A NETWORK OF SISTERS AND FRIENDS

Installing Officers

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon (1927); Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha (1991)

Installation of Alabama Alpha

A local group, Theta Pi, was formed in 1925. The chapter was installed on October 7, 1927. The chapter’s charter was withdrawn in 1989. The chapter was reinstalled on February 10, 1991. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the chapter room at Stockham Hall on campus. The installation banquet was held at Vestavia Country Club. Tables were covered in ivory cloths with centerpieces of crystal angels. Those angels were given to the new initiates at the conclusion of the evening.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Alabama Alpha

• Ninette Abernethy Griffith (2000)
• Dr. Virginia Van der Veer Hamilton (1993)
• Marion McCoy Phillips (2004)

Notable Alumnae

• Annette Mitchell Mills

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Alabama Beta 

The chapter was installed on September 19, 1949. The installation banquet was held at the McLester Hotel. During the banquet, the Birmingham, Alabama, Alumnae Club presented each new initiate with Pi Phi stationery. The celebration concluded the next day with a reception at the chapter house.

 

Notable Alumnae

• Eugenie Bondurant, Actress, Played “Tigris” in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Alabama Beta

• Becky Griffith (2015)
• Dr. Kathleen Boyle Bond (1993)

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha

Installation of Alabama Gamma

The chapter was installed on February 2, 1957. The ceremony took place in the new Pi Phi chapter room in Boyd Hall. At the installation banquet, Alabama Gamma Jan Bishop received a trophy for Best Scholarship and Alabama Gamma Nancy Lou Avara was chosen as best New Member.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Alabama Gamma

• Trina Gordon McCallister (2011)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Alberta Alpha

A local group, Alpha Upsilon, was formed in 1928. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 22, 1931. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the home of charter member Ruth Shipley. In the afternoon, there was a Cookie Shine and members exchanged their pins. The day after initiation, there was an installation banquet at Athabasca Hall on campus to celebrate Pi Phi. The first chapter meeting took place on campus two days after initiation. The following were charter members:

• President – Anita Gordon
• Vice-President – Helen Reid
• Recording Secretary- Margaret Durrell
• Corresponding Secretary – Helen Smith
• Treasurer – Evelyn Atkin
• Panhellenic Representative – Elizabeth MacKenzie
• Scholarship – Hilda McEwen
• Executive Council – Hilda McEwen, Elizabeth MacKenzie, Margaret Smith, and Ruth Shipley
• Censor – Ruth Bowen
• Founding Member - Hazel Rutherford McCuaig

Philanthropic Service

Alberta Alpha’s main philanthropy event is Pie a Pie Phi, which is held twice a year.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Hazel Rutherford McCuaig, Charter Member, initiated 1931. She was one of the chapter's founding members. Her father, Alexander Rutherford, Alberta’s first Premier, was chancellor of the University of Alberta at the time. Sororities were banned on campus, and Hazel was unable to start a women’s fraternity of her own because of this when she was a student. She was very involved in the development of the new Pi Beta Phi chapter.
• Judge Marjorie Bowker, initiated in 1936. She was the First Woman Graduate of University of Alberta Faculty of Law to be appointed a judge at any level. She holds several honors including being inducted into the Order of Canada in 1990 and being honored as one of seven pioneer women judges of Canada by the Canadian Judicial Council in 1995. She also holds honorary degrees from three universities including University of Alberta (LLD).

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Alberta Alpha

• Alice V. Payne (1998)
• Marjorie Montgomery Bowker (1995)
• Marilyn Diamond Miller (1992)

Installing Officers

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha and Grand Vice President Nina Harris Allen, Illinois Beta
 

Installation of Arizona Alpha

A local group, Gamma Delta, was formed in 1906. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on August 1, 1917. Installation activities took place at the home of Colorado Beta Louise Fourcar Marshall.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Arizona Alpha

• Savannah Guthrie (2013)
• Brenda Smart Viner (2010)
• Heather Henricks Lenkin (2009)
• Elizabeth Thomas Alexander (1992)

Grand Council Members from Arizona Alpha

• Lucile Johannessen Roca

Installing Officers

Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta

Installation of Arizona Beta

The chapter was installed on May 1, 1965. That May Day, 29 New Members were initiated into Pi Beta Phi by Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta. Other installing officers included Grand Secretary Fay Martin Gross, Illinois Zeta; Grand Treasurer Olivia Smith Moore, Missouri Alpha; NPC Delegate Dorothy Weaver Morgan, Nebraska Beta; Director of Membership Helena Dingle Moore, California Gamma; Pi Province South Alumnae President Mary Emrich Van Buren, Illinois Beta; Pi Province President Carolyn Moody Lockhart, Oklahoma Alpha; and Past Pi Province South Alumnae President Jesse Moeur French, Alberta Alpha.

The setting for the weekend festivities of Initiation and Installation of the Arizona Beta Chapter was the renowned Camelback Inn.

After the afternoon initiation, an installation banquet was held. The banquet theme was “Lift Off.” Special guest speakers included Fraternity officers who described their personal experiences with some of the founders. Charter members included alumna initiate Margaret Johnson Goldwater, wife of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater.

Amid telegrams, flowers, gifts and the Candlelighting Ceremony, it was a festive evening. Past Pi Province South Alumnae President Jesse Moeur French, Alberta Alpha, presented the chapter with a gavel used by her father, Benjamin Moeur, when he was Governor of the State of Arizona. The Pi Province Chapters presented a Loving Cup and the charter members presented the new chapter with an arrow plaque and a mosaic of the Pi Phi crest. To complete the weekend, on Sunday, the new initiates and visiting officers attended church together. Sunday afternoon, Pi Phi alumnae and the new initiates hosted a reception for Arizona State University faculty members, parents of initiates, the Dean of Women and President of the University.

Notable Alumnae

• Dr. Christine Kajikawa Wilkinson, Vice President for Student Affairs at Arizona State University 
• Nicole Powers Ramirez, Blogger of lovinglifeandlivingonless.com
• Samantha Ponder, Sportscaster for ESPN college football and basketball sideline reporter

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Arizona Beta

• Dr. Christine Kajikawa Wilkinson (1993)

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation of Arizona Gamma

The chapter was installed on April 21, 1990. The Initiation Ceremony took place at Federated Community Church. The next day, the installation brunch was held at the North Student Union Dining Hall on campus. Tables were decorated with light blue cloths, wine napkins and pastel wicker baskets filled with greenery.

Notable Alumnae

• Cheryl Cecile Casone, anchor on the Fox Business Network
• Susan Colebank, author of Black Tuesday and Cashing In

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation of Arkansas Alpha

A local group, Gamma Epsilon Delta, was formed in February 1906. There were 28 members initiated on December 29, 1909, in the bottom right bedroom of Mary Campbell’s home on Dickson Street.

The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on December 29, 1909. Installation activities took place in what had been the Arkansas building at the 1904 World’s Fair.

 

Notable Alumnae

• Gene Jones, philanthropist

• Jennie Allen, author
• Beth Brickell, actress
• Rev. Peggy Bosmyer Campbell, first female Episcopal priest ordained below the Mason-Dixon line
• Patricia Pulliam Upton
• Dorothy Davis Stuck, Arrow editor

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Arkansas Alpha

• Kasey Lowe McCall-Smith (2011)
• Gene Chambers Jones (2008)
• Patricia Pulliam Upton (1991)

Grand Council Members from Arkansas Alpha

• Freda Stafford Schuyler

Installing Officer:

Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta 
 

Installation at Arkansas Beta

The chapter began as a local group, the Battlecriers, and officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on May 4, 1963. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the home of Texas Beta Catherine Couch Remmell. The installation banquet was held at the Riverdale Country Club with the theme “Angels in Disguise.” Decorations featured Barbie dolls dressed as angels, perched in swirling angel hair clouds atop white pedestals.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 2008.

Installing Officers

Anna Lena Lewis, Kansas Alpha; Past Grand President Helen Sutliff, Kansas Alpha (1905); Past Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha (1979)
 

Installation of California Alpha

The California Alpha Chapter at Stanford University was originally installed on September 13, 1893. It has been reinstalled twice, a strong testament to the dedication the chapter has to Pi Beta Phi. The chapter was reinstalled for the first time on February 11, 1905, and again on November 11, 1979. In both instances when the chapter closed, it was due to the University ordering the women’s fraternities to close.

The first installation occurred on September 13, 1893, less than three years after Stanford University opened its doors. The chapter lived in Roble Hall, one of the oldest dorms on campus today and held their chapter meetings there. 

In 1905, a group of Pi Phis transferred to Stanford and formed an initiative to reinstate the chapter. After several relocations and multiple denied applications, the California Alpha Chapter was approved to be rechartered on February 11, 1905. Until 1944 the Pi Phis on Stanford’s campus lived in what is today known as “French house,” but in 1944 Stanford University imposed a ban on all women’s Greek organizations and California Alpha was forced to disband for a second time.  

Finally, in 1979, the chapter was reinstated and since then the chapter has thrived, with the University awarding the chapter with a University-owned house in 2000.

Notable Alumnae

• Dr. Louise Pearce, physician and pathologist whose research led to the cure for African Sleeping sickness in the early 20th century
• Amy Biehl, social justice advocate who was killed while working in support of the transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa
• Lucy Davis, silver medalist in team jumping for the US Equestrian Team at the 2016 Rio Olympics
• Jayne Appel, center on the San Antonio Stars in the WNBA who also played basketball for Stanford
• Laura Granville, professional American tennis player who set Stanford’s record for the most consecutive singles victories at 58

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of California Epsilon

A local group, Phi Sigma Nu, was formed on January 19, 1925. The official Pi Beta Phi chapter was installed on September 1, 1949. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Thursday Club on Point Loma, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The installation banquet was held in the Don Room of the El Cortez, a landmark hotel in downtown San Diego. The ceremony was themed “The Bonds of Wine and Blue,” and members first sang “Pi Phi Grace” and then sang “Speed Thee My Arrow” before dinner was served.

Notable Alumnae

• Demi Marchese, founder of the online boutique 12th Tribe

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from California Epsilon

• Leslie Ann Armstrong Andio (2012)
• Sharon Culver Considine (2007)

Silver Slipper Award for Excellence of a Chapter Vice President of Finance

• Sarah Lewis (2018)

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation at California Iota

A local group, Gamma Nu, was formed in 1984. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 5, 1986. The Initiation Ceremony took place at First Christian Church in Chico. The installation banquet was held at Butte Creek Country Club, with many Pi Phi alumnae and parents in attendance.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 2005.

Installing Officer

Grand President Sarah Ruth Mullis, South Carolina Alpha
 

Installation of California Nu

Installation weekend took place November 15–17, 2002. The local Installation Committee Chair was Kentucky Beta Karen Emberton. Her committee included Anne Zantop Cioffi, Jan Kincaid Clifford, Anne-Marie Anderson Bulawka, Desiree Dexter Brown, Sherry ZeBrack Berg, Ashley Dye, Sheila McKenna, Christina Running, Carolyn Stirling and Mary Allison Davis Kusserow.

Friday included the reading of the Constitution and Statutes, followed by a formal ceremony for alumnae initiates at the Huesman Hall. Following the formal ceremony, the Preparatory Service was held. Chapter members participated in a Cookie Shine that included alumnae. The Initiation Ceremony was held at the Holy Activity Parish on November 16. Grand President Sarah Ruth "Sis" Mullis conducted the Initiation Ceremony for 71 collegians and three alumna initiates. Grand Vice President Finance Maurine Hager Jones, Montana Alpha, and Grand Vice President Membership Kay Knittle Brock, Colorado Alpha, assisted during the ceremony. Saturday evening's banquet was held at the Renaissance Hotel. Following the introduction of the collegiate and alumna initiates, Sis Mullis presented a silver tray from Grand Council. Past Grand Council Member Evelyn Peters Kyle, Illinois Alpha, also presented a silver tray to the chapter. Kim Barger Durand presented a pair of candelabras from the chapters of Alpha-Zeta Province. 

Grand President Sis Mullis installed the chapter. The women then provided entertainment by leading the group in Pi Phi "Ring Ching" and "One Two Three Words." Karen Emberton read a poem from Poet Laureate Evelyn Peters Kyle, written in honor of the installation. On Sunday, a model chapter meeting was held in Pereira Hall on the LMU campus. California Nu New Chapter Assistance Officer Jane Landreth Russell presided over the meeting. Grand President Sis Mullis installed chapter officers and presented Chapter President Meghan Elizabeth Bryan with the president's badge. Grand President Emerita Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta, then presented the Panhellenic Delegate with a pin designed to commemorate NPC's Centennial. More than 200 guests attended the reception on Sunday, including parents, friends, Pi Phi collegians and LMU administration and faculty.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Lauren Froderman, winner of the 7th season of “So You Think You Can Dance.” 

Installing Officer

Ida Smith (Griffith), Kansas Alpha
 

Installation of California Beta

In the spring of 1900, Wisconsin Alpha Nan Mashek (Tillotson) visited her cousin, Elma Korbel (Mellersh), who later became a charter member of California Beta. Elma and some of her friends had spoken of forming a sorority. After meeting the women, Nan suggested they apply for a Pi Phi charter. The chapter was installed on August 23, 1900. Installation activities took place in a house that the women rented at College Avenue and Sylvan Way in Berkeley, California.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Nicolle Wallace was California Beta’s Chapter President in 1993 and has since has worked as an author and political commentator and analyst. Nicole was co-host of The View talk show, former White House Director of Communications and worked as a senior advisor for the McCain-Palin campaign.
• Jennifer Biddulf created PowerBar with her husband in the mid-1980s.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of California Zeta

A local group, Delta Zeta Delta, was formed in 1924. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on February 2, 1950. Installation activities were held over a three-day period. The Initiation Ceremony was held at the El Mirasol Hotel. The installation banquet took place at the Montecito Country Club. The events concluded with a formal tea at the new chapter house at 1620 Grand Avenue.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from California Zeta

• Winslow Coyne Reitnouer (2001)

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation of California Kappa

The chapter was installed on April 25, 1987. Following the Initiation Ceremony, new initiates assembled in Del Mar, California, for a dinner prepared by members of the Del Sol North and North County San Diego Alumnae Clubs. The new Pi Phis sang songs and practiced skits for the upcoming Greek Week talent show. The next day, an installation brunch was held at the La Jolla Country Club. Tables were decorated in a sea of wine and silver blue, and the focal point of the buffet table was a large arrow ice carving.
 

Installing Officer

Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon
 

Installation of California Xi

The chapter was installed on May 2, 2015. Installation activities were held on campus at the University of San Diego. Activities began on Friday with the installation ceremony followed by the preparatory ceremony, which was then followed by a giant Cookie Shine. Alumnae, friends and family all attended the Cookie Shine. The next day, Initiation began and each woman was initiated by Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd. Following the Initiation ceremony, a celebratory dinner was held. The Resident Leadership Development Consultant Amara Bell Fanucci spoke, as well as the Grand President. Even Past Grand President Sarah Ruth “Sis” Mullis, South Carolina Alpha, was in attendance! The weekend concluded with the first mock chapter meeting on Sunday.

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation of California Gamma

This year, the California Gamma chapter celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding in the summer of 1917. The origins of the chapter really began 22 years earlier, in 1895, when seven young women started planning a local sorority they would call Entre Nous. The group became an organized part of USC campus life in 1898. It had the distinction of being the oldest, by some five years, of the six sororities in the College of Liberal Arts. The aim of the Entre Nous founders was “to seal their friendships with a unity of purpose, to build up an organization which should prove an inspiration and a pleasure to all its members and to encourage scholarship and the highest standards of student life among the women of the university,” historical documents note. “It has been [the] purpose from the beginning.” A total of 43 charter members of Pi Beta Phi were initiated by Grand President May Lansfield Keller.

The Initiation Ceremony took place at the home of Indiana Beta Netta Nixon Young, President of the Los Angeles, California, Alumnae Club. The installation banquet that evening took the form of a reunion, with nearly 150 Pi Phis in attendance, including members of the San Diego, California, Alumnae Club and others living throughout Southern California.

