often within a single
semester. It’s deeply rewarding to know our giving is changing lives right here in Tuscaloosa.”
For Mary-Keeley, the key to fundraising is both heart and strategy. She’s learned the most effective way to inspire others to give is through stories that show the real difference their gifts can make. "Seeing reading scores rise by a full grade level makes the impact of our efforts tangible,” she explains. “Fundraising can sometimes feel abstract, but when Foundation gifts are used strategically and intentionally, the difference we make becomes clear. I’ve witnessed firsthand how each of us has the power to change lives.”
That spirit of service is at the heart of one of Alabama Beta’s most successful philanthropic efforts to date. Through fundraising events such as Breakfast for Champions—a campus favorite held during Parents’ Weekend— and Pi’s, Burgers and Phries—a spring cookout hosted with a fraternity partner—as well as the generosity of donors, Alabama Beta was able to raise more than
$43,000 for The Literacy Fund in 2024. The chapter was then able to amplify their impact with the Foundation’s Local Impact Grant Program—an initiative that allows chapters and clubs to direct 25% of their fundraising contributions, matched by the Foundation, to a local literacy-focused nonprofit.
Mary-Keeley and members from Alabama Beta recognized this as an opportunity to join forces with the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation to nominate Reading Allies for a Local Impact Grant from Pi Beta Phi Foundation. “By focusing on timing, community engagement and building events people genuinely enjoy, we’ve been able to make a real impact,” Mary-Keeley says.
BROGNO , Executive Director
Lasseter and BROOKE MAYOR
Alabama Beta members awarding the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation with a check. From left: AVA HEEREN , MORGAN BERRIER , CATHERINE
of the Tuscaloosa Education Foundation
Caroline
“Since I joined AAC in 2022, Alabama Beta has raised just shy of $200,000 for Pi Beta Phi Foundation— something I’m incredibly proud of. But this partnership with Reading Allies extends beyond financial support—it’s a collaborative, community-driven effort that is shaping brighter futures. Knowing our contributions are directly enhancing educational opportunities and fostering a love for learning makes every effort truly meaningful.”
Mary-Keeley's hope for the future is that the women of Alabama Beta carry the spirit of service with them throughout their lives and continue
to set a positive example for Pi Phis everywhere. “I hope our members take pride in the profound impact their efforts have, both in Tuscaloosa and across the nation,” she says. “Through our chapter’s dedication, we have built a reputation as women committed to service, and my greatest hope is that this spirit carries into our sisters’ careers and futures. I want Alabama Beta to stand as a pillar of service within Pi Phi, inspiring not only one another but also sisters nationwide to lead with compassion and purpose.”
LOCAL IMPACT GRANTS HELP PI PHIS EXTEND THE FRATERNITY’S LITERACY MISSION INTO THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.
When chapters and alumnae clubs raise money for The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation, they can nominate a local organization to receive support through a grant. Through this program, 25% of each group’s fundraising total can be directed to a literacy-focused nonprofit of their choice—matched dollar-for-dollar by the Foundation. To view the Local Impact Grant recipient groups, find chapters and clubs who have nominated organizations and learn how you can make an impact, visit pibetaphi.org/LIG
HALO HEAVEN
Pi Beta Phi's 75 th Biennial Convention is almost here—and whether you'll be joining us in Louisville or cheering from home, you can still be part of the celebration. Halo Heaven is now open, giving you the chance to honor sisters, celebrate friendships and support Pi Phi’s future—all with the simple, powerful act of sending a halo.
Each halo is a heartfelt tribute to those who make our sisterhood shine, and every donation fuels the Friendship Fund—supporting leadership development, literacy efforts, scholarships and more. Join us in a Celebration of Sisterhood by sharing Pi Phi Love. Visit haloheaven.org or scan the QR code to send a halo before June 21.
Points of Interest
AMG LIFE RESOURCE
Whether you’re getting married, launching a career or planning for retirement, our Foundation's investment partner—AMG National Trust—has created an insightful collection of reports tailored to key life milestones. Designed to provide valuable advice and guidance, we are pleased to offer these as exclusive resources for our donors.
