Pi Beta Phi Chapter at the University of Richmond to Close
It is with a heavy heart, Pi Beta Phi announces the closure of the Virginia Eta Chapter at the University of Richmond, effective April 13, 2025, following a vote by Grand Council.
After thoughtful reflection by collegiate members of the chapter and Fraternity leadership, it became clear Virginia Eta could not sustain operational obligations while providing a positive member experience due to the declining chapter size. Since Fall 2020, Pi Beta Phi has dedicated significant resources to supporting Virginia Eta, following the impact of the Abolish Greek Life movement on campus. For several years, Pi Beta Phi volunteers and Headquarters staff partnered closely with the chapter, providing the highest level of support in an effort to sustain its operations.
"A positive membership experience is a fundamental cornerstone of Pi Beta Phi and starts with a chapter membership roster capable of sustaining chapter operations," Grand President Lisa Gamel Scott said. "The decision to close a chapter is never taken lightly and carries deep emotional weight for everyone involved. Chapter members worked tirelessly to sustain their chapter, and we admire their dedication. We welcome Virginia Eta collegians into alumnae life and look forward to their continued commitment to living our values. Virginia Eta will forever be an important part of Pi Beta Phi’s story."
The Virgina Eta Chapter was founded in 1987, and more than 1,100 women have been initiated into Pi Beta Phi through the chapter.
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Founded in 1867 at Monmouth College in Illinois, Pi Beta Phi has installed 206 collegiate chapters and nearly 300 alumnae organizations worldwide. Pi Beta Phi promotes friendship, develops women of intellect and integrity, cultivates leadership potential and enriches the lives of members and their communities. Through our philanthropy, Read > Lead > Achieve®, the Fraternity inspires a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential, creating a more literate and productive society. For more information, visit the Pi Beta Phi website.
For more information, please contact:
TG Livak
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
(636) 256–0680
tlivak@pibetaphi.org
After thoughtful reflection by collegiate members of the chapter and Fraternity leadership, it became clear Virginia Eta could not sustain operational obligations while providing a positive member experience due to the declining chapter size. Since Fall 2020, Pi Beta Phi has dedicated significant resources to supporting Virginia Eta, following the impact of the Abolish Greek Life movement on campus. For several years, Pi Beta Phi volunteers and Headquarters staff partnered closely with the chapter, providing the highest level of support in an effort to sustain its operations.
"A positive membership experience is a fundamental cornerstone of Pi Beta Phi and starts with a chapter membership roster capable of sustaining chapter operations," Grand President Lisa Gamel Scott said. "The decision to close a chapter is never taken lightly and carries deep emotional weight for everyone involved. Chapter members worked tirelessly to sustain their chapter, and we admire their dedication. We welcome Virginia Eta collegians into alumnae life and look forward to their continued commitment to living our values. Virginia Eta will forever be an important part of Pi Beta Phi’s story."
The Virgina Eta Chapter was founded in 1987, and more than 1,100 women have been initiated into Pi Beta Phi through the chapter.
###
Founded in 1867 at Monmouth College in Illinois, Pi Beta Phi has installed 206 collegiate chapters and nearly 300 alumnae organizations worldwide. Pi Beta Phi promotes friendship, develops women of intellect and integrity, cultivates leadership potential and enriches the lives of members and their communities. Through our philanthropy, Read > Lead > Achieve®, the Fraternity inspires a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential, creating a more literate and productive society. For more information, visit the Pi Beta Phi website.
For more information, please contact:
TG Livak
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
(636) 256–0680
tlivak@pibetaphi.org
Published January 31, 2025