Notable Alumnae

• Jenna Dewan Tatum, actress
• Ann Marie “Ree” Smith Drummond, TV personality and chef
• Marilyn Horne
• Helena Dingle Moore

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from California Gamma

• Joan Singleton Prestine (2002)
• Marilyn Horne (1995)

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha
 

Installation at California Eta

The chapter was installed on January 26, 1974. The Initiation Ceremony took place at St. Mark Church in Newport Beach, California. The installation banquet was held at in the Skyliner Room at the Airporter Inn Hotel in that same city. Three alumnae clubs helped plan and organize the festivities: Central, North Orange County and South Coast. It was a special occasion and all the Pi Phis wore formal dresses.

Notable Alumnae

• Daphney Bitanga, driver of Libbie and the Ring Ching Roadshow

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from California Eta

• Jenny Bilek Klein (2011)

Grand Council Members from California Eta

• Diane Bielman

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation of California Lambda

The chapter was installed on November 5, 1988. The weekend’s events began with a Cookie Shine, where the room was filled with balloon bouquets and sparkling stars hanging from the ceiling. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Calvary Presbyterian Church. The installation banquet was held at the Riverside Sheraton. People made speeches about what Pi Beta Phi meant to them and how exciting this was for the community and University.

Installing Officer

Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon
 

Installation of California Omicron

The chapter was installed on May 9, 2015. Installation activities were held on campus at Chapman University. The Installation Banquet was held outdoors on Memorial Lawn, located in the heart of campus. Sisterhood stories were shared and special guest speakers included the University’s Program Coordinator for Greek Life.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of California Delta

Installation took place at the Beverly Hills Women’s Club in Beverly Hills, California. The installation banquet was held at the Jonathan Club in Beverly Hills and 175 Pi Phis gathered around tables lighted by silver blue candles and adorned with bunches of delphinium and wine colored roses. Iowa Zeta Gail de Wolfe read numerous telegrams welcoming the new chapter into the Pi Phi family. Numerous telegrams were read welcoming the new chapter into the Pi Phi family and several Pi Phi songs were sung.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from California Delta

• Karen Shelton Chevalier (2015)

Grand Council Members from California Delta

• Karen Shelton Chevalier

Installing Officer

Grand President Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta
 

Installation at California Theta

The chapter began as a local group, Pianta Su, and officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on November 8, 1980. During the festivities, the Nevada Alpha Chapter provided Pi Beta Phi banners, the Contra Costa, California, Alumnae Club gave sewing kits to New Members and the California Beta Chapter made calligraphy copies of “The Arrow Song” for each new initiate to treasure.

Installing Officer

Grand President Beth van Maanen Beatty, Texas Gamma
 

Installation of California Mu

A local group, Pi Gamma Phi, was formed in 1984. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 19, 1996, marking the beginning of the National Panhellenic system at Pepperdine University. After a preparatory service in Elkins Auditorium on October 18 conducted by members of Grand Council, there was a Cookie Shine at Calamingos Ranch with the New Members and their families. The chapter was installed on October 19 at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica. The installation Dinner was held in Wilshire Hall at the Miramar Sheraton in Santa Monica. On Sunday, October 20, there was a campus reception in the Fireside Room. There were 63 initiates, 33 undergraduates and 30 Pi Beta Phi alumnae. Anne Zantop Cioffi, Michigan Gamma served as General Chairman, and Initiation Chairman was Kim Everson, Indiana Zeta. Also present was Grand Vice President Finance Carol Warren, North Carolina Beta. Carrie Joyce, Missouri Alpha, was the Resident Graduate Consultant (known today as a Resident Leadership Development Consultant). 

Installing Officers

Helena Dorr (Stidger), Iowa Beta, and Dessie Widner (Rodgers), Iowa Alpha
 

Notable Fact 

First Pi Phi Chapter in Colorado; Original I.C. chapter (Nu)
 

Installation of Colorado Alpha

The chapter was installed on October 15, 1884 as Nu of I.C. Sorosis. Colorado Alpha was established through the influence of Helena Dorr Stidger and Dessie Widner Rodgers. The charter members were Mary Peabody Dickinson, Leila Peabody, Elizabeth Heywood Everts Green, Carrie Dorr Elliott, Minnie Earhart Wells, Esther Scudder, Sarah Holzman Neustadt, Georgiana Rowland and Kate Wise.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Colorado Alpha

• Ruth Morris Keesling (2000)
• Virginia Wheeler Patterson (1992)
• Marilyn Van Derbur Atler (1992)

Grand Council Members from Colorado Alpha

Grand Presidents

• Elizabeth Gamble
• Lisa Gamel Scott

Grand Council Members

• Daisy Davis Carney
• Katherine Burr Teller
• Kay Knittle Brock
• Enid Van Alstine Hayward
• Georgina Rowland
• Lolita Snell Prouty

Installing Officer

Grand President Sarah Ruth Mullis, South Carolina Alpha
 

Installation at Colorado Epsilon

A local group, Phi Alpha Omega, was formed in 1997. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on April 21, 2002. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Broadmoor Community Church. The installation banquet was held at the Doubletree World Arena Hotel. The women enjoyed the reading of a poem written by Pi Beta Phi’s Poet Laureate Evelyn Peters Kyle, Illinois Alpha, in honor of the installation.

 

Amy Burnham Onken Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Campus and Community Leadership

• Hannah Clark (2018)

Installation at Colorado Beta

The chapter was installed on February 12, 1885. The installation took place under the direction of Kansas Alpha Addie Sutliff (Wheeler).

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1980.
 

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Colorado Beta

• Pamela Hatfield Gemmer (2018)
• Carolyn Windish Irwin (2016)
• Laura Taylor Salvato (2015)
• Martha McGarvey Benson (2014)
• Mimi Nettrour (2013)
• Linda Murphy Marshall (2012)
• Joan Scott Anderson (2002)

Grand Council Members from Colorado Beta

• Lida Burkhard Lardner
• Martha N. Kimball
• Linda Noel Ibsen

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild

Installation of Colorado Gamma

The chapter was installed on September 8, 1954. The installation took place in Colorado A&M (now CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado. Lila Morgan, Pi Beta Phi alumnae and her husband (Colorado A&M President) William E. Morgan, gathered local Pi Phi alumnae to encourage students to install the Colorado Gamma Chapter. A convention of Colorado alumnae met in 1953 to discuss installation. By September 8, 1954, all installation requirements were met and 15 women were initiated.

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation at Colorado Delta

The chapter was installed on February 1, 1986. Initiation took place at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Golden, Colorado. The installation reception was held at the Green Center on campus. The centerpieces were wine and blue flower arrangements with wine and blue angels. Small silver angels on ribbons, silver bud vases and Pi Phi buttons were placed at each table setting. Special guest speakers included Dr. Barbara Blake Bath, Kansas Alpha, a University professor.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Connecticut Alpha

The chapter was installed on April 10, 1943. Installation activities took place at the Community house on campus. The installation banquet featured long tables decorated with smilax and wine and blue flowers. At each place were nut cups with Pi Beta Phi colors, and a menu and program with carnations on the cover, hand-painted by Vermont Beta Suzanne Hopson. Many fraternities on campus sent arrangements of spring flowers, including the Sigma Chi chapter which was installing that same day.

 

Notable Alumnae

• Patricia Pritzkau MacLachlan, who wrote “Sarah, Plain and Tall.” She was awarded the John Newbery Medal in 1986.

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation of Connecticut Beta

The chapter was installed on November 11, 1989. Installation activities were held at the Quinnipiack Club on Church Street in New Haven, Connecticut. The installation banquet featured centerpieces of wine carnations, mirrored tile, angel hair and silver blue candles. The chapter treated attendees with a song:/ Pi Phi lyrics to the tune of the Yale fight song. Many Pi Phis attended the banquet to celebrate their newest sisters.

Installing Officer

Grand President Mary Loy Tatum, Oklahoma Beta
 

Installation of Connecticut Gamma

The installation celebration began on November 4, 2011 with a Cookie Shine for the New Members, alumnae and campus friends. After Grand President Mary Loy Tatum initiated 101 women, more than 240 guests including new initiates, their families, University officials and Pi Beta Phi alumnae attended the banquet at The Cascade in Hamden, Connecticut. During the banquet, Mary Loy Tatum officially installed the Connecticut Gamma Chapter. 

Restablishment

The Connecticut Gamma Chapter was reestablished in 2021. On November 13, Grand President Lisa Gamel Scott initiated 20 members. 

Installing Officers

Grand President Emma Harper Turner, Indiana Alpha (1889); Grand President Emily Russell Tarr, Texas Beta (2007)
 

Installation of D.C. Alpha

Indiana Alpha charter member, Emma Harper Turner enrolled in Columbian College and established the chapter. She installed the D.C. Alpha Chapter and became a charter member of it as well. The chapter was the first one installed as a chapter of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity; the previous chapters had been installed as chapters of I.C. Sorosis. Other charter members included Anna Hazelton, who would later write the Ritual, Lillian Hazelton, Phoebe Russell Norris, Augusta Pettigrew Shute and Sallie Sparks Eggleston. In 1968, the D.C. Alpha Chapter closed because of declining membership and an unfavorable Greek life climate. In addition, The George Washington University (GW) became less attractive to students due to protests and unrest in Washington during this time.

In the early 2000s, there was a big push to bring Pi Phi back to GW. There were alumnae in the D.C. area who were supportive of a reinstallation. The presentation team that worked to bring Pi Phi back to campus was headed by Grand President Emily Russell Tarr, Texas Beta. California Delta Karen Shelton Chevalier, current Alumnae Advisory Committee Chairman, was also on Grand Council at the time of reinstallation and played a major role.\

During recruitment, there was so much interest in Pi Phi’s new chapter, there was no problem meeting total. Total at the time was 85 members, including seniors; and all of the New Members were initiated. Recruitment took place on October two weeks after the formal Panhellenic recruitment was held. The chapter was installed in January. Virginia Epsilon at the University of Virginia assisted with recruitment. They came to the first party and to preference round. Colleen Briley (Dywalt), Kentucky Beta, was the Resident Leadership Development Consultant. The D.C. Alpha Chapter made a big impact on the campus as soon as it was established. Pi Phi had a virtual book drive across the entire country and D.C. Alpha placed first in that. The chapter was very active and involved on campus from day one. After the success Pi Phi had at GW, other urban chapters were installed at New York University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

D.C. Alpha’s reinstallation weekend was lovely. The Preparatory Ceremony took place in the Marvin Center. There was a huge Cookie Shine at E Street, the large room on the top floor. The Cookie Shine included a lot about the amazing history of D.C. Alpha, and there were several older D.C. Alphas alumnae who attended. The chapter was presented with the badges of some members. The installation was also held at the Westin hotel. Many local alumnae participated and made everything just perfect. Dr. Julie Freischlag was supposed to be the speaker, but she had a family emergency at the last minute. Former Grand President Sarah Ruth "Sis" Mullis, South, South Carolina Alpha, stepped in with 20 minutes’ notice and did a great job. The next day a model chapter meeting was held in the Marvin Center.

 

Notable Alumnae

• Margaret Truman Daniel, a collegian while her dad, Harry S. Truman, was President of the United States (she even brought the chapter to the White House for dinner!)
• Anna Hazelton, wrote the original ritual
• Anna Kelton Wiley, an active member of the National Women's Party (NWP) National Advisory Council. She was active in lobbying, political work, and picketing for the NWP.
• Emile Margaret White, international officer
• Mary Katherine Lutz, international officer
• Ruth Williams Hansen, international officer

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from D.C. Alpha

• Maureen Root Mylander (2000)

Grand Council Members from D.C. Alpha

Grand Presidents

• Emma Harper Turner
• Elise Bradford Johnson

Grand Council Members

• Adele Taylor Alford

Installing Officer

Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon
 

Installation of Delaware Alpha

After initiation on May 14, 2016, an installation banquet was held. All newly initiated sisters were able to invite friends and family to celebrate. The Installation Dinner took place at the Trabant Student Center on campus where more than 500 people attended. The event was cocktail attire with a formal dinner. Speakers were Fraternity officers, alumnae, advisors, members, executive council and Resident Leadership Development Consultants Kathleen Meriano, New York Eta, and Alexis Karwoski, Indiana Delta. The sisters were very excited to share with loved ones what Pi Phi means to them. Ring Ching, Ching was sung for the first time, which was one of the first Pi Phi traditions at Delaware Alpha.

Installing Officers

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation of Florida Alpha

The chapter was installed on January 30, 1913. Pi Phi guests were welcomed by University President, Dr. Lincoln Hulley, and his wife, Pennsylvania Beta Eloise Mayham Hulley. Installation activities took place at John B. Stetson University. This was the second installation of a Greek organization on campus and the first of a fraternity for women. Prior to the installation, the organization was a Stetson University society for women. When the group of women discovered Pi Beta Phi, they applied to become a chapter. Upon approval, 18 women were initiated and chartered the Florida Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. These women were Ruth Allen, Marie Dye, Fay Cribbett, Nina Phillips, Mabel Eldredge, Marguerite Blocker, June Loel Adams, Mary Ellen Keown, Lee Craig Bowers, Gladys Louis Sidway, Mildred La Verne Vorce, Annie Nadine Holden, Harriett Spratt Hulley, Louise Crisfield Hulley, Sarah Van Hoosen Jones, Mary Landes Buttorff, Lillian Wadsworth Eldredge, and Katherine Brice Carpenter. Harriett Hulley, one of the charter members, was the daughter of Lincoln Hulley, the playwright/poet and President of Stetson University at the time.

Installing Officer

Grand President Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta
 

Installation of Florida Epsilon

The chapter was installed on January 10, 1981. Installation activities took place at the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Special guest speakers at the installation banquet included Florida Beta Jean Curtis Yothers, Curator of the Orange County Historical Museum. 

Notable Alumnae

The Florida Epsilon chapter values the connection to Pi Beta Phi history and therefore, it is notable that the chapter has two charter members, Barbi Stiles and Cindy Pajak, on AAC. These two women truly exemplify lifelong commitment both to Pi Beta Phi and their chapter. 

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Florida Epsilon

• Kautia Dawn Vaden Hampton (2007)

Installing Officer

Grand Secretary Lulu Clark Ingraham, Virginia Alpha
 

Installation of Florida Beta

A local group, Alpha Omega, was formed in 1913. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 14, 1921. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Practice House, a model home supervised by the University’s home economics department. The installation banquet was held at the Leon Hotel in Tallahassee, Florida. Pi Phi songs were sung and toasts were performed.

Notable Alumnae

• Faye Dunaway
• Traylor Howard
• Leslie Sampson Waters
• Nancy Kulp

Installing Officer

Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon
 

Installation of Florida Zeta

The 200th chapter of Pi Beta Phi was installed February 1, 2014, a landmark moment in Fraternity history. The Initiation Ceremony was held at Hyde Park Methodist Church. Pi Phi held a magnificent Cookie Shine and invited the entire fraternity and sorority community to join. The installation banquet was held in the Crescent Room in the Vaughn Center on campus. Special guest speakers included Pi Beta Phi Archivist and Historian Fran Desimone Becque, New York Alpha.

The chapter closed July 31, 2020.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Florida Gamma

A local group, Sigma Phi, was formed in 1920. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on April 28, 1929. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Woman’s Club building in Winter Park. The installation banquet took place at the Dubsdread Country Club. The room was decorated to represent a lakeshore garden, featuring a miniature lake, palms, oaks, wild flowers and other native plants.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1970.

Evelyn Peters Kyle Angel Award for Club Service

• Alison Hennig Moore (2018)

Installing Officer

Grand President Marla Neelly Wulf, Kansas Beta
 

Installation of Florida Eta

The 205^th chapter of Pi Beta Phi was installed March 27, 2021. Florida Eta's Installation Weekend made history as Pi Phi's first-ever virtual Initiation Ceremony, Cookie Shine and Installation Banquet.

Installing Officers

Helen Boucher Dix, Ohio Beta (1969); Grand President
Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta (1985)
 

Installation at Florida Delta

The chapter was installed on April 19, 1969. Due to declining membership, the chapter’s charter was withdrawn in 1977. The chapter was reinstalled on February 9, 1985. The installation banquet took place at the Gainesville Golf and Country Club and was hosted by the Orlando, Florida, Alumnae Club. Angels holding wine carnations decorated tables and a small angel favor marked the place of each new initiate.