"Make Yourself Retirement Ready” provides expert advice and insights on preparing yourself for retirement both financially and mentally. Scan the QR code to read the article.
YOUR PARTICIPATION MATTERS—COMPLETE THE PHILANTHROPIC GIVING SURVEY
Invitations to complete the 2025 Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) Survey conducted by Cygnus were emailed to members on May 29. This research will offer key insights that can be used to develop national benchmarks for evaluating fundraising success, while also providing fraternities and sororities with strategic recommendations to improve their own efforts. Pi Beta Phi is participating in this survey to gather valuable insight into strengthening our fundraising initiatives, enhancing member engagement, increasing support for programs and more.
Your participation is deeply valued—we encourage you to complete the survey to support this important research and improve Pi Phi’s fundraising strategies. Check your inbox for an invitation from Cygnus or contact our Foundation staff at fndn@pibetaphi.org , if you did not receive the survey.
LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT
Supporting our Foundation is a deeply personal decision—one that reflects your values, goals and Lifelong Commitment to our sisterhood. You’re invited to explore a range of giving options that align with what matters most to you. Below are a few meaningful ways you can give beyond traditional donations:
STOCK DONATIONS
Giving appreciated securities—such as stocks—is a powerful way to support our sisterhood while potentially receiving significant tax benefits. Whether you’ve been investing for years or just starting out, stock gifts allow you to gift shares of stock you own without paying capital gains taxes and are a thoughtful way to help our Foundation fulfill its mission.
IRA ROLLOVER GIFTS
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Charitable Rollover allows donors age 70 ½ and older to make a qualified charitable distribution directly from their IRA to Pi Beta Phi Foundation—without first recognizing the distribution as taxable income. For donors obligated to take a required minimum distribution, this option provides a tax-wise way to support our sisterhood. If you’re interested in giving through an IRA Charitable Rollover, scan the QR code to visit our IRA Gift FAQs.
PLANNED GIVING
Planned gifts represent a powerful and lasting investment in Pi Phi’s future. Whether through a bequest in your will, naming Pi Beta Phi Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA or establishing a charitable trust, you can choose the method that best reflects the legacy you wish to leave. All planned gift donors are honored as members of the Marianne Reid Wild Society—sharing your plans with us allows us to honor your generosity and plan more effectively for the future. Scan the QR code to explore your planned giving options.
Your commitment, in any form, strengthens our sisterhood. To learn more about these and other giving opportunities, visit pibetaphi.org/giving . If you have questions or need help determining the right fit for you, our Foundation staff is here to help—please reach out to fndn@pibetaphi.org .
THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR FOUNDATION
We extend our most sincere gratitude to Kansas Beta CINDY RICE SVEC , Texas Beta ANA MANCEBO MILLER and New Jersey Alpha LESLIE MAGNUS as they end their service to the Foundation Board of Trustees on June 30.
We are thankful to Cindy, Ana and Leslie for their commitment and dedicated service to Pi Beta Phi. They have been instrumental during their tenure on the board positioning our Foundation to preserve Pi Phi’s past, focus on our present and ensure a bright future for our sisterhood.
— FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JILL MACKEY CARREL, INDIANA GAMMA
Current and former Elizabeth Kates Foundation Board Members and members of the Richmond, Virginia, Alumnae Club. From left: Ohio Beta SONIA PHIPPS BROKAW , Indiana Epsilon MARY PETTICREW SMALLING , Mississippi Alpha JANE PERKINSON WAYLAND , Georgia Alpha JOAN ROSSER DALRYMPLE , Virginia Gamma KAREN CLARK NORSWORTHY and New York Delta VICKEY VERWEY
Impact Close to Home
Pi Beta Phi is committed to the transformative power of literacy, believing a lifelong love of reading unlocks potential and fosters a more literate and productive society. While The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation supports reading initiatives across North
America through Read > Lead > Achieve ®, Pi Phi chapters and alumnae clubs also recognize the importance of advancing literacy programs and increasing access to books within their local communities. Since its inception in 2013, the Local Impact Grant
program has awarded nearly $1 million to literacy-focused, nonprofit organizations chosen directly by our chapters and clubs—making a powerful impact close to home and close to their hearts.
