Message from Leadership
Dear sisters and friends of Pi Phi,
This season of giving is the perfect time to reflect on the power of Pi Phi—the experiences that shape us, the friendships that sustain us and the impact of our sisterhood in action. Every Pi Beta Phi Foundation grant, leadership development opportunity and life touched demonstrates how Pi Phi continues to light the way forward for a bright future.
As a Pi Phi leader and current member of the Emma Harper Turner (EHT) Fund Committee, I see firsthand how our sisterhood shows up when it matters most. Whether it’s a medical emergency, job loss, natural disaster or other unexpected challenge, EHT Fund grants provide a vital lifeline for our members in need. It warms my heart every time a grant is approved—and serves as a reminder of the compassion and strength that define our sisterhood. I’m motivated to give my time and efforts to Pi Phi because I’ve experienced the profound impact we have on our members. During my time as a member of Utah Alpha’s Alumnae Advisory Committee,
I enjoyed guiding collegians through tough challenges and celebrating sisters’ successes, both tangible reminders of why giving back matters. Thanks to our generous donors, the work our Foundation is doing ensures every Pi Phi has access to the resources needed to help her reach her full potential with confidence, while sustaining a premier member experience.
Because of our donors, Pi Beta Phi is motion. As we reflect on the impact of the past year, the support for our sisters remains as impactful as ever—and for that we are grateful.
Together, we can continue to impact the lives of our members by honoring our Lifelong Commitment to Pi Beta Phi. Our philanthropic support is vital to continue shining a bright light on Pi Phi’s legacy of Sincere Friendship, leadership and service. As we near the end of the calendar year, I hope you’ll join me in supporting our sisterhood for generations to come. Any gift is a powerful way to shine a bright light on our future.
In Pi Phi, Michael Bettin, Utah Alpha Secretary, Pi Beta Phi Foundation Board of Trustees
As we reflect on the impact of the past year, the support for our sisters remains as impactful as ever—and for that we are grateful.
POWERING OUR PURPOSE: PI BETA PHI FOUNDATION IN MOTION
In the Winter 2024 issue of The Bow , we introduced our partnership with Aly Sterling Philanthropy (ASP) to evaluate and enhance the Foundation's strategic plan and operations. Over the past year, ASP identified key priorities to position our Foundation for long-term success—modernizing our approach to giving and ensuring we have the right strategies, systems and people in place to sustain growth, deepen donor trust and best serve our sisterhood. This progress is made possible by donors investing in our sisterhood and our shared purpose to empower Pi Phis and the communities we serve. Our work is not done, and this next season will require both dedication and evolution as we move forward with new approaches while remaining true to our mission. Scan the QR code or visit pibetaphi.org/asp-update to learn more about this work.
Leadership Carries Forward
Giving back to Pi Beta Phi—through time, talent or treasure—is a deeply personal choice. Whether inspired by a child who discovered a love for reading, a sister who chased her dreams after receiving a Pi Phi scholarship or the way their own life was changed through donor support, every member carries a unique “why” when it comes to supporting our sisterhood. For New York Epsilon TERRI ANDERSON QUICK , she chose to contribute to a cause she holds close to her heart: empowering women to become confident leaders. To give back to the chapter that guided her own journey, Terri established a Chapter Leadership Education Expendable (CLEE) fund for New York Epsilon.
A CLEE fund can help remove financial barriers for chapters to engage in leadership development programming and events. Designed to support both chapter officers and individual members, these funds can be used to cover travel and registration costs for Pi Phisponsored leadership development programs, giving more sisters the invaluable opportunity to invest
in their leadership potential. CLEE fund grants also make it possible to provide meaningful leadership development experiences at the chapter level, such as hosting guest speakers for members to learn from.
For Terri, establishing a CLEE for her chapter represents more than supporting our members’ leadership journeys—it fosters their continued success and connection to our sisterhood. “I wanted to give back in a way that would connect the collegiate experience and continued participation with Pi Phi after graduation,” she says. “Leadership development is something that carries forward.”
Terri’s own passion for leadership development has been longstanding, from serving in various officer positions as a collegian to upholding her ROTC— or Reserve Officers' Training Corps—scholarship. Reflecting on her early leadership experience, Terri notes Pi Phi’s encouraging environment, further bolstering her passion. “I was never criticized for making a mistake, so I felt empowered to figure out what worked for me,” she shares. “I've since become much more comfortable with my leadership style reflecting who I am rather than leading like someone else, and I want to provide encouragement for other women to do the same.”