Notable Alumnae

• Rachel Nickels, started a clothing line called “Shabby Gator”

• Rachel Ring, helped found Swamp Records. Swamp Records is the University of Florida’s very own student-run record label and explores and promotes the music industry at the University of Florida as well as the Gainesville area.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Georgia Alpha 

Being impressed with the University of Georgia and the potential for growth, the 1938 Asheville Convention unanimously voted to establish Georgia Alpha. In September 1938, eight Pi Phi members transferred to the University to recruit and establish the new chapter. The chapter was installed on February 4, 1939. Installation of Georgia Alpha took place at the Georgian Hotel, which is located just off campus in downtown Athens, Georgia. Many Pi Phi events, such as formal dances, are still held at the venue. The installation was held later that night at the Georgian. More than 50 Pi Phis from around the country were present for the event. Amy Burnham Onken gave a speech reminding the initiates of the work to be done to continue building the chapter. Awards and gifts were presented and the group sang Pi Phi songs.

Notable Alumnae

• Lisa Masters​

Installing Officer

Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon
 

Installation of Georgia Beta

The chapter was installed on April 16, 2016. The Georgia Beta Installation Banquet was held at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart. The Cookie Shine and Initiation Ceremony were held on the Emory University campus. The chapter was very excited about establishing their chapter with 92 women. Many area alumnae, collegians from other chapters and Fraternity officers attended the events. Georgia Beta received a lot of support from their assisting chapter Georgia Alpha at the University of Georgia. The women of Georgia Alpha made great big sisters to the Georgia Beta members.

Installing Officer

Arrow Editor Agnes Wright Spring, Wyoming Alpha
 

Installation of Idaho Alpha 

A local group, Omega Phi Alpha, was formed in 1920. A petition was presented at the 1923 Estes Park Convention and was approved. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 28, 1923. The installation banquet was held in Guild Hall by the women of the Episcopal Church Guild. The table was in the form of a square built around a garden of brilliant fall flowers.

Notable Fact

Pi Beta Phi's founding chapter; Original I.C. chapter (Alpha)
 

Installing Officers

Founders (1867) and Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon (1928)
 

Installation of Illinois Alpha 

The story of Illinois Alpha is the story of Pi Beta Phi. On April 28, 1867, ten young women gathered in the southwest second floor bedroom of Holt Houseand created I.C. Sorosis. Two of their friends couldn’t attend and agreed to abide by whatever the ten decided to do. They chose the arrow as their badge and they agreed to “conceal and never reveal” that the organization was founded in Monmouth. The organization grew despite the opposition from the college authorities. By the late 1870s the chapter was operating sub-rosa. At the 1884 convention, the chapter relinquished its charter.

In 1928, Amy Burnham Onken reinstalled the chapter. Five of the six living founders attended. Jennie Horne Turnbull could not make it, but Clara Brownlee Hutchinson, Inez Smith Soule, Margaret Campbell, Libbie Brook Gaddis and Fannie Whitenack Libbey were all in attendance.

Illinois Gamma Minnie McDill McMichael, wife of the Monmouth College President, along with the townspeople, worked together to set up a great installation weekend. The ceremony took place at the home of the McMichaels. There, members of the local organization Zeta Epsilon Chi, both active and alumnae, were pledged to Pi Beta Phi. On Thursday, the initiation and installation ceremonies took place. Over the three days there were many banquets. On the first day a luncheon was prepared by Phi Delta Sigma and a breakfast was given by Kappa Alpha Sigma to promote Panhellenic spirit. After the Pledging Ceremony, there was a dinner held at the home of Iowa Alpha Adaline Ward Barnum by the Monmouth, Illinois, Alumnae Club. There the constitution was read and explained. Then, on Thursday after the initiation ceremony, there was a buffet luncheon served by the Zeta Epsilon Chi alumnae. That evening the new chapter held a formal banquet.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Evelyn Peters Kyle, Pi Phi’s Poet Laureate

• Mary MacDill Knapheide

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Illinois Alpha

• Tiffany Mekshes Cole (2002)

Grand Council Members from Illinois Alpha

• Evelyn Peters Kyle

Installing Officers

Grand President Grace Lass Sisson, Illinois Delta and Jessie Davidson, Illinois Delta
 

Installation of Illinois Zeta

The chapter was installed on October 26, 1895. Initiation took place at the home of Nellie Lapham Swigart, Illinois Beta, on South Neil Street. Following initiation, an elegant banquet was given by Mrs. Swigart. The house was decorated in wine and silver blue, and with wine carnations. After the banquet, the members held their first Cookie Shine. The charter members were Amelia Darling Alpiner (Stern), Edith Marie Weaver (Gilhulely), Blanche C. Lindsay (Wood), Martha Vivian Monier (Morissy), Laura E. Busey (Fulton), Nellie Besore (Sears), Edith M. Yoemans, Anne B. Montgomery (Bahnsen) and Lelia White. The charter members are memorialized in the Vabelman Award given out each year. The name of the award was created from the first letters of the names of the charter members.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Robin Baumgarten, news anchor from WGN Morning News in Chicago
• Amelia Alpiner Stern, one of the first Jewish students to attend the University of Illinois and founder of the Mom's Day/Weekend tradition at Illinois Zeta
• Harriet Haycock Brown, author who wrote “Ocean to Ocean”

Grand Council Members from Illinois Zeta

• Alison Veit Heafitz
• Amelia Alpiner Stern
• Barbara Sands Olsen
• Lois Franklin Stoolman
• Fay Martin Gross

Installing Officer

Grand President Mary Loy Tatum, Oklahoma Beta
 

Installation of Illinois Kappa

The chapter was installed on April 20, 2013. The weekend-long celebration began Friday night with a Cookie Shine enjoyed by local alumnae, current and past Grand Council members, Pi Phi volunteers and Headquarters staff. Members of other University of Chicago fraternities and sororities also attended the Cookie Shine to welcome the new chapter.

Illinois Kappa initiated 54 women into Pi Beta Phi along with four alumnae initiates. The Toastmistress was Illinois Kappa alumna initiate Erin Correa. Erin previously served as Executive Director of The Leadership Institute - Women with Purpose, Inc. and was a workshop facilitator for several Pi Phi events. Erin shared her story and why it was important to her to become a Pi Phi, bringing tears to many in the room. The Illinois Kappa Chapter was installed shortly after the Boston Marathon bombing and devastating shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Erin spoke about how the world needed women who embody the Pi Phi values of Integrity, Honor and Respect.

Notable Fact

Original I.C. chapter
 

Installation at Illinois Beta-Delta

The chapter is the only dually named chapter in the Fraternity. The Illinois Beta Chapter was installed at Lombard College on November 7, 1872 as Iota of I.C. Sorosis. The Illinois Delta Chapter was installed at Knox College on March 7, 1884 as Upsilon of I.C. Sorosis. When Lombard College closed in 1930, the students and chapter could transfer to Knox College. Thus, the chapter took on both names and became Illinois Beta-Delta in June 1930.

Notable Alumnae

• Lexie Kamerman, served in Afghanistan

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Illinois Beta-Delta

• Carolyn Eden Balseter Evani (2010)

• Judith Sisson Hawley (2004)

Grand Council Members from Illinois Beta-Delta

• Cara Ballard Sutcliffe

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation of Illinois Eta

A local group, Delta Theta Psi, was formed in 1904. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on March 29, 1912. There were a number of women who petitioned to install Delta Theta Psi, a local organization, as a chapter of Pi Beta Phi. These women included Pearl Tippett, Irene Handlin, Esther Starr, Grade Lorraine Thift, Florence Sarah Page, Lucille Logan, Edith Ward Bower, Lucy Curtis, Jessie Elizabeth Patterson, Lois Scott, Norma Louise Council, Lois Brown, Mabel Edmonson, Marie Scott, Helen Page, Margaret Hessler, Helen Keeley, Eula Mason, Ann Stoker, Virginia Bower, Irma Nicholson, Helen Roby and Fannie Johnson.

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha, performed the Initiation Ceremony for these women. There were 12 chapters of Pi Phis represented at the ceremony. Illinois Eta was the first of national women’s fraternity on Millikin’s campus. Installation took place in the home of Maryland Alpha Caroline Lutz. It was reported, “The house was an ideal one for the purpose and the local Pi Phis had introduced a few unusual features in decoration and concluding ceremony, which added an especial charm to the initiation.”

At chapel, which some of the visiting Pi Phis attended, the College President announced the establishment of the first women’s fraternity on campus. He then suggested that the student body rise and sing the college song in Illinois Eta’s honor. The President and his wife, a chapter Patroness, hosted an open house at their home to honor the chapter.

The “First Annual” dance announced the installation. Pi Phi colors and carnations provided the decorations. The following afternoon Adele Blackstone hosted the Pi Phis; her sister Marguerite Blackstone, Illinois Zeta, had helped the chapter secure the charter, but was not in town for the installation festivities.

Notable Alumnae

• Katelyn Epperly, Season 9 American Idol contestant

Grand Council Members from Illinois Eta

• Mary Elizabeth Frushour Hill

Notable Fact

Original I.C. chapter (Tau)
 

Installing Officer

Nannie Thompson (Lord)
 

Installation of Illinois Gamma

The chapter was installed on September 13, 1882 as Tau of I.C. Sorosis. It had 25 initiates.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1888.

Notable Alumnae

• Minnie McDill McMichael, instrumental in the reinstallation of the Illinois Alpha Chapter

Grand Council Members from Illinois Gamma

• Julia Ferris Hubbs

Installing Officer 

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Illinois Theta

A local group, Lambda Phi, was formed in 1901. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on May 17, 1947. Initiation Ceremonies took place over the course of a few days and concluded with a Cookie Shine at the City Women’s Club, hosted by the Peoria, Illinois, Alumnae Club. The installation banquet was held at the Block and Kuhl Skyline Dining Room. A wine and silver blue arrow hung above the speakers’ table, which was decorated with an arrangement of wine and silver blue carnations with a corsage of the same at each place.

Notable Alumnae

• Lisa Helfrich Jackson, producer of major television shows including "Everybody Loves Raymond"
• Barbara Adler

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Illinois Theta

• Nancy Trogman (2014)
• Barbara Callan Steffin (2003)

Installing Officers

Grand Secretary Grace Lass Sisson, Illinois Delta, and Loretta Hood, Illinois Delta
 

Installation of Illinois Epsilon 

The chapter was installed on May 26, 1894. The chapter was established through the influence of the Michigan Beta chapter, which helped five women apply for the Pi Beta Phi charter, and Grace Lass (Sisson), who was serving as Grand Secretary at the time.

After the Initiation Ceremony, the women enjoyed a tea at the house of a town member, where they received little plates decorated with carnations. The chapter sent out formal announcements the following week. Additionally, they were given a moonlight boat ride on Lake Michigan by a brother of a member. The charter members were Maude Van Sickle Schiver, Miriam Prindle Waller, Grace Van Sickle Melone, Hila Verbeck Knapp and Addie May Griggs.

The chapter closed June 30, 2021. 

Notable Alumnae

• Jacquelyn Mayer Townsend, Miss America 1963 and motivational speaker
• Phyllis Elliott Oakley, Diplomat, United States State Department, served as Assistant Secretary of State
• Martha Hyer, actress, seen in "McCloud"
• Patricia Neal, Oscar-winning actress

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Illinois Epsilon 

• Jane Ehrenberg Rosen (2015)
• Patricia Neal (1999)
• Phyllis Elliott Oakley (1996)

Grand Council Members from Illinois Epsilon 

Grand Presidents

• Amy Burnham Onken, Grand President for 31 years (1921–1952), the longest term of any Pi Phi Grand President; the Amy Burnham Onken Award, Pi Phi's highest individual award, was established in her honor.

Grand Council Members

• Elda L. Smith
• Margaretta Penn Putman
• Mary Jane Stein Derringer

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha
 

Installation of Illinois Iota

A local group, Pi Beta Co-op, was formed in 1967. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on January 19, 1974. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the First Unitarian Church in Bloomington, Illinois. The installation banquet took place at the Illinois House and was hosted by the Bloomington, Indiana, Alumnae Club. Special guest speakers included Club President Julie Mills Williams, Indiana Beta.

The chapter closed May 12, 2019. 

Installing Officer

Grand President Rainie Adamson Small, Illinois Beta
 

Installation of Indiana Alpha

The chapter began as a local group, Alpha Xi Theta, and officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on January 16, 1888. Fourteen women, including future Grand President Emma Harper Turner, were charter members. Installation activities took place at the home of charter member Mary Emma Ellis, located at 500 North Main Street in Franklin, Indiana.

Grand Council Members from Indiana Alpha

Grand Presidents

• Emma Harper Turner

Grand Council Members

• Helen Forsyth Raup
• Jeannette Zeppenfeld

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Indiana Alpha

• E. Jane Betts (2015)
• Betty Jan Reed Voris Packard (1992)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Indiana Epsilon 

A local group, Pi Phi Epsilon, was formed in 1941. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 1, 1942. The ceremonies began in the room in which the third national convention of Pi Beta Phi was held in 1872, when DePauw University was called Indiana Asbury University. The Pledging Ceremony, conducted by Marianne Reid Wild, was followed by a Cookie Shine at the new chapter house in the afternoon. The next day, the first New Member class was initiated at Gobin Memorial Church, DePauw’s campus church. There were 33 members who received their shining new arrows. A formal banquet was held that night in the large dining room of Mason Hall, which was then the newest residence hall on campus.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winner from Indiana Epsilon

• Nancy Ford (1991)

Installing Officer

Elizabeth Middleton, Indiana Alpha
 

Installation of Indiana Beta 

The chapter was installed on April 13, 1893. Indiana Beta was organized by Elizabeth Middleton, Indiana Alpha, and chartered by the following members: Elizabeth Middleton, Jessie Traylor (Grimes), Delia Evelyn Mount (Wooden), Laura Rogers Grimes (Anderson), Eleanor Pearl Grimes (Wright), Blanche McLaughlin, Edna Earl Stewart and Carrie Bell Burner. Installation took place at the Henry Springer House in Bloomington, Indiana. There was an informal installation banquet held at the Springer House as well. The women had a Cookie Shine and ate ham sandwiches, pickles, potato salad, deviled eggs and cookies.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winner from Indiana Beta

• Patricia Root Bash (1993)

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation of Indiana Zeta

A local group, Gamma Gamma, was formed in 1920. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on August 23, 1952. At the time of the chapter’s installation, the University was called Ball State Teacher’s College. It was the first Pi Beta Phi to be installed on a teacher’s college campus after the Association of Education Sororities became part of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), a process that began when Illinois Epsilon Amy Burnham Onken, chaired NPC.

The Installation Ceremony took place in the Arts Building on campus. There was an installation banquet after the event at the Delaware Country Club. The theme was “Royal Gems of Pi Phi” and three women spoke before singing Pi Phi songs.

Notable Alumnae

• Christine Dobbyn, a news anchor who received the Radio & Television Director Association Award for Young Journalists in 1997 and a regional Emmy award in 2004

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Indiana Zeta

• Judith Summers McCollum (2008)

Grand Council Members of Indiana Zeta 

• Julie Pratt Simmons
• Lucy Baker Warner

Installing Officer

Grand President Grace Lass Sisson, Illinois Delta
 

Installation of Indiana Gamma

The Indiana Gamma chapter was an outgrowth of a local organization in existence at Butler University as early as 1894. It was organized through the effortd of Indiana Beta Bertha Holland. Pi Beta Phi was the third Greek letter sorority at Butler after Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma.

On the evening of November 19, 1894, six women met at the Delta Tau Delta house on campus and organized a local fraternity. They drew up and signed a short constitution. A few days later, they met again at the house of one of the women, where the name Alpha Phi Psi was chosen, the constitution enlarged and the colors of crimson and light blue were chosen.

In the winter of the third year, 1896, with only five active members, plans were started for obtaining a national charter. After careful consideration of existing women’s fraternities, Pi Beta Phi was chosen on April 12th. At the end of May, a letter was received from pi Beta Phi’s Grand Secretary stating the charter would be granted in a few days. Less than two weeks later, another letter was received from the Grand Treasurer, who had voted against the charter because she felt that Butler was too small in enrollment and size. Without a unanimous vote of Grand Council, a charter would not be granted.