The Local Impact Grant Program allows members to directly give back to the community in which they serve, funding local literacy initiatives and expanding volunteer opportunities. “Literacy is the great equalizer and the key to personal and professional success—an individual cannot succeed in life without the essential skill of reading,” shares Board Member of The Elizabeth Kates Foundation JANE PERKINSON WAYLAND , Mississippi Alpha. Nominated by the Richmond, Virginia, Alumnae Club for a Local Impact Grant, The Elizabeth Kates Foundation provides educational and vocational programs to support women inmates as they prepare for successful reentry into society.
The Foundation is named in honor of Pennsylvania Beta ELIZABETH M. KATES —the first female warden
Literacy is the great equalizer and the key to personal and professional success.
in Virginia and the superintendent of the State Industrial Farm for Women in Goochland, Virginia, serving from 1932-1964. A visionary ahead of her time, Elizabeth believed women in prison could benefit from personal development and job training, empowering them to reenter society as productive citizens. As the prison population grew, she turned to her Pi Phi sisters in the Richmond, Virginia, Alumnae Club to meet the increasing need for vocational education and support. Today, four members of the alumnae club serve on the Foundation’s Board, continuing Elizabeth’s legacy by
championing literacy and vocational opportunities for women—just as she envisioned decades ago.
Over the years, Local Impact Grants awarded to The Elizabeth Kates Foundation have enabled the Richmond, Virginia, Alumnae Club to fund and support literacy experiences such as Kates Readers. Kates Readers focuses on improving literacy for incarcerated women working toward their GED certifications by providing books, study guides, notebooks and volunteer-led discussions. Participation in the book club promotes and strengthens analytical and critical thinking, both of which are tested on the GED exam. Many participants are mothers and grandmothers, often writing heartfelt letters to alumnae club members to share their excitement about reading with their children and grandchildren during visits. “From financial decisions to locating a job to purchasing food—everything involves reading,” Jane says. “We strive to do all we can to help an incarcerated woman be successful when released,
and we couldn’t do it without Local Impact Grants from Pi Beta Phi Foundation.”
The success of The Elizabeth Kates Foundation is only a snapshot of the powerful impact Pi Beta Phi Foundation has made in our chapters’ and clubs’ local communities through the Local Impact Grant Program. When Pi Phis come together to support literacy initiatives, whether those efforts begin in early
When Pi Phis come together to support literacy initiatives, whether those efforts begin in early childhood or later in life, the results are truly transformative.
childhood or later in life, the results are truly transformative. Gifts to The Literacy Fund not only support programs—they invest in brighter futures, stronger communities and lasting change.
Join sisters and friends in continuing this impactful work by making a gift to The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation. Your support plays a
critical role in the success of literacy programs such as Local Impact Grants, providing communities with access to the life-changing power of literacy. Make a gift today by visiting pibetaphi.org/giving or scan the QR code and select The Literacy Fund
Elizabeth Kates Foundation Board Members making holiday gift bags for 400 inmates. From left: Two board members with Sonia and Vickey.
Board of Trustees
President Wendy Labreche Pratt, Massachusetts Beta
Town & Country Commons Drive
1154
Town & Country, Missouri 63017
Secretary
Kim Barger Durand, Oregon Alpha
Vice President Development
Kathleen Meriano, New York Eta
Vice President Finance
Donna Butterworth, Virginia Eta
Trustees
Michael Bettin, Utah Alpha
Connell Sullivan Branan, California Gamma
Heafitz, Illinois Zeta
Alison Veit
Leslie Magnus, New Jersey Alpha
Cindy Rice Svec, Kansas Beta
Ex-Officio
Ana Mancebo Miller, Texas Beta
Alisa Brooks Rudlang, Minnesota Alpha
The Bow is available to download in a fully accessible digital format, compatible with screen readers, to ensure everyone can enjoy our content.
Download The Bow at pibetaphi.org/bow .
See Foundation staff at pibetaphi.org/staff
You can ensure an even brighter future for our sisterhood. 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.