Empowering today’s leaders is deeply fulfilling for Terri, but it’s made even more meaningful knowing she's supporting the chapter that shaped the person she is today. “I sincerely cherish my collegiate years and the foundation they gave me for my career and personal growth,” she says. As someone who attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) herself, Terri also understands the unique challenges New York Epsilons may face, further driving her commitment to give back through a CLEE fund. “RPI is a heavily technical school, and many degree programs are male dominated. I want to support women particularly in those environments
From left: New York Epsilons BROOKE BAUER , COLLEEN WHITTAKER , OLIVIA MASON , EMILY MYSLIWIEC , CYNTHIA SCHWAB , DANA PUPALAIKIS and RIDHEE SHINDE at RPI’s graduation.
where it can be tempting to dial back your leadership style to fit in."
Terri not only recognizes the transformative power of CLEE funds for members but also values the opportunity they provide for
every donor to make a meaningful impact, regardless of the amount they give. “Once established, CLEE funds create an option to contribute directly to a chapter’s leadership development," she says. “Contributions going forward can be any amount which may make it more affordable for donors to add to the fund.”
I've since become much more comfortable with my leadership style reflecting who I am rather than leading like someone else, and I want to provide encouragement for other women to do the same.
In her own journey as a donor, Terri has also recognized the negative narrative that often surrounds the fraternity/sorority experience—a perspective she believes can be shifted through donor generosity. “There is a lot of media attention about the overwhelming social aspects of the sorority experience, and far less is paid to the personal leadership growth that comes from participating in chapter life,” she reflects. “I’d like to think many of us can look back on our collegiate experience and see the value of leadership development in our lives today. CLEE fund grants provide those same opportunities for collegians and reinforce what the sorority experience is truly about.”
Establishing or supporting a CLEE fund is an act of compassion and generosity that makes a lasting difference for individual members and the fraternity/sorority community at large.
Chapters with CLEE funds:
Arizona Beta
California Alpha
California Eta
D.C Alpha*
Indiana Delta
Indiana Gamma
Iowa Gamma
Iowa Zeta
Kansas Alpha
Mississippi Beta*
Mississippi Gamma
New York Epsilon*
North Carolina Delta
Ohio Alpha
Oklahoma Alpha
Oklahoma Beta
Tennessee Delta
Tennessee Gamma
Texas Alpha
Texas Beta
Texas Delta
Texas Epsilon
Texas Gamma
Texas Zeta
*CLEE has been established but has not reached $10,000 minimum balance.
To make a gift to an established CLEE Fund, scan the QR code or visit pibetaphi.org/give , scroll to the “Select a Fund” drop-down menu and click “Leadership” to see the full list of options—then click the name of the chapter you’d like to support.
To learn how you can start a CLEE to empower leaders in your own chapter, contact Foundation Program Manager Betsy McCune at bmccune@pibetaphi.org .
The Gift of Opportunity
For Minnesota Alpha BELLA DOLS , receiving a Pi Beta Phi Foundation scholarship meant more than financial relief; it meant freedom: freedom to focus on her studies, explore her passions and pursue the bright future she envisions for herself.
A junior at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, Bella is majoring in management information systems and finance. Raised just outside of Minneapolis in Elk River, Minnesota, Bella describes herself as someone who values community and connection. Those same values drew her to Pi Beta Phi, where she found both belonging and inspiration among women who share her drive to learn, lead and serve. “When I opened my Bid Day card and saw ‘Pi Phi,’ I never looked back,” Bella shares.
Within Minnesota Alpha, Bella found a network of hardworking and passionate women who encouraged her to grow as a student, leader and friend. Holding roles such as Vice President Community Relations and Champions are Readers ® Program
Chair, she quickly discovered how leadership within Pi Phi could shape her both personally and professionally. “The friendships I’ve built here have encouraged me to be a shoulder to lean on—but more importantly, they’ve taught me how to reach out when I’m the one in need of a shoulder,” Bella says.
This supportive community inspired Bella to apply for a Pi Beta Phi Foundation scholarship. Bella vividly remembers receiving the news that she earned the Emma Brownlee Kilgore Scholarship—a brief moment that would have a lifelong impact. “I was leaving my internship when my phone buzzed,” she recalls. “The subject line of the email said: ‘Congratulations! You have been awarded...’ and my heart jumped. I immediately called my family and then played my favorite songs the entire drive home.”