Alpha Phi Psi decided to appeal to Pi Beta Phi’s Convention, which was being held that summer in Madison, Wisconsin. Ethel Boor (Roberts) was chosen to go to the convention at their representative. The Grand Treasurer did everything to discourage the establishment of a Pi Beta Phi chapter at Butler University, but with the help of Professor Sober of Wisconsin, the charter was granted July 18, 1897. The charter included the condition that if at the end of three years, the standard of the university had declined, the charter would be withdrawn.

Installation of the Indiana Gamma Chapter of Pi Beta Phi was August 27, 1897. There was a banquet that followed the Installation Ceremony at Annie and Mary McCollum’s home. After the banquet, Grand President Grace Lass Sisson gave an informal speech. The charter members were Mabel Gertrude Hauk, Edith Boor Roberts (Loop), Ethel R. Curryer, Annie Mercer McCollum, Olive Inez Phares (Tittsworth), Jessie Lanier Christian (Brown), Emily Matilda Helming, Elizabeth Moxon Banning, Annette Maybelle Seeley, Mary Gertrude McCollum (Moorhead) and Marietta Lamb Thompson (Sprague).

 

Notable Alumnae

• Donna Burgard received the Evelyn Peters Kyle Angel Award for Club Service in 2010 
• Madge Oberhotlzer, whose death and the subsequent murder trial contributed to taking down the Indiana chapter of the Ku Klux Klan

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Indiana Gamma

• Leslie King (2015)

Grand Council Members from Indiana Gamma

• Betty Blades Lofton

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha
 

Installation of Indiana Eta

A local group, Kappa Delta Theta, was formed in 1968. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 26, 1974. Installation activities took place on campus and concluded with a reception in the Student Union Building.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 2004.

Installing Officer

Grand President Anna Lytle Tannahill (Brannon), Nebraska Beta
 

Installation at Indiana Delta

A local group, Delta Rho, was formed in 1915. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on January 1, 1921. Installation activities took place at the rented Indiana Delta Chapter house on Waldron Street. The installation banquet took place in the College Inn of Hotel Fowler. During the banquet, charter member Faith Otten (Clark) sang and members of the university faculty gave a classical music program.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Indiana Delta

• Gloria Seeburger Gellman (2015)

• Ila Reeve Badger (2010)

• Jane Grimmer Baker (1994)

• Virginia Murphy Blankenbaker (1992)

Dorothy Weaver Morgan Award

• Jan Kincaid Clifford (2018)

Installing Officer

Grand President Beth van Maanen Beatty, Texas Gamma
 

Installation at Indiana Theta

A local group, Alpha Xi Epsilon, was formed in 1919. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 31, 1998. The Initiation Ceremony was held at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Valparaiso. The installation banquet was held at the Casa del Roma. The chapter provided entertainment during the banquet, including the singing of Pi Phi songs.

Notable Fact

Original I.C. chapter (Gamma)
 

Installing Officer

Founder Libbie Brook Gaddis, Illinois Alpha
 

Installation of Iowa Alpha

In the fall of 1868, a little more than a year after I.C. Sorosis was formed at Monmouth College, Founder Libbie Brook (Gaddis) enrolled at Iowa Wesleyan College. She installed the Iowa Alpha Chapter on December 21, 1868 as Gamma of I.C. Sorosis. It’s believed the installation activities took place at the home of Elijah Spry, at 206 North Jefferson.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 2004.

Grand Council Members from Iowa Alpha

• Olive McHenry

Notable Fact

Original I.C. chapter (Chi)
 

Installing Officers

Rena Reynolds, Iowa Beta and Estella Walters Ball, Iowa Beta
 

Installation at Iowa Zeta

The chapter was installed on February 8, 1882, as Chi of I.C. Sorosis. Iowa Betas Rena Reynolds and Estella Walters Ball were instrumental in starting a chapter at the University of Iowa. When I.C. Sorosis changed its naming system, the chapter became Iowa Zeta.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Iowa Zeta

• Janet Armstrong Harris (2014)
• Becky Foster Crane (2013)

Grand Council Members from Iowa Zeta

• Mira Troth

• Julia E. Rogers
• Gail De Wolf
• Lois Snyder Finger
• Emma Humphrey Haddock
• Isabella Hudson (Cartwright)
• Ella Ham Robinson

Notable Fact 

Original I.C. chapter (Gamma Omega)
 

Installation at Iowa Iota

The chapter was installed in September 1884 as Gamma Omega of I.C. Sorosis. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1894.

Notable Fact 

Original I.C. chapter (Lambda)
 

Installing Officer

Estella Walters Ball, Iowa Alpha
 

Installation of Iowa Beta

In a letter Ida Cheshire Barker wrote to the Iowa Beta Chapter in 1940, she recalled the beginnings of the chapter, "I was fifteen when I received the letter from Anna Porter of Monmouth asking me to get together other young ladies and organize a chapter of the fraternity. It was S. L. Lindsay who had gone from Indianola to Monmouth, who gave my name to Anna Porter."

Anna Porter wrote to Ida, in part, “You will no doubt be surprised at receiving a letter from a person you never heard of before, but I trust we will be very well acquainted before long. Your name has been handed to me with several other ladies, as among the first class of Indianola, and as we are desirous of starting a chapter of the fraternity in your college, to me was given the privilege of writing ... [The fraternity] is an old fraternity and we always try and have the No. 1 ladies of the college ... We only take in the girls we can love, not only as friends, but as sisters. "

Ida talked to "her best friend," who later became her sister-in-law, Kate Barker (McCune) and the two along with eight other girls — Nell Todhunter (Richey), Estella Walters (Ball), Emma Patton (Noble), Louise Noble (Curtis), Bessie Guyer (Linn), Marie Morrison (Samson), Fannie Andrew (Noble) and Elizabeth Cooke (Martin) — met and organized in the Cheshire house the first woman's national fraternity on Simpson's campus. The Minute Book of Iowa Beta, containing the minutes of the first meeting of the chapter, is the earliest minute book known to be in existence in the fraternity. The members borrowed $20.00 from the bank to buy their pins, large golden arrows, for $3.00 each and a bolt of cloth to make long gingham aprons which they wore to chapel, attending as a group, wearing their arrows for the first time. The installation ceremony took place in the bedroom of Ida Cheshire (Barker).

Iowa Gamma Carrie Chapman Catt, an American women's suffrage leader, came to Indianola to speak at a lecture promoted by Iowa Beta. 

Notable Alumnae

• Juli Holmes Willeman, current Executive Director of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity
• Phylliss Hickman Howlett, Former Assistant Commissioner of the Big 10 Intercollegiate Conference
• Rosemary Lane, Actress from the 1930s
• Eugenia Moore Anderson, the first Woman Ambassador to Denmark and the First Woman Minister to Bulgaria   
• Ruth Buxton Sayre, Iowa Women's Hall of Fame

Notable Fact

Original I.C. chapter (Beta Omega)
 

Installation at Iowa Eta

The chapter was installed on October 12, 1882 as Beta Omega of I.C. Sorosis. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1890. The name was later used for the chapter at Drake University.

Notable Fact

Original I.C. chapter (Delta Omega)
 

Installation at Iowa Kappa

The chapter was installed in September 1884 as Delta Omega of I.C. Sorosis The chapter’s charter was relinquished that same year.

Notable Fact: 

Original I.C. chapter (Mu)
 

Installing Officer

Florence Porter Robinson, Wisconsin Alpha 
 

Installation of Iowa Gamma

Iowa Gamma at Iowa State University was chartered on May 11, 1877. Mary Carpenter, an Iowa State student, met Elizabeth Cook, a member of the Simpson College chapter, on a train on their way to an oratorical contest. From this meeting came the efforts to organize a chapter at Ames. Famed suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt was a member of this chapter while a student at Iowa State University. All fraternities were banned at Iowa State from 1891 until 1903, and the chapter became dormant in 1894. When the College administration changed, fraternities were once again welcome, in part, to solve a housing shortage. A local society, Iota Theta, was installed as the Iowa Gamma Chapter of Pi Beta Phi on February 24, 1906.

Installation took place at the home of Olive Wilson Curtis, which is now the historic and restored FarmHouse museum on central campus. On the way to the banquet at the home of Iowa Gamma Julia Wentch Stanton, the campanile bells played the “Pi Phi Anthem” and other Pi Phi songs that could be heard across campus. Mrs. Stanton’s home was decorated with thousands of wine carnations. A seven-course meal was served to the 60 Pi Phis in attendance.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Carrie Chapman Catt, leader in the women's suffrage movement

Grand Council Members from Iowa Gamma 

• Mary McDonald Knapp
• Ruth Barrett Smith

Installing Officer

Grand President Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta
 

Installing Iowa Eta

The chapter was installed on October 8, 1983. The Installation activities took place at the Hotel Savery. The next afternoon, a reception was held at the newly acquired Iowa Eta Chapter house, where, despite a lake of furniture, family, friends and University officials gathered to extend a welcome to the chapter.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 2005.

Installation at Iowa Lambda

The chapter was installed on October 26, 1886. The chapter was established through the influence of Cary Dorr, who later became a charter member, with assistance from Iowa Alpha and Iowa Beta alumnae. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1888 when the College closed. The school later reopened as Drake University, where the Iowa Eta Chapter was installed in 1983.

Notable Fact 

Original I.C. chapter (Omicron)
 

Installation at Iowa Iota

The chapter was installed in 1881 as Omicron of I.C. Sorosis. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1885.

Notable Fact 

Original I.C. chapter (Zeta Omega)
 

Installation at Iowa Theta

The chapter was installed on August 22, 1884 as Zeta Omega of I.C. Sorosis. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in in 1892.

Notable Fact

Original I.C. chapter (Sigma)
 

Installation at Iowa Sigma

The chapter was installed in 1881 and the chapter’s charter was relinquished that same year. The Sigma designation was used for two I.C. chapters, the other a chapter located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Notable Fact 

Original I.C. chapter (Kappa)
 

Installation of Kansas Alpha

The chapter was installed on April 1, 1873 as Kappa of I.C. Sorosis. The chapter was established through the influence of Illinois Beta Sara Richardson, who spent the summer of 1872 at home in Lawrence, Kansas. Three of her sisters — Flora Richardson (Coleman), May Richarson and Alma Richardson (Wallace), who later became charter members — were attending the University. It was at the first party given by the chapter, to honor Sara, that the Cookie Shine took on its name and place in Pi Beta Phi.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Dr. Leona Baumgartner, Scientist. Served as commissioner of the Public Health Department of New York, and as deputy in the Agency for International Development with the State Department. 

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Kansas Alpha

• Joanna Miranda Glaze (2014)
• Stacey Warren (2014)
• Sally Roney Hoglund (2002)
• Lois Haskell Straight Johnson (1992)

Grand Council Members from Kansas Alpha

Grand Presidents

• Helen B. Sutliff
• Marianne Reid Wild

Grand Council Members

• Virginia Hutson Getto
• Adrienne Hiscox Mitchell
• Jean Oliver Humphrey
• Josephine March Marvin
• Lucinda Smith Buchan
• Marian Keck Simmons
• Mary Miller Barnes
• Rose McColloch Dressler
• Clara Poehler
• Edythe Mulveyhill Brack
• Ida Greeley Smith Griffith

Installing Officer

Grand Treasurer Anne Stuart, Nebraska Beta
 

Installation of Kansas Beta

Anne Stuart served as the installing officer of Kansas Beta, as she encouraged the women of a local sorority, Pi Kappa Phi, to become a national chapter of Pi Beta Phi. Pi Kappa Phi first began to petition Pi Beta Phi in 1911, and by 1915 it was confirmed that this society of women would integrate into Pi Beta Phi. The original petition of signatures is hanging in the chapter’s living room.

The installation banquet for the Kansas Beta Chapter occurred at Carnegie Library in Manhattan, Kansas; 23 women were initiated in the first New Member class of Pi Beta Phi. The first official chapter meeting was held on June 5, 1915. The ritual was recited and the newly founded chapter elected its first slate of officers.

 

Notable Alumnae

• Frances Allison Weaver, Senior editor for the "Today Show." Author of "I'm Not As Old As I Used to be," among others, and lecturer
• Helen Eakin Eisenhower, Instrumental in founding Pennsylvania Epsilon

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Kansas Beta

• Chris Giza (2015)
• Karen Milner Graves (1998)
• Frances Allison Weaver (1997)

Balfour Cup Winner - 2018

Grand Council Members from Kansas Beta

• Marla Neelly Wulf
• Cynthia Rice Svec

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Kentucky Alpha

A local group, Tri Xi, was formed in 1921. The name was chosen because it rhymed with Pi Phi, whose charter was the goal. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 9, 1925. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the home of Ontario Alpha Emma Woerner, a 1925 Lake of Bays Convention initiate. The Installation Banquet took place in the Red Room of the Seelbach Hotel. The general plan of the program was that of the ship Tri Xi arriving at the port of Pi Beta Phi, carried out in detail through place cards, decorations and more.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Sue Grafton, author
• Julie Wray Herman, author
• Ruth Wilson Cogshall, artist, actress, creator of the Pi Phi paper dolls and very active within local community
• Elizabeth Wilson, established first U.S.O. club during World War II

Grand Council Members from Kentucky Alpha

• Helen Anderson Lewis

Installing Officer

Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta
 

Installation at Kentucky Beta

The chapter was installed on March 3, 1962. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church. The installation banquet took place at the Coach House. The chapter saw “Pi Phi Lights” reflected in the shimmering pool at its banquet. There was also a Cookie Shine.

Grand Council Members from Kentucky Beta

• Barbara McReynolds LaMaster
• Rae Wohlhueter Maier

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha
 

Installation at Kentucky Gamma

The chapter was installed on August 28, 1976. Installation activities were held in the ballroom of the Keene Johnson Building on campus. During the banquet, the room was decorated with candlelight, flowers and wide satin ribbon representing the bonds of wine and blue.

The chapter relinquished its charter September 3, 2017.

Installation at Louisiana Alpha

Louisiana Alpha at Sophie Newcomb Memorial College was installed on October 29, 1891, with seven charter members, Josephine Craig Wickes, Anna P. Coyle, Isabella B. Coleman Weise, Alice Boardman Baldridge, Lottie Fairfax Galleher Blacklock, Elizabeth Henderson Labrot and Mary Given Matthews Mcllhenny. Mary L. Burton Wright, Indiana Alpha, was instrumental in the founding of the chapter. For many decades, it was the only Pi Phi chapter in the south.

Notable Alumnae

• Mary Elizabeth Blackmon, producer and actress

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Winners from Louisiana Alpha

• Louise Ragsdale Foreman (2014)

Grand Council Members from Louisiana Alpha

• Celeste Janvier
• Francese Evans Ives

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Louisiana Beta

A local group, Pi Beta, was formed in 1935 after Pi Phi alumnae were permitted to participate in recruitment, under the direction of California Delta Marjorie Baird (Rusteberg). A charter was granted at the 1936 Edgewater Convention and the chapter was installed on October 17, 1936. The Initiation Ceremony took place at Highland Hall on campus. The installation banquet was held in the dining room of La Maison Française, the old French chateau on campus and was hosted by Ruth Ward, who recently transferred to the school from Wyoming and later affiliated with the new chapter.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Louisiana Beta

• Judy Fingerle Simmons (2002)
• Genevieve Munson Trimble (1998)
• Charlotte Tillar Schexnayder (1992)

Installing Officer

Grand Vice President Anna Robinson Nickerson, Massachusetts Alpha
 

Installation at Maine Alpha

A local group, Beta Phi, was formed in 1917. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on May 25, 1920. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the home belonging to the University Dean and his wife. The installation banquet was held in the dining room of Ballantine Hall on campus. The meal was served by women from the other fraternities who volunteered their services. The group sang Pi Phi and University of Maine songs and cheers. The toastmistresses were new initiates Ruth Small and Elva Gilman, who spoke on the founding of Pi Beta Phi.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Manitoba Alpha

A local group, Delta Phi, was formed in 1925. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 5, 1929. The installation banquet featured a large gold arrow lighted with alternate blue and red lights directly behind the table, which was centered with streamers of wine and blue. Each place was set with a souvenir menu tied with the colors, and bearing on its cover a silhouette symbolic of the college girl in the armor of Fraternity, holding high the torch of progress. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1976.

