EXTENSION
Welcome Back South Carolina Beta By: North Carolina Beta CAROL INGE WARREN
I
might be called a Pi Phi Installation “junkie,” as I am hooked and committed to attending each and every one. While I was serving as an Alumnae Regional Director in 1983, Pi Phi was installing the Iowa Eta Chapter at Drake University. Because it was an easy drive to Des Moines, Iowa, for me, I decided it was probably my one and only opportunity to experience a chapter installation. Little did I know, as a future Grand Council member and eventual Grand Vice President Membership (a role that helps manage Pi Beta Phi’s extension efforts), I would attend a great many installations. I have attended 38 installations to date. If you can believe it, that is a far cry from the 57 installations my good friend, and Past Grand President, SARAH RUTH “SIS” MULLIS, South Carolina Alpha, has attended. I’ll never catch up with her, but we have a terrific time attending the events together. New chapter installations are an incredible experience because they remind you what joining Pi Beta Phi is all about. I attended the Installation Weekend for our newest chapter, South Carolina Beta at Clemson University, this past November. Grand President PAULA PACE SHEPHERD, Texas Epsilon, initiated 159 collegians, which was very special and unique to witness. The weekend was also special because it celebrated the re-installation of South Carolina Beta, and many South Carolina Beta alumnae — including some charter members and original Alumnae Advisory Committee
Right: Members of Pi Beta Phi’s Grand Council and several other Fraternity officers gathered to celebrate the reinstallation of the South Carolina Beta Chapter. They included North Carolina Beta CAROL INGE WARREN pictured third from right.
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members from 1976 — were in attendance. I was on Grand Council when the chapter closed, so it was very meaningful to be part of its return to campus. The weekend festivities began with the Preparatory Service on Friday evening, followed by a Cookie Shine. Parents, guests and South Carolina Beta collegians were welcomed to the Cookie Shine by Resident Leadership Development Consultants (RLDC) ALEX SHAW, Tennesee Gamma, and GREER MANGRUM, Mississippi Gamma. The RLDCs explained the history and tradition of the Cookie Shine. Then a few South Carolina Beta collegians related what joining Pi Phi has meant to them. The speeches were followed by cookie treats and the opportunity to socialize. The South Carolina Beta women were very welcoming and wanted to meet the many Pi Phi alumnae in attendance. They appreciated those who had traveled from all over the country to celebrate with them and took a sincere interest in the many local alumnae and Fraternity Officers in attendance. Saturday, the New Members were initiated throughout the day and I had the privilege of welcoming them to Pi Beta Phi following their initiation. It was inspiring and heartwarming to hear their stories of why they joined Pi Phi and what their membership means to them. Many also shared the legacy they want to leave at Clemson as the returning South Carolina Beta Chapter. They have great plans and big dreams for the future of the chapter.