Beyond the initial excitement, the scholarship has made a lasting difference in Bella’s daily life. “This scholarship has given me priceless peace of mind,” she shares. “I now walk through my days knowing I have countless supporters who
believe in me. It didn’t just award me money—it truly gave me the gift of time.”
That gift has translated into real opportunity. Bella estimates the Foundation’s support has given her back more than 625 hours this school year alone—time she would have otherwise spent working three part-time jobs to help cover tuition. Instead, she’s been able to invest that time in studying, preparing for interviews and building relationships that will shape her future career. “Without this scholarship, I would have spent every Friday working to contribute to my tuition,” she explains. “Now, my Fridays are for learning, growing and showing up as the best version of myself.”
Bella’s sights are set on a future in consulting—a field that challenges her to solve problems, connect with people and think strategically. Next year, she’ll study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, where she plans to gain firsthand experience in global finance and leadership. “This is undoubtedly the scariest yet most exciting decision I’ve ever made,” she says. “I’m thrilled to have the
opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone, and my time zone!”
Meaningfully, Bella’s scholarship experience has inspired her to redefine what success means. “Because of the magnitude of impact this scholarship has had on my life, I now measure success through sponsorship and mentorship,” she reflects. “I hope I’ll be in a position someday to give back to Pi Phi.”
With the cost of higher education continuing to rise, our Pi Phi sisters need your support more than ever. Visit pibetaphi.org/scholarships or scan the QR code to give to a scholarship fund and make a difference in the lives of sisters like Bella.
From left: Minnesota Alphas ALLISON WOLFE and Bella.
Points of Interest
YOUR YEAR-END GIFT MAKES A LASTING IMPACT
As the calendar year comes to a close and you make charitable contributions to organizations close to your heart, we hope you’ll consider supporting Pi Beta Phi. Your generosity helps prepare our members to lead with confidence, awards scholarships, funds literacy initiatives to improve our communities and sustains our organization far into the future. Gifts made by December 31 count toward the 2025 calendar year and help build a brighter future for Pi Phi. Visit pibetaphi.org/give or scan the QR code to give now.
EXCLUSIVE DONOR RESOURCES
Our investment partner, AMG National Trust, has prepared a comprehensive series of reports tailored to key life events. As an exclusive digital resource for our donors, these reports provide valuable guidance in all aspects of life—whether you’re launching your career, preparing for retirement or somewhere in between.
“Vehicles for Philanthropic Giving” provides expert financial insights on the best ways to end the year strong with charitable giving.
CORRECTION
On page 14 of the Fall 2025 issue of The Bow , Kathy Springer’s Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) membership is listed incorrectly. She served on Mississippi Alpha’s AAC.
LAUNCHING A NEW
Collegiate Giving Society
Designed specifically for our collegiate members, the 1867 Collegiate Society is an exciting opportunitiy to honor and recognize their support of Pi Beta Phi Foundation. For each fiscal year a collegian gives at least $18.67 to our Foundation, they’ll receive an exclusive charm, representing our values and celebrating the friendship and generosity that has defined our sisterhood since 1867. Participating in the 1867 Collegiate Society connects members to something larger than themselves—shaping a bright future for Pi Beta Phi.
Learn more at pibetaphi.org/1867-collegiate-society or scan the QR code.
Mark your calendars for March 14, 2026—Pi Day—and get ready to celebrate the power of friendship, philanthropy and Pi Phi Pride. Just like the mathematical equation Pi (3.14) is infinite, so is the impact of Pi Phi’s sisterhood. On Pi Phi Giving Day, members and friends come together to support the Friendship Fund, ensuring Pi Phi continues to thrive for generations to come.
Help us reach $225,000 this year by making a gift on Pi Phi Giving Day or signing up to be a Pi Phi Giving Day ambassador! Learn more at pibetaphi.org/ppgd
Town & Country Commons Drive
1154
Town & Country, Missouri 63017
Board of Trustees
President Wendy Labreche Pratt, Massachusetts Beta
Vice President Finance
Donna Butterworth, Virginia Eta
Vice President Development
Kathleen Meriano, New York Eta
Secretary
Michael Bettin, Utah Alpha
Trustees
Connell Sullivan Branan, California Gamma
Kim Barger Durand, Oregon Alpha
Alison Veit Heafitz, Illinois Zeta
Kathy Pizzetta Springer, Mississippi Alpha
Ex-Officio
Beth Torres, Illinois Zeta
Alisa Brooks Rudlang, Minnesota Alpha
See Foundation staff at pibetaphi.org/staff
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 .
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.