Grand Council Members from Manitoba Alpha

• Isabel A. Clark Winkler

Installing Officer

Florence Chase (Cass), Michigan Alpha
 

Installation at Maryland Alpha

Maryland Alpha at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, was chartered January 9, 1897. Elizabeth K. Culver, Colorado Alpha, Pennsylvania Alphas Helen and Elizabeth Lamb and Nebraska Alpha Loe Mary Ware organized the chapter, and it was installed by Michigan Alpha Florence P. Chase (Cass). Charter members included May Lansfield Keller, Waunda Hartshorn (Petrunkevitch), Helen Benson Doll (Tottle), Jennie Beck Smith, Elsie Price Ganoe, Sylvia Evelina Ware (Ireland) and Edna Livingston Stone.

May Lansfield Keller was the chapter's first initiate. The ceremony, which took place at the home of Elizabeth Lamb, was three hours long and was filled with a lot of singing. After initiation, other women’s organizations welcomed the newly formed Pi Phi chapter to the area.

At the time, it was one of the few women’s colleges that was home to women’s fraternities. National Panhellenic Conference groups were ordered off campus when the college built a new campus in Towson, Maryland, and closed in 1950.
 

Grand Council Members from Maryland Alpha

Grand Presidents

• May Lansfield Keller

Grand Council Members

• Lillian Beck Holton
• Mabel Scott Brown

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Maryland Beta

The chapter was installed on June 17, 1944. Installation activities took place in the Dean of Women’s Lounge, located in the Old Library, one of the oldest buildings on campus. The installation banquet featured ferns and wine carnations, with a program tied with wine ribbon at each place. The new initiates received recognition pins, corsages of wine carnations and Pi Beta Phi songbooks.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1991.
 

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Maryland Beta

• Mary Rakow Tanner (2009)
• Major General Trudy Hartzell Clark (2003)

Emma Harper Turner Leadership Award

• Marymargaret McDonough (2018)

Installing Officer

Grand President Mary Loy Tatum, Oklahoma Beta
 

Installation of Maryland Gamma

On Friday, November 19, 2010, the women celebrated with a Cookie Shine and parents from as far away as California visited to support the women with installation. On Saturday morning, November 20, Grand President Mary Loy Tatum, Oklahoma Beta, initiated 61 New Members, including one legacy and five alumna initiates. Before installation activities began, every New Member was given a pink flower. She then shared her favorite Pi Phi memory and added her flower to a bouquet. That flower arrangement was present at all installation events, representing the diversity of the group. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Doubletree Inn at The Colonnade. The installation banquet was held at The Glass Pavilion on the Homewood campus. The charter was received at convention in Orlando, Florida, in 2011.

Installing Officer

Grace Grosvenor (Shepard), Ohio Alpha
 

Installation of Massachusetts Alpha

The chapter was installed on March 7, 1896. There was heavy rain that day, but the storm could not dispel the brightness of the occasion. Massachusetts Alpha at Boston University was installed by Grace Grosvenor (Shepard), Ohio Alpha, and Susanne Smith Tyndale, Iowa Zeta, on March 7, 1896 with the following charter members Ethel Pearl Bancroft (Bicknell), Clara B. Cooke, Evelyn A. Howe, Edith L. Floyd (Swan), Winifred G. Hill (Maxfield), Mercy Montgomery Hood, Adeline Mae Lawrence, Lucy Allen Gardiner, Florence N. Flagg and Olive Bacon Gilchrist.

The charter was relinquished in 1985.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Massachusetts Beta

The chapter was installed on March 4, 1944. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Congregational Church followed by a buffet supper at the chapter house. The next day, the installation banquet was held at the historic Lord Jeffery Inn. The head table was decorated with a centerpiece of wine carnations and violets fashioned into a large arrow, with silver candelabras holding silver blue candles.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1973.

Installing Officer

Grand President Emily Russell Tarr, Texas Beta
 

Installation of Massachusetts Gamma

Installation weekend took place November 14–16, 2008. Six of the seven Grand Council members were in attendance. On Friday the 14, the evening started with a Pledging Ceremony and Preparatory Service in Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Student Center. This was followed by a Cookie Shine in MIT’s Walker Memorial Building. On November 15, 2008, an Initiation Ceremony was held in the MIT Chapel, followed by an installation banquet in the evening at Le Meridien Cambridge. The weekend concluded with a model Chapter Meeting and a Campus and Community Reception in MIT’s Student Center on November 16.

Installing Officer

Jennie Colegrove, Illinois Beta
 

Installation of Michigan Alpha

In the spring of 1887 the presidents of Alpha Kappa Phi and Germanae Sodales, brother and sister literary societies, were James E. Davidson and Minta Morgan, respectively. When James heard from Minta that a second women’s fraternity was being contemplated at Hillsdale, he suggested petitioning I.C. Sorosis. As early as September 1881,  the college had been on the I.C.'s radar as a place of possible extension, so the petition was granted at once by the Grand Officers.

On May 21, 1887, Minta Morgan, May Copeland, Anna Burgoyne, Josephine Graham, Belle Armstrong, Carrie Charles and Myra Browne gathered at the Adams house, 73 West Street South, the home of Minta’s grandfather, Strickland Adams and the Michigan Alpha Chapter was installed by Jennie Colegrove, Illinois Beta. The event was kept secret, so that word would not reach the faculty of their plans because there was some anti-fraternity sentiment on campus. Jessie C. Sheldon was initiated two weeks later.

The chapter made its existence known when classes resumed in the fall of 1887. Although six the seven charter members had been expected to return, Myra Brown and Belle Armstrong unexpectedly withdrew from school. The new chapter had to quickly recruit new members to remain viable, and bids offered to Adah Browne (cousin of Josephine Graham), Mame Kerr and Grace P. Higbee were quickly accepted. The first reference to “the ladies of Pi Beta Phi” appeared in the student newspaper in December, 1887.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Elizabeth Clarke Helmick, Historian and Chairman and vital force behind the establishment of the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School

• Leah Stock Helmick, teacher at Settlement School, 1914
• MaryAlice Chaffee Gerund, Director of the Settlement School, 1933-1934

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Michigan Alpha

• Michelle Morrow O’Brien (2015)
• Rebecca Schmidt Abel (2014)

Installing Officer

Grand President Beth van Maanen Beatty, Texas Gamma
 

Installation at Michigan Epsilon

A local group, Gamma Phi Sigma, was formed in 1993. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on April 13, 1996. The Initiation Ceremony took place at Kanley Chapel on campus. The installation banquet was held at the Kalamazoo Country Club. Decorations included white hats and silver confetti, which incorporated the theme “Hats Off to Michigan Epsilon.”

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 2014.

Installing Officer

May Copeland (Drybread), Michigan Alpha 
 

Installation at Michigan Beta

Two Pi Beta Phi members, Minnie Newby, Iowa Alpha, and Statia Pritchard, Iowa Gamma, were attending the University Michigan and they selected women to be charter members of Michigan Beta. The charter members were Minnie, Statia, Lucy Parker, Fannie Read and Franc Arnold. Michigan Alphas May Copeland and Jessie Sheldon conducted the installation. On April 7, 1888, the Pi Beta Phi chapter was installed in the rooms of two charter members in the east wing of the lower floor of the Miner house at 42 Liberty Street. 

The founding members had no badges. On the day after initiation they wore wine and silver blue ribbons in their hair. Later for pictures they made badges of gilt paper. The installation banquet took place at another charter member’s residence where there was a cake baked by the mother of a Delta Gamma. The chapter did not have a home until 1891 when the chapter established a residence at 720 South State Street. The owners gave the women the use of all but one room on the second floor, the use of their parlors for meetings and the use of their dining room and kitchen for parties.

Michigan Betas were instrumental in starting other chapters. Michigan Betas Lucy Marris and Zuell Preston installed Pennsylvania Alpha at Swarthmore College on October 12, 1892. With the help of the Michigan Betas, five Northwestern University women applied for a Pi Phi charter. Illinois Epsilon was chartered on May 26, 1894. On November 1, 1894, Wisconsin Alpha was installed. Gertrude Clark Sober, a Michigan Beta, helped organized the chapter.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Michigan Beta

• Catherine Wartinbee Townsend (2005)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Michigan Gamma

A local group, Pi Phi Gamma, was formed in 1944. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on February 17, 1945. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the student parlors of the People’s Church in East Lansing. The installation banquet was held in the American Room of the Hotel Olds. Tables were decorated with arrangements of wine carnations, iris and blue candles, with programs designed by Michigan Beta Ruth Jernigan Runquist.

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation at Michigan Delta

The chapter was installed on March 7, 1959. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the Wesley lounge of Goodrich Chapel. The installation banquet was held in the Mary Sykes room of Baldwin Hall on campus. The banquet featured flowers, candlelight and the singing of Pi Phi songs.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1985.

Installing Officer

Grand Secretary Minnie Newby (Ricketts), Iowa Alpha
 

Installation at Minnesota Alpha

In 1889, Ava Sumbardo Harper, who would later become a charter member, met a Michigan woman wearing a small golden arrow. That meeting led to the establishment of a local group, the Secret Six. The chapter was installed May 30, 1890. Due to the effects of the Panic of 1893, the chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1896. The chapter was reinstalled on September 8, 1906. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the dining room of T.B. Walker Art Gallery. The installation banquet was held at Donaldson’s Tea Rooms, with tables arranged in the shape of the Greek letter Pi, decorated with azalea and ferns.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Minnesota Alpha

• Libby Larsen (1993)

Installing Officer

Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta
 

Installation at Mississippi Alpha

A local group, Pi Phi Alpha, was formed in 1960. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on April 8, 1961. The Initiation Ceremony took place at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The installation banquet was held at the Holiday Inn. It featured programs studded with a jeweled crown and favors of perfume, lipstick, keychains and matches. Carrying out the theme, Mississippi Alpha Edith Miller presented a jewel-studded crown to Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta.

Installing Officer

Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta
 

Installation at Mississippi Beta

The installation ceremony took place at the Continuation Center at the University of Mississippi. It was held on March 10, 1962 after initiation. The initiation banquet was also held at the same location. The traditional beauty of the Old South formed the background for the installation theme, “Heritage of Pi Phi.” Women gave speeches and sang songs, and the presentation of the Model New Member Awards and Scholarship Bracelet also took place that evening.

Notable Alumnae

• Susan Akin, Miss America 1986

Installing Officer

Grand President Emily Russell Tarr, Texas Beta
 

Installation of Mississippi Gamma

Mississippi Gamma was installed the weekend of April 3–5, 2009 at Mississippi State University. The charter was received at the 2009 Dallas Convention. All of the installation events were held in the Colvard Student Union on Mississippi State University’s campus. The members enjoyed a Pledging Ceremony, banquet, and Cookie Shine. The activities far exceeded anyone’s expectations with such a large group in attendance, from family members, Pi Phi international and regional officers, Pi Phi alumnae, current collegians and fellow Mississippi State Greek members. Initiation was held at Starkville First United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 4. In attendance was Sarah Ruth “Sis” Mullis, South Carolina Alpha, and Oklahoma Beta Mary Loy Tatum, who served as New Chapter Assistance Officer until she became Grand President in 2009. Sarah Ruth “Sis” Mullis was then appointed as the Chapter Assistance Officer.

Installing Officer

Grand President Grace Lass Sisson, Illinois Delta

Installation of Missouri Alpha

A local group, Iazug Club, was formed in 1899. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on May 27, 1899. Installation activities took place at the home of the Belcher Family on University Avenue and Hill Street. Grand President Grace Lass Sisson, Illinois Delta, installed the chapter. Missouri Alpha charter members were Mary Iglehart (Tiedeman), Sue Stone (Smith), Maud Miller (Jones), Maud Rippey (Minear), Lillian Lohr, Gertrude Bayless (Mills) and Hettie Anthony.

Notable Alumnae

• Olivia Smith Moore, former Grand Treasurer. The Silver Slipper Award for Outstanding Chapter VP of Finance is named in Olivia’s honor, and is so named for her love of shoes. Every year, Neiman Marcus would send a truck full of shoes to her Ace of Clubs house in Texarkana, so that she could select new styles for her wardrobe. When she traveled to convention with a suitcase full of shoes, many attendees would visit her room to see her collection. Her home is now a museum in the East Texas Historical Association, and her many shoes and Pi Beta Phi memorabilia are among the displays in the home.
• Candice Crawford, Miss Missouri 2008

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Missouri Alpha

• Karen Owens Pletz (2006, 2007)

• Sonja Hillgren (1999)

Service in Sisterhood (SIS) Award

• Karen Consalus Price (2009)
• Sue Kingsley Robinson (2018)

Grand Council Members from Missouri Alpha

• Karen Consalus Price
• Susan Kingsley Robinson
• Olivia Smith Moore

View the Missouri Alpha Digital Museum here.

Installing Officer

Grand Secretary Elda L. Smith, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Missouri Beta

A local group, the Jeserah Club, was formed in 1905. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on March 22, 1907. Installation took place in the home of Amanda Fredricka Becker (Montague), Missouri Alpha. After the initiation, the new members were taught the rules and standards of Pi Beta Phi. After the installation, a banquet took place at the home of Elise Ver Steeg at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Lindell Boulevard, during which the new Pi Phis discussed the plans for building an active and strong presence on Washington University’s campus.

The chapter relinquished its charter in 2020. 

Grand Council Members from Missouri Beta

Grand Presidents

• Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson)

Grand Council Members

• Marie Bacon Hagee

Installing Officer

Grand Vice President Lida Burkhard Lardner, Colorado Beta
 

Installation of Missouri Gamma

The Missouri Gamma Chapter of Pi Beta Phi was originally established as the Mu Beta sorority in 1906 on Drury College’s (later renamed Drury University) campus the chapter was notified via telegraph that the chapter was granted a charter for membership in Pi Beta Phi. The Pi Beta Phi chapter was officially installed on January 9, 1914. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the chapter room in Burnham Hall on campus. The installation banquet was held at the Colonial Hotel. In lieu of speeches, the banquet featured a morality play written for the occasion by charter member Mary Criss.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Dorothy “Dottie” Dillard, who won two Grammy Awards as a signer with The Anita Kerr Quartet

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Missouri Gamma 

• Cindi Arnett Hemm (2013)
• Marcia Mobley Mitchell (1992)

Young Alumna Achievement Award

• Stepanie Shadwick (2018)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Montana Alpha 

The installation weekend was celebrated September 29–October 1, 1921. The installation banquet took place at the chapter house. There was a bower of brilliant fall leaves and long tables were lit with wine and blue candles. Wine carnations and colorful ribbons adorned the walls. During the banquet, flowers, mostly wine carnations, were received as gifts from the other fraternities. There was a reception held at the Elk’s club that Saturday evening; in attendance were faculty members, college students and people from the community.

Grand Council Members from Montana Alpha

• Maurine Hager Jones
• Jamie Feist Daniels

Installing Officer

Flora M. Housel (McDowell), Iowa Alpha
 

Installation of Nebraska Alpha

The chapter was installed on January 1, 1884. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1892 when the college closed its doors and moved to Lincoln, where it became Nebraska Wesleyan University. While it was open, the chapter created a local lending library. When the chapter closed, the library was given to the city to become a public library. This was likely the first organized literacy philanthropy in the fraternity.

There were seven charter members: Vinnie Harrison (Cowell), Callie L. Mam (Daggy), Belle Dickey (Hunter), Louise Woodruff (Jerome), Flora S. Bowman (McCloud), Mary L. Baldwin (Wyckoff) and Flora M. Wycoff (Cameron).

Installation of Nebraska Beta

The chapter was installed on November 17, 1887. The chapter was organized through the efforts of Nebraska Alphas Luella Vance (Phillips), Maud C. Harrison and Flora S. Bowman (McCloud) assisted by Nebraska Alpha Flora Blackburn (Lamson) and Lillie Selby (Moor), Iowa Zeta. The charter members were Leta Horlocker, Luella Vance (Phillips), Adeline Shedd, Freda Elizabeth Wahlquist (Zacharias).

The chapter faced immediate opposition and the chapter failed to prosper. Only five additional members were initiated. The charter was relinquished in 1888. The Nebraska Beta name was later given to the chapter at the University of Nebraska.

Installing Officer

Grand President Helen B. Sutliff, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation of Nebraska Beta

The chapter was installed on January 19, 1895. May Miller Lansing attended Hillsdale College in Michigan, where she was initiated into the Michigan Alpha Chapter. The following year May transferred to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, and brought Pi Phi to her hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. May wanted to give women the opportunities that her Michigan Alpha sisters had given her back at Hillsdale.

Nebraska Beta was established through the efforts of Belle T. Reynolds, Nebraska Alpha; Mae Miller Lansing, Michigan Alpha; Adaline M. Quaintance, Illinois Beta; and Grand President Helen B. Sutliff, Kansas Alpha. The charter members were Lulu Eva Wirt, Jennie Barber (Plym), Kate Snow Walker (Johnson). Bessie Turner (Pearsall), Edna Blanche Carscadden (Wilson), Gertrude Wright (Barber), Belle T. Reynolds, Mae Miller Lansing and Adaline M. Quaintance.

 

Notable Alumnae

• Dr. Gladys Henry Dick, co-discoverer of the Dick Test for Scarlet Fever and the antitoxin used in the treatment of Scarlet Fever
• Kathryn Lyle Stephenson, M.D., first board-certified woman plastic surgeon in the United States. Named as the 1977 Woman of the Year by the American Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Nebraska Beta

• Jan Shrader Falk (2011)

Grand Council Members from Nebraska Beta

Grand Presidents

• Anna Lytle Tannahill Brannon
• Dorothy Weaver Morgan

Grand Council Members

• Ada L. Waugh
• Anne Stuart

Installing Officer

Grand President Jo Ann Minor Roderick, Oklahoma Beta
 

Installation of Nebraska Gamma

The chapter was installed on April 9, 1994. The installation took place at the Dundee Presbyterian Church on 54th and Underwood. The installation banquet was held at the Kiewit Plaza in the Cloud Room. The room provided a panoramic view of the city and each table held a centerpiece of wine and blue carnations. There was a social hour with Grand Council. Next, was a There and Then Supper with angel-shaped cream puffs for dessert. The new members learned songs and were presented with gifts. Grand Council gave out the Eight Pearls and Seven Gifts to the Nebraska Gamma members.

Installing Officer

Grand Vice President Nina Harris Allen, Illinois Beta
 

Installation of Nevada Alpha

A delegation of nine Pi Phis from Stanford University, California Alpha, came to help with the installation of the local Delta Rho sorority. The installing officer was Grand Vice President Nina Harris Allen, who was assisted by Historian Daisy Davis Carney and Treasure Ellis McClymonds, Eta Province President. A “get acquainted” party took place at the home of Myrtle Ziemer Hawkins, Colorado Alpha. A Cookie Shine took place after the Pledging Ceremony.

According to a report in March 1916 The Arrow, “The services of initiation and installation held on Saturday afternoon were concluded with a banquet at the Riverside Hotel. All visiting Pi Phis were the guests of the newly installed chapter. Mrs. Allen presided, and between courses read a number of telegrams of congratulations. Toasts were given by Della Boyd, a charter member of Delta Rho and now president of the Nevada Alumnae Club, Ruth Pyle, president of the active chapter, Mrs. Carney, Mrs. Hawkins, Mrs. McClymons, Mrs. Randall and Mrs. West. The women from both California chapters gave short talks and Catherine Woolsey, in her inimitable manner, led the singing of fraternity and college songs. Later guests enjoyed dancing on the veranda.

The following day the Pi Phi visitors were taken on a long automobile trip into the hills. It was the first time some of the California girls had ever seen snow and they thoroughly enjoyed the novel experience of snowballing. A generous supply of fruit and cookies had been provided by the thoughtful hostesses and, as members changed traveling companions frequently, it was a delightful way to become acquainted. Miss Brown, Dean of Women, accompanied us and plans were made for the tea, which she gave the next day in her parlor at Manzanita Hall to the members of Tri Delta and Pi Beta Phi.”

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation of New Jersey Alpha

The chapter was installed on March 31, 1990. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the home of Pennsylvania Epsilon Donna Tartaglia Boye (Collins). The installation banquet was held at the Princeton Ramada Inn. The room was decorated in Pi Phi colors, with each table featuring mirrored tile and votive candles. ­A wine-colored bag with a silver blue angel on one side filled with tissue paper held wine carnations and one wine and one blue balloon. The new initiates were surprised with a slideshow of pictures from their New Member period.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of New Mexico Alpha 

A local group, Pi Beta Phi, was formed in 1945. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 11, 1946. The chapter was established through the influence of the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Alumnae Club, which had been working toward a chapter since its own founding in 1927. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Y.W.C.A. The installation banquet was held in the Coronado Room of the Alvarado Hotel. The banquet theme was “Flight on the Arrow-Line,” featuring blue programs printed with silver airplanes and a centerpiece of a model airplane surrounded by bouquets of wine and blue flowers.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from New Mexico Alpha

• Ann Rhoades (2009)

Installing Officer

Grand President Sarahjane Paulson Vanasse, Washington Beta
 

Installation of New Mexico Beta 

The chapter began as a local group, Kappa Chi Upsilon, and became an official chapter of Pi Beta Phi on January 22, 1972. The Initiation Ceremony was held at the home of Kansas Alpha Joyce Laybourn Welch. The installation banquet was held in the Mecca Room of the Palms Motor Hotel.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 2016.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from New Mexico Beta

• Jimmie Lou "Bimi" Lane Huebner (2003)

Grand Council Members from New Mexico Beta

• Jimmie Lou "Bimi" Lane Huebner

Installing Officers

Grace Grosvenor (Shepard), Ohio Alpha; Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha 
 

Installation at New York Alpha

In 1892, a chapter was chartered at Cornell University. It was given the designation New York Alpha. The chapter was short-lived and only seven women were initiated. When a chapter at Syracuse was chartered on February 11, 1896, it too was given the New York Alpha designation. The charter members of the chapter at Syracuse included Julia A. Talbott, Louise V. Winfield, Clara G. Hookway (Dunham), Frances Beattie (Terry), Mary E. Mumford (Latham), Lida May O’Byron Blanche E Harter (Ivory), Frances May Bliss and Leora Sherwood (Gray). The chapter closed in 1984.

New York Alpha was reinstalled on April 31, 1988 by Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha. The chapter relinquished its charter in 2013.

Notable Alumnae

• Fran deSimone Becque, Pi Beta Phi Historian and Archivist

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award winner from New York Alpha

• Joyce Hergenhan (1993)

Installing Officers

Grand President Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta
 

Installation of New York Epsilon

A local group, Kappa Phi, was formed in 1982. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on November 17, 1984. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the First United Presbyterian Church of Troy. The installation banquet was held at the Russell Sage Dining Hall, located in the heart of campus. Special guest speakers included Nebraska Beta Nancy Norman Spearman, a well-known television personality on WMHT public television station.

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Gamble, Colorado Alpha
 

Installation at New York Beta

On the afternoon of May 28, 1904, Barnard College became the home of the New York Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the morning room of the Breton Hall Hotel. The installation banquet was held in a private dining room of that same hotel. Due to anti-fraternity sentiment, the College suspended all fraternities in 1913. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1915 when its last members graduated.

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation of New York Zeta

The chapter was installed on May 3, 1986. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the new chapter house. The installation banquet was held at the Colgate Inn.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1992.

Installing Officer

May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Grand Council Members from New York Gamma

• Betsy Harris Cantlie

Installing Officer

Grand President Emily Russell Tarr, Texas Beta
 

The chapter was installed on January 31, 2009. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Glucksman Ireland House, just off Washington Square in Greenwich Village. The installation banquet was held in Battery Park with a breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty. Special guest speakers included New York Gamma Elinor Ruth Tatum, Publisher and Editor in Chief of the New York Amsterdam News, the oldest and largest black newspaper in New York City. She celebrated the diversity of the New York Eta charter class.

Installing Officer

Arrow Editor Sarah Poeroy Rugg, Massachusetts Alpha
 

Installation of New York Delta

The installation ceremony took place in Risley Hall dormitory on June 15, 1919.

Notable Alumnae

• Susan Hills Murphy, Vice President of student and academic services at Cornell University

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from New York Delta

• Susan Hills Murphy (1998)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of North Carolina Alpha

A local group, Beta Alpha Pi, was formed in 1921. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 28, 1923. The New Member Ceremony took place in the chapter’s quaint, one-room chapter house. It had been the first schoolhouse in Chapel Hill. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the 300-year old home of Professor and Mrs. Caldwell. There was an installation banquet in the social rooms of the Presbyterian Church. Amy Burnham Onken gave the “Fraternity Welcome” and Pauline Turnbull, New York Alpha, spoke about Pi Phi in regards to the fraternity and sorority world.

Grand Council Members from North Carolina Alpha

• Sara Shipley Bowers

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon

Installation of North Carolina Beta

A local group, Mu Lambda­, was formed in 1929. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on February 17, 1933. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the banquet hall of the Student Union. The installation banquet was held at the Washington Duke hotel. Tables were decorated with wine and blue flowers and the blue programs, tied with wine ribbon, bore the etchings of the Duke University Chapel. During the installation, the chapter also held its first meeting. After the meeting, there was a Cookie Shine, a banquet, a tea, an organ recital, a reception and a dance.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from North Carolina Beta

• Marguerite Weaver Kondracke (2006)
• Dr. Susan Chace Lottich (1997)
• Margaret Taylor Smith (1997)
• Josephine Humphreys Hutcheson (1993)

Grand Council Members from North Carolina Beta

Grand Vice President Membership

• Carol Inge Warren

Installing Officer

Grand President Jo Ann Minor Roderick, Oklahoma Beta
 

Installation of North Carolina Gamma

The Installation of the Strings Society as the North Carolina Gamma Chapter took place January 22, 1994, at the Adams Mark Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina. There was an installation banquet that followed the ceremony. This too took place at the Adams Mark Hotel and consisted of a formal dinner as well as an opportunity to socialize with the International Fraternity Officers. Table centerpieces were made of clear balloons covered with gold stars, with each table decorated with small gold stars.

The charter was relinquished in 2010.

Installing Officer

Grand President Emily Russell Tarr, Texas Beta
 

Installation of North Carolina Delta

The chapter was installed on January 29, 2005. Initiation took place in a pretty brick church down the block from Cameron Village in Raleigh (Fairmont United Methodist Church), and the installation banquet took place later at the Sheraton Raleigh Capital Center Hotel downtown. It began to snow as everyone left the church after initiation. At the banquet, members sang “Ring Ching, Ching,” and one of the new initiates hit the hotel glass so hard that it shattered — oops!

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of North Dakota Alpha

A local group, Psi Omega Psi, was formed in 1916. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 7, 1921. The installation ceremony took place at the home of Mrs. Olmstead, a patroness of the group. There was an installation banquet held in the home to honor the new initiated and honored guests. Elsie Coon acted as toastmistress. Toasts were given by many of the guests, Pi Phi songs were sung and taught to New Members and greetings were read from other chapters extending their congratulations and welcome.

A Cookie Shine took place on Saturday morning and a formal reception took place at the University later that night.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from North Dakota Alpha

• Mollie Scott Stewart (2015)
• Mae Marie Malm Blackmore (2013)
• Carol Wenstrom West (2008)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Nova Scotia Alpha

A local group, Sigma Theta Pi, was formed in 1929. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on November 2, 1934. Installation activities took place at Gorsebrook Golf Club.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1976.

Installing Officer

May Copeland (Drybread-Reynolds), Michigan Alpha
 

Installation of Ohio Alpha

The installation of Ohio Alpha took place at the home of General Charles H. Grosvenor, father of charter member Grace Grosvenor, on the evening of December 16, 1889. On the Tuesday before installation, there was an oratorical contest in which Grace Grosvenor participated. On Wednesday, a reception was held for faculty members and fraternity men. On Thursday, Bertha McVey entertained at dinner and Fannie Brown hosted a tea party.

Charter members included Bertha McVey, Frances Norton (Price), Corinne Super (Stine), Grace Grosvenor (Shepard) and Fannie Brown. Elizabeth Foster and Bertha Brown were the first initiates.

 

Notable Alumnae

• Katy Anderson, News anchor for WSAZ
• Lindsey Smecker, Steve Madden Fashion and Design

Grand Council Members from Ohio Alpha

Grand Presidents from Ohio Alpha

• Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg

Grand Council Members from Ohio Alpha

• Corinne Super Stine
• Grace Grosvenor Shepard

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Ohio Epsilon

A local group, Pi Delta Chi, was formed in 1915. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on April 28, 1945. Amy Burnham Onken initiated 35 New Members and 35 alumnae on Friday afternoon in the home of Kansas Alpha Dorothy Rummel Hampe. A Cookie Shine followed, and was held in the Collingwood Presbyterian Church. The Toledo Alumnae Club hosted a chop suey dinner that evening. There was an arrow cake with 12 candles — one for each founder — and the Grand President made a speech before cutting the cake. 

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation at Ohio Iota

The chapter began as a local group and officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 14, 1989 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakwood, Ohio. Initiation is still held there today. The installation banquet was held following the ceremony at the Dayton Convention Center. There was a candle lighting and passing of the loving cup, which is a tradition/ceremony no longer recognized by Pi Beta Phi. Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha, installed the chapter.

Notable Alumnae

• Lori Fieldhouse, started the organization and transitioned it into a Pi Beta Phi Chapter at the University of Dayton

Notable Fact

Alumna Sally Lanyon is the co-creator of Brutus Buckeye
 

Installing Officer

May Copeland (Drybread-Reynolds), Michigan Alpha 
 

Installation of Ohio Beta

The chapter was installed on April 5, 1894. Installation activities took place at the home of charter member Agnes Chalmers, who helped bring Pi Beta Phi to the University. After initiation was held, the women enjoyed a meal in a room decorated with the flower and colors of the Fraternity. Ohio Beta was organized by May Copeland (Drybread-Reynolds), Michigan Alpha, with assistance from Ohio Alpha and the following charter members: Anna Houston Blackiston (Powell), Mona Liggett Fay (Gee), Agnes Florida Chalmers, May Baxter Porter (Miseldine), Gertrude Plimmer (Sargent) and Ruth Houseman (Belknap).

Notable Alumnae

• Abbey Cleland, writer
• Sally Huber, co-creator of Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye
• Barbie Tootle, noteworthy leader in Greek/student life affairs office under the University President and an acclaimed writer and public speaker; Barbie also started a literary non-profit organization
• Liz Adams, fashion and lifestyle blogger in Chicago

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Ohio Beta

• Jane Conyers Fitzpatrick (2001)
• Eileen Heckart Yankee (1994)
• Linda Myers Taylor (1991)

Grand Council Members from Ohio Beta

• Helen Boucher Dix

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon (1945). Re-installed on April 26, 2024 by Grant President Lisa Gamel Scott, Colorado Alpha.

Installation at Ohio Zeta

The ceremony took place at Memorial Presbyterian Church on May 11, 1945. There was a banquet that was decorated with wine and silver blue. Awards were given, the chapter enjoyed a wonderful chicken dinner and Pi Phis joined together in singing their new Pi Phi songs. Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon, installed the chapter. Installation activities took place at Memorial Presbyterian Church. The banquet room was decorated with wine carnations, blue delphinium and smilax, with tall silver and blue tapers. At the speakers table was a large carnation plant, and throughout the evening toasts were given that compared its soil, roots, leaves and flowers to the Founders, the Fraternity, the chapter and the individual members.

Notable Alumnae

• Prue Dana, Mayor of Oxford, Ohio
• Kim OBrien, Pi Beta Phi Foundation Trustee

May Lansfield Keller Award

• Kim OBrien (2018)

Installing Officer

Grand President Mary Loy Tatum, Oklahoma Beta
 

Installation at Ohio Kappa

The chapter was installed on January 23, 2010. Installation took place in Great Hall on the University of Cincinnati campus. On Friday, there was a preparation ceremony, the introduction of the alumna initiate and a Cookie Shine. On Saturday at Kingsgate Marriott, initiation and the Installation Dinner took place, followed by a model chapter meeting. Grand President Mary Loy Tatum, Oklahoma Beta, installed the chapter.

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at Ohio Gamma

A local group, Alpha Delta Psi, was formed in 1908. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 20, 1910. The installation banquet featured a centerpiece of exquisite pink roses and menus in the shape of the pledge pin enclosed in wine leather.

Due to a college ruling against fraternities, the chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1913.

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation at Ohio Eta

The chapter was installed on September 18, 1954. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the College Town House, a large Victorian home used for meetings. The installation banquet took place in the main dining room of the Granville Inn. The stone-walled dining hall was lit with wine and blue tapers and each place was set with programs with a steel engraving of Denison’s beloved Swasey Chapel, printed in wine-colored ink on blue paper.

Notable Alumnae

• Jennifer Garner, actress

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Ohio Eta

• Teresa Kirk Rolph (2011)
• Jennifer Garner (2003)

Installing Officer

Grand President Mary Loy Tatum, Oklahoma Beta
 

Installation at Ohio Lambda

The chapter was installed on January 12, 2013. The Initiation Ceremony took place at a local church. The installation banquet was held at the InterContinental Cleveland. Special guest speakers included Ohio Beta Barbie Oliver Tootle, who discussed the amazing people and things Pi Phi has brought into her life.

Ohio Lambda’s installation included various speakers, including the Director of Greek Life Mark Starr, Chapter President Angela Armocida and various New Members who told stories about their sisterhood in Pi Beta Phi. Grand President Mary Loy Tatum, Oklahoma Beta, installed the chapter. The Installation Committee consisted of Betsy Harris Cantlie, Susan Ziska Beargie, Carol Hacker, Mary Jo Florio Garrison, Nancy Hitchcock Harvey, Ana Mancebo Miller, Rebecca Brannen Lasse, Alex Roark, Leigh Theideman, Julie Ravensberg, Jenny Whittom Schmidt, Tori Pinciotti and Jenny Mason.

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation of Ohio Delta

A local group, Tri Sigma, was formed in 1899. It became Sigma Delta Pi in 1922. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 3, 1925. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Hotel Allen. The installation banquet was held at the American Legion Hall with long tables decorated with ferns and carnations.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1992.
 

Grand Council Members from Ohio Delta

• Mildred Moyer O'Donnell

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation at Ohio Theta

The chapter was installed on April 19, 1986. Ohio Theta’s installation was held at the United Christian Fellowship Church in Bowling Green, Ohio. The installation banquet took place at the Holiday Inn in Perrysburg, Ohio. At the banquet, Pi Phi Grace was said before a formal dinner. The installation banquet was held at the Holiday Inn in Perrysburg with the theme “Ocean to Ocean: Pi Phi Devotion.” Decorations included floral arrangements, carved wooden Pi Phi letters with wine and blue balloons and angel posters. Programs were printed in wine and silver blue with shells, sea horses and rope designs to fit the ocean theme. After dinner, "Ring Ching, Ching" was sung and guests were introduced as well as the New Members. The presentation of gifts followed, along with acknowledgement of gifts. The last events of the banquet included the installation of the chapter, the Candlelight Ceremony and the Loving Cup Ceremony, which is no longer recognized by Pi Beta Phi.

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at Oklahoma Alpha

A local group, Phi Delta Gamma, was formed in 1907. The chapter was installed officially as a Pi Beta Phi chapter on September 1, 1910. The Installation Ceremony took place that evening, at the home of Nannie Miller, charter member of Oklahoma Alpha.

The Grand President’s suitcase had failed to arrive that afternoon (a suitcase full of the necessary paraphernalia for initiation). Later that afternoon, telegrams flew back and forth and phones lines were busy; every train was met by an excited and anxious group. But, the suitcase never arrived. Luckily, Grand President May Lansfield Keller had the Pi Beta Phi ritual committed to memory, and initiated the members. A five-course meal was served at the installation banquet, and the home was elegantly decorated with floral arrangements in the colors of the University. At midnight, the 17 Oklahoma Alpha women sat down to have the first Cookie Shine of the new chapter. The members quickly learned “Ring Ching, Ching” and sang it proudly. The following day, the ladies from Kappa Alpha Theta gave a reception in honor of the new Pi Beta Phi’s to welcome them into the fraternity life.

Notable Alumnae

• Robin Cauthron, United States Federal Judge
• Patience Sewell Latting, American politician and first female mayor of Oklahoma City

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Oklahoma Alpha

• Betsy Guthrie Brunsteter (2014)
• Hilarie Hefton Blaney (2012)
• Kathryn Taylor (2011)
• Kathie Compton Papera (2008)
• Diana Caylor Galloway (2007)
• Dr. Joanna Burkes Callan (2005)
• Isleta Gayle Braun (2003)
• Jenonne Walker (2003)
• Sue Ann White Hyde (2002)
• Karen Cullen Luke (2001)
• Robin Johnson Cauthron (1996)
• Jane Bienfang Harlow (1996)
• Sarah Caton Maddox Hogan (1992)
• Patti Patton Leeman (1991)

Grand Council Members from Oklahoma Alpha

• Louise Rosser Kemp
• Lou Ann Montgomery Carter

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Oklahoma Beta

A local group, Beta Phi, was formed in 1915. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on August 12, 1919. The Installation Ceremony took place in the College Dormitory for Girls. The chapter was installed by Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon. The installation banquet took place in the Reception Hall in the Dormitory for Girls after the installation. There the chapter members ate, toasts were made and greetings from friends and alumnae were read. The charter members were so happy that they did not want to leave, so when time ran out they continued to sing Pi Phi songs on the steps of the dorm. 

Notable Alumnae

• Jean Orr Donaldson, Pi Beta Phi historian

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Oklahoma Beta

• Stacy Cole McDaniel (2015)
• Malinda Berry Fischer (2013)
• Nancy Payne Wilson Ellis (2000)

Grand Council Members from Oklahoma Beta

Grand Presidents from Oklahoma Beta

• JoAnn Minor Roderick
• Mary Loy Tatum

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at Ontario Alpha

The local society Xi Tau was installed as the Ontario Alpha Chapter on December 11, 1908. It was Pi Phi’s first Canadian chapter. Installation activities took place in the home of charter member Edith Gordon. After the Initiation Ceremony, a meal was served during which Mrs. Davidson, wife of a University professor and patroness of the chapter, gave a toast.

The charter members included Ethelwyn Bradshaw, Geraldine Oakley, Muriel Oakley, Beatrice Bowbeer, Jean Fechnay, Bessie Cruickshank, Kathleen Ireland, Alma Anderson, Edith Gordon, Maude Zuern, Minnie Barry, Marguereta Chapman, Gladness Chapman, Jean McConnell and Jessie Starr. Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha, installed the chapter.
 

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Ontario Alpha

• Daphne Osena Paez (2009)
• Alanna Fitzgerald Husek (2007)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Ontario Beta

A local group, Upsilon Iota Sigma, was formed in 1920. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 29, 1934. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the chapter house. The installation banquet was held in the dining room of a hotel in London, Ontario. The first initiate was Jean Thompson Neville, the wife of the University Registrar.
 

Installing Officer

Grand President Beth van Maanen Beatty, Texas Gamma
 

Installation at Ontario Gamma

A local group, Delta Sigma Chi, was formed in 1992. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on November 23, 1996. It was the first new Canadian chapter in more than 60 years. The installation banquet was held at the College Inn, during which four charter members spoke about the New Member process and their happiness in becoming Pi Beta Phis.

Installing Officer

Grand Vice President Nina Harris Allen, Illinois Beta
 

Installation at Oregon Alpha

A local music group, Mu Phi Epsilon, was formed in 1915. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 29, 1915. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the chapter house. Several members of the Portland, Oregon, Alumnae Club were in attendance, including Iowa Alpha Louise “Lulu” Sawyers Linn, author of “Ring, Ching, Ching.” The next day, the installation banquet was held at the Hotel Osburn. The evening concluded back at the chapter house where charter members performed solos, played violin and sang Pi Phi songs.
 

Grand Council Members from Oregon Alpha

Grand Presidents

• Elizabeth Turner Orr

Grand Council Members

• Lou Ann Chase Tuft

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners

• Deirdre Roberts Lorenz (2012)
• Mari Lou Diamond (2009)
• Deborah Coburn Rice (1993)

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at Oregon Beta

A local group, Delta Mu, was formed in 1915. A petition was presented at the 1915 Berkeley Convention and was approved. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on July 23, 1917. On the morning of July 23, 1917, busy Pi Phis labored at Verna Weaver's and Gertrude Blackmar's home where the initiation was to take place, while the Pledging Ceremony was happening at the home of Iowa Alpha Louise Sawyers Linn's. By 2:30 p.m., all was ready and the beautiful Initiation Ceremony began. It was witnessed by Pi Phis from all over the country and was followed by a Cookie Shine where more than 60 Pi Phis toasted the Pi Phi goat and the Oregon Beta Chapter. After the Cookie Shine, Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha, installed the chapter, assisted by Grand Vice President Nina Harris Allen, Illinois Beta. Immediately after the ceremony, the two ran to the train station to install California Gamma and then Arizona Alpha.

The charter was relinquished in 2006.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Oregon Beta

• Carole Munroe Howard (2004)

Installing Officer

Grand Vice President Ruth Barrett Smith, Iowa Gamma
 

Installation at Oregon Gamma

A local group, Beta Chi, was formed in 1919. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on June 3, 1944. Formal initiation and installation took place at the First Methodist Church in Salem and Grand Vice President Ruth Barrett Smith, Iowa Gamma, presided over the ceremony. The formal Installation Banquet was held the night of June 3 in the Mirror Room of the Marion Hotel. There were 110 members and alumnae seated at the tables decorated in the color scheme of wine and delphinium and valerian, flanked by pink and blue candles. Customary Pi Phi songs were sung throughout the banquet by an Oregon Gamma trio of women, and the banquet was concluded with the traditional Loving Cup Ceremony, which is a ceremony no longer recognized by Pi Beta Phi. 

The chapter relinquished its charter in 2021. 
 

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Oregon Gamma

• Dr. Addyse Lane-Palagyi (1993)​ 

Installing Officer

Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta
 

Installation at Oregon Delta

A local group, Chi Gamma, was formed in 1957. A petition was presented at the 1960 Hot Springs Convention and was approved. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on on December 4, 1960. The Initiation Ceremony was held in the home of Oregon Beta Lois Reeves Jordan. The installation banquet was held at the Benson Hotel. The centerpiece was a large golden arrow filled with wine carnations, with blue metallic angels marking each place.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1980.

Installing Officers

Lucy Maris, Michigan Beta, and Zuell Preston (Tyler), Michigan Beta
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Alpha

The chapter was installed on October 12, 1892. Installation activities took place in the home of a charter member. Later that month, the chapter hosted an afternoon tea where they debuted their membership to the school’s Kappa Alpha Theta chapter.

Due to anti-fraternity legislation from the College, the chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1934.

Grand Council Members from Pennsylvania Alpha

• Anna Jackson Branson     
• Lauretta Smedley Dutton

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Epsilon

A local group, Aye Sees, was formed in 1952. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on November 14, 1953, becoming Pi Beta Phi’s 100th chapter. The Initiation Ceremony was held in McElwain Hall, a women’s dormitory. The installation banquet was held at the Nittany Lion Inn on campus. The theme was “The Century Plan of Pi Beta Phi” and decorations were replicas of the century plant made from foil and a large golden arrow of straw flowers.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Pennsylvania Epsilon

• Joyce Fellendorf Jackson (2015)

Installing Officer

Grand President Jo Ann Minor Roderick, Oklahoma Beta 
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Iota

The chapter was installed on February 6, 1993. The Initiation Ceremony took place on a snow day at the Tabernacle United Church, during which the heat broke. A Cookie Shine followed the Preparatory Ceremony. “Sheets were placed on the floor in a U-shape with setting made for each pledge. The place settings included a Cookie Shine bag, arrow cookie, program, Seven Gifts ceremony card and a special package of notes tied with ribbon, given by the Gamma Collegiate Province. The notes all contained special messages from women in the province. Angels made of chocolate kisses and popcorn arrows as well as various designs and messages spelled out in red hots, licorice, apples and chocolate candy decorated the Cookie Shine sheet. Once all the pledges entered the room, all in attendance sang the Cookie Shine song.” The installation ceremony took place at the Tabernacle United Church “and though it wasn't the most opportune time for the heat to break down on that snowy day, it was a beautiful initiation.”

The installation banquet was hosted by the Philadelphia Main Line Alumnae Club at the University City Sheraton. The theme was “Proud Traditions Unite: Pi Beta Phi and Penn.” South Carolina Alpha Sarah Ruth "Sis" Mullis presided as toastmistress. 

The charter was relinquished in 2000.

Installing Officer

Elizabeth Kennicott Culver, Colorado Alpha
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Beta

The chapter was installed on January 4, 1895. The chapter was established through the influence of Indiana Alpha Elizabeth Eddleman (Heim), who was a professor at the school. Installation activities where held in the home of charter member Kate Mclaughlin. The next day, the women announced their membership in chapel with a chorus of “Ring, Ching, Ching.”

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 2013.

Grand Council Members from Pennsylvania Beta

Grand Presidents

• Jean Wirths Scott (Grand President Emerita)

Grand Council Members

• Kate McLaughlin Bourne    
• Mary Bartol Theiss

Installing Officer

Grand President Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Zeta

The chapter was installed on November 10, 1979, a few years after the College began admitting women. National Panhellenic Delegate Annette Mitchell Mills, with local chairmen Joyce Rogers Vettel and Virginia McCrory Hester, planned the installation weekend. Guests began arriving Friday afternoon as pledges gathered on campus to listen to the reading of the Constitution. Excitement was in the air for all concerned and everyone pitched in to make the weekend a most enjoyable success.

Several West Virginia Alpha Pi Phis were present at the Cookie Shine that evening to act as big sisters of the charter members, giving them gifts and helping with the festivities. A special Cookie Shine sheet was made for the chapter and members present signed it for posterity! The charter members, under the capable supervision of Nancy Strine, Resident Graduate Counselor, had learned some Pi Phi history through skits, and these added to the special fun of the occasion. In Pi Phi spirit and tradition, the group also sang, including one of the songs that won them second place at Greek Sing. New Member pins were returned in a meaningful ceremony and many beautiful gifts were presented to the chapter and received by President Bernadette Luketich.

Saturday morning was initiation of the 29 charter members and one alumna initiate at the First Presbyterian Church. As the guests, both active and alumnae, gathered for the banquet that evening, each was caught up in the enthusiasm of events. Toastmistress Mary Jane Chandler Seamans introduced several speakers and led the group in a most memorable evening. Sunday morning was the model chapter meeting, conducted by Doris Brown Fawcett, Grand Secretary. That afternoon members of the campus community, families and friends were invited to a tea in the Faculty Lounge to introduce the new chapter. Many attended and feelings of sisterhood were high as the festivities of the weekend drew to a close and life as Pennsylvania Zeta began.

Installing Officer

Grand President Beth van Maanen Beatty, Texas Gamma
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Kappa

The chapter was installed on October 25, 1997. The Initiation Ceremony was held in the University Center on campus. The installation banquet was held in the Allentown Room of the Comfort Suites of Bethlehem.

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Gamble, Colorado Alpha
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Gamma

A local group, Phi Alpha Pi, was formed in 1898. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on December 21, 1903. Installation activities took place in Denney Hall, which was destroyed by fire the next year.

Carol Inge Warren Award for Outstanding AAC Advisor

• Karen Faryniak (2018)

Installing Officer

Grand President Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Eta

A local group, Delta Psi, was formed in 1978. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on October 4, 1980. In October, 59 collegiate members and one alumna initiate, Bonnie Butler, were initiated into Pi Beta Phi and became charter members of Pennsylvania Eta.

The weekend began Friday evening with the formal pledging of Bonnie Butler, an original member of Delta Psi. Following the pre-initiation ceremony, active members from Dickinson and Bucknell treated those gathered to a Cookie Shine. Congratulatory messages were read by Resident Graduate Counselor Lynn Moore and many gifts were presented. Every Pi Phi song anyone could remember was sung and taught to the new chapter. Many chapters were represented and ages ranged from recent graduate to Golden Arrow.

The Philadelphia-Main Line Alumnae Club planned the Friday evening activities. Jean Wirths Scott, Grand President, began the Initiation Ceremony early on Saturday morning at the College Hill Presbyterian Church. Again the Philadelphia-Main Line Club, under Jill Shiner Hayward's direction, was in charge. Saturday evening, at a banquet, the chapter was officially installed by Mrs. Scott.

Jean Dunbar Socolowski, a member of the Emma Harper Turner Fund committee, was toastmistress. She introduced Alice Weber Johnson, Past Grand President, who read the roll call of chapters. There were 58 chapters were represented. Grand Council and sponsoring chapters and clubs of Gamma Province presented more gifts. Following the Candle Lighting Ceremony performed by the Northern New Jersey Club, Jean Wirths Scott and Karen Johannes, outgoing president of the chapter, led the traditional Loving Cup Ceremony (which is no longer recognized by Pi Beta Phi) as guests formed Friendship Circles. A model chapter meeting was conducted by Adrienne Hiscox Mitchell, Grand Vice President of Collegians, on Sunday morning in Marquis Hall, followed by a tour of the chapter house at 225 Reeder Street. Originally the Theta Chi house, the college-owned property houses several members of the new chapter and is their meeting place. Jane Turner Campbell, Chapter House Corporation, and her committee have done an excellent job redecorating and making the house a very special home.

On Sunday afternoon, parents and members of the campus and community joined to offer their congratulations at a reception.

Notable Alumnae

• Wynne Whitman, legal and financial author 
• Tram-Ahn Tran, actress

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Pennsylvania Eta

• Wynne Whitman (2010)

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Delta

A local group, the Dianthian Fraternity, was formed in 1916.  A petition was presented at the 1918 Charlevoix Convention and was approved. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 19, 1918. The chapter was established through the influence of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Club. The Initiation Ceremony took place in the home of Wisconsin Alpha Jessica Davis Murphy, followed by a banquet at a local hotel. The banquet featured many toasts and Pi Phi songs.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1931.

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation at Pennsylvania Theta

The chapter was installed on February 10, 1990. The installation weekend was February 9–11, 1990. The preparatory service took place at the Stouffer’s Inn. Afterward, a Cookie Shine took place. The actual installation took place at the home of Terry Kirkwood. The installation banquet was held that night at the Stouffer’s Inn. The room was aglow with candlelight and centerpieces were handmade golden angels. Each guest received a small notepad with an angel imprint. Women representing 45 different Pi Phi chapters were in attendance for the evening. Ring Ching, Ching was sung, and there was wonderful ceremony held in honor of the founders. 

The chapter closed November 11, 2018. 
 

Notable Alumnae

• Riana Mondavi, C. Mondavi wines and Dark Matter Wine

• Casey Dolan, senior producer of “Andrea Mitchell reports” on MSNBC and former producer of “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell”

Installing Officers

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon (1931); Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon (2014)
 

Installation at South Carolina Alpha

The South Carolina Alpha chapter of Pi Beta Phi was originally installed on October 9, 1931 by Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon. After 54 years on the University of South Carolina campus, the chapter relinquished its charter. In 2014, the chapter was rechartered and reinstalled. Installation weekend took place from November 21–23, 2014. It was reinstalled on November 22, 2014 by Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon. The 2014 Installation took place in the Russell House Ballroom on the University of South Carolina campus and at the Columbia Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Events included the Initiation Ceremony, the Alumnae Pledging Ceremony and Preparatory Service, a Cookie Shine and the Installation Banquet.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winner

• Ruth Henderson Walsh McIntyre (1994)

Grand Council Members from South Carolina Alpha

Grand Presidents

• Sarah Ruth "Sis" Mullis

Installing Officers

Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha (1976); Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epilson (2016)
 

Installation at South Carolina Beta

The chapter was installed on October 30, 1976. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1993. The chapter was reinstalled on November 19, 2016. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Poole Agricultural Center on campus. The installation banquet was held at the Madren Conference Center and Inn. Special guest speakers included Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, South Carolina Beta, who discussed how Pi Phi had positively impact her life.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from South Carolina Beta

• Mary Geiger Lewis (2014)

Jean Wirths Scott Leadership Award for Outstanding Change Leadership

• Taylor Miguelino (2018)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at South Dakota Alpha

A local group, Zeta Chi Delta, was formed in 1921. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 30, 1927. Amy Burnham Onken, Grand President of Pi Beta Phi, was chief installing officer for the festivities, which extended from September 28 through October 1, 1927. Pledging took place during the day on Thursday of that week. That night there was a Cookie Shine at the house followed by the reading of the Constitution at the home of former Governor Andrew E. Lee.

Initiation was held Friday morning followed by installation of the chapter. Eighteen active members and twenty alumnae members were initiated; membership also included six pledges. Myrna Hulburt was the toastmistress of the celebration that followed the installation. Several toasts were given and the night ended with the singing of Pi Beta Phi songs. Saturday, held at the Former Zeta Chi Delta house, was the first official chapter meeting. The officers of the chapter were installed and the Grand President gave an inspirational speech. The Pi Phi patroness, Mrs. Wilson, held a lovely luncheon in honor of Amy Burnham Onken and the visiting delegates. The Grand President was given a rose corsage as an expression of appreciation from the new Pi Phis — the rose was the flower of Zeta Chi Delta which was the sorority before petitioning and receiving the charter to become South Dakota Alpha. The events were concluded with the all-University dance at the Armory, which was decorated in wine and silver blue.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from South Dakota Alpha

• Janet Speelman North (2009)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Tennessee Alpha

A local group, Alpha Sigma Phi, was formed in 1916. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 26, 1923. The Initiation Ceremony took place on the second floor of the University Building, where the sororities were housed at the time. The installation banquet was held at the Patten Hotel and featured an original song written by charter member Kate Greenwood Graves.

The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1989.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Tennessee Alpha

• Susan Gouger Rouse (2008)

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon

 

Notable Alumnae

• Madonna Badger, advertising executive at Badger & Winters and founder of #WomenNotObjects campaign
• Virginia Bland Fry, former Executive Director of Central Office

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Tennessee Beta

• Martha King Baird (2011)
• Berenice Miller Denton (2010)
• Kristi Peterson Lumpkins (2009)
• Ann Sommovigo Moore (1992)

Grand Council Members from Tennessee Beta

• Jane Houchens Tuten

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation at Tennessee Gamma

The Installation and Initiation Ceremonies took place at the Farragut Hotel. The chapter was originally a chapter named Pi Phi Gamma, which was founded in the Fall of 1947. There was an installation banquet at the Farragut Hotel at 7:00 p.m. The banquet theme was “Pi Beta Phi Symphony” and guests wore gardenia corsages. At the banquet, awards were given to the best New Member and the New Member with the highest scholastic average. Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha installed the chapter.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners

• Kathy Swinea Nevill (2014)
• Joan Edington Wallace (2013)

Installing Officer

Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta
 

Installation at Tennessee Delta

The chapter was installed on February 24, 1962. The installation banquet theme was “Ocean to Ocean” and decorations featured a map encircled with a gold chain of friendship. The installation took place at the University of Memphis (then Memphis State University at the time). Some of those in attendance included, Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Beta, Grand Treasurer Olivia Smith Moore, Missouri Alpha, Eta Province President Pat Akers, Eta Province Vice President Susan Saunders and The Arrow Editor Dorothy Davis Stuck.

Installing Officer
Grand Secretary Ida Smith Griffith, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation at Texas Alpha

The chapter was installed on February 19, 1902. Before 1902, there was a small social club at the University of Texas called “The Valentine Club.” The girls conceived the idea to belong to a national sorority and with so many to choose from, they did some research using books lent to them by their fraternity boyfriends and decided that Pi Beta Phi was not only the oldest but the best sorority in existence. Being forbidden by the university to install a sorority chapter on campus, the installation was held in secret, in the back parlor of Jamie Armstrong’s home on Wednesday, February 19, 1902. Grand Secretary, Ida Smith Griffith, and Austin Pi Phi alumna Illinois Delta Loretta Hood Young, daughter of Mary “Sis” Gault Hood, I.C. Sorosis’ first initiate, performed the ceremonies. The Grand Council decided that if the Valentines were willing to take a chance defying the faculty, then Pi Phi would take a chance on them.

After being called into the University of Texas Disciplinary Committee, the university wisely accepted the fraternity, and gave them the responsibility to prove that sororities were a good thing on the university campus. Mainly, they had to prove that a women’s fraternity were not undemocratic, or demoralizing or purely social in their aims. They accepted that challenge, and Pi Phis still answer that call today.

The installing members of Texas Alpha included: Jennie Armstrong (Bennett), Flora Bartholomew (McLeod), Vivian Brenizer (Caswell), M. Elsie Garrett (Townes,) Ada Hardeman Garrison, Aline Harris (McAshan), Attie McClendon (Marshall), Loula Rose (Kibbe), Minnie Rose (Rector), and Anna Townes

 

Notable Alumnae

• Susan McBride, author
• Kelli Kuehne, tours with the Ladies Pro Golf Association
• Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Senator
• Ima Hogg, philanthropist; daughter of Jim Hogg, Governor of Texas; President of the Houston Symphony; collector of decorative arts housed at Bayou Bend, now a part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; established the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at the University of Texas, Austin
• Gay Warren Gaddis, founder, President and CEO of T3, an Austin, Texas, advertising, marketing and public relations firm that was named one of the largest woman-owned businesses in Texas

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Texas Alpha

• Nancy Clements Seay (2015)
• Ann Barnett Stern (2014)
• Margaret Milam McDermott (2013)
• Anna "Claire" Buie Chaney (2012)
• Jo Marie Lilly (2010)
• Julia Dudley Allison (2005)
• Gay Warren Gaddis (2003)
• Dr. Susan M. Cooley (1999)
• Rita Crocker Clements (1999)
• Susan Garrett Baker (1996)
• Kay Bailey Hutchinson (1993)

Grand Council Members from Texas Alpha

• Ann Dudgeon Phy
• Nita Hill Stark

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha
 

Installation at Texas Epsilon

The chapter was installed on January 31, 1976. The Installation Ceremony took place in the Crystal Room at Marquis Hall, which still stands today. The chapter was installed by Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha. She was assisted by Nancy Blaicher Pollock, Wisconsin Beta and Jean Orr Donaldson, Oklahoma Beta. 

Notable Alumnae

• Rebecca Lopez, WFAA/ABC News Reporter

Chapter Service Award for Outstanding Servant Leadership

• Jessica Little (2018)

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winner

• Amira Gonzalez de la Garza (2014)

Grand Council Members from Texas Epsilon

Grand Presidents

• Paula Pace Shepherd

Installing Officer

Grand Vice President Nina Harris Allen, Illinois Beta
 

Installation at Texas Beta

A local group, Pi Beta Phi, was formed in 1915. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on June 10, 1916. Texas Beta is the result of an alumnae meeting that took place one hot day in August, when one girl who had energy enough to even think of work said, "Wouldn’t it be nice to have a chapter here in Dallas, then the chapter would be much nearer the workings of Pi Beta Phi and have something to work for." So, the Dallas Alumnae Club and Texas Alpha got to work. On the weekend of June 10, 1916, Ethel Daniel-Dyer, a charter member of Virginia Alpha and a bride of only a few weeks, opened her cozy new home to the visitors and for all ceremonies of installation. The 20 Pi Phis taking part in the installation service were from seven chapters. The installation banquet was held at the Oriental Hotel and brought the festivities to a fitting close. No formal program had been arranged, so after singing favorite songs, the presiding officer announced a sort of game. Each one called on was to “choose" someone else before they sat down, until everyone present had told in a few words what the taking of new vows and renewing of old ones had meant to her that day.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners

• Susan Light Lawhon (2004)
• Ellen Coleman Terry (2001)
• Gail Meletio Madden (2000)
• Sandra Street Estess (1997)
• Ruth Collins Sharp Altshuler (1994)
• Virginia Holt McFarland (1991)

Grand Council Members from Texas Beta

Grand Presidents

• Emily Russell Tarr

Grand Council Members

• Julie Carney
• Virginia Voorhees Speaker
• Ana Mancebo Miller

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha
 

Installation at Texas Zeta

A local group, Alpha Omega, was formed in 1924. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on August 13, 1977. Among the 311 women initiated, 207 were Alpha Omega alumnae. Installation took place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas. The following evening, an initiation banquet was held at the Student Union Building on Baylor’s campus. The theme for the banquet was “Pi Phi Lights Anew.” Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha, and Grand Vice President Collegians Freda Strafford Schuyler, Arkansas Alpha, installed the chapter. A highlight of the evening was the appearance of Waco’s mayor, who presented Elizabeth Turner Orr with a proclamation declaring April 13, 1977 "Pi Phi Day" in Waco. 

Notable Alumnae

• Susie Gerrie Davis, radio host and author

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners

• Judy Locy Wright (2010)

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation at Texas Gamma

A local group, the Ko Shari Club, was formed in 1932. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on April 23, 1953. The Initiation Ceremony took place at St. John’s Methodist Church across the street from campus. The installation banquet was held at the Skyline Dining Room with the theme of “The Pi Phi Arrow Points to a New Star in Texas.” The room’s ceiling was covered in mobile stars of various sizes.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Texas Gamma

• Martha Kaiser Justice (2012)
• Dr. Karen Williams Teel (2006)
• Catherine Nelson Evans (1995)
• Eleanor Whilden Tinsley (1993)

Grand Council Members from Texas Gamma

Grand Presidents

• Beth van Maanen Beatty

Installing Officer

Grand President Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta
 

Installation at Texas Eta

The chapter was installed on April 20, 1985. The first night of installation weekend was on Friday, April 19, and consisted of one of Pi Phi’s oldest traditions, the Cookie Shine. The New Members were announced and they all sang the Cookie Shine song and mingled with others. The Seven Gifts Ceremony and the returning of the Beta pins then followed. Saturday, April 20, was the Initiation Ceremony, which took place at the Community Center. Later that night a celebratory banquet took place at the Aggieland Hotel, where there were pictures, food and fun. The last day of installation weekend was Sunday, April 21. On this day, there was a formal chapter meeting at 10 a.m. at Aggieland Hotel and then a reception to follow at Bryan Woman’s Club. All family members were welcome to attend this reception and the newly initiated members ended the weekend celebrating the beginning of the Texas Eta chapter of Pi Beta Phi and their new roles as collegiate members of the chapter. During the weekend, the chapter received many gifts, including an angel doll.

Notable Alumnae

• Barbara Bush, former First Lady of the United States

Installing Officer

Grand President Marianne Reid Wild, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation at Texas Delta

The chapter was installed on August 30, 1956. Installation took place at the University Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas. A formal banquet was held at Ridglea Country Club that night at which the national officers and the representatives each spoke briefly. Jeweled recognition pins were presented to members of the new chapter for outstanding work. The Best New Member Award was presented to Phyllis Perryman. Annette Burns and Margaret Gooch were awarded scholarships. A model chapter meeting and the installation of the officers were held at River Crest Country Club on August 31. A luncheon followed. 

An installation reception was given that afternoon at the home of Virginia Middleton Landreth, Texas Alpha. All members of Pi Beta Phi, their husbands and parents, officials of Texas Christian University and Presidents of all active and alumnae women's fraternities and men's fraternities attended. 

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Texas Delta

• Dr. Valerie Neal (1996)

Grand Council Members from Texas Delta

• Carolyn Pavletich Lesh

Installing Officer

Grand Secretary Gail DeWolf, Iowa Zeta
 

Installation at Utah Alpha

A local group, Gamma Phi, was formed in 1897­. The Pi Beta Phi chapter was officially installed on September 11, 1929. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the Jewish Community Center, where decor was colored wine and silver blue by coincidence. The installation banquet was held at the Hotel Utah, a historic landmark in Salt Lake. Tables were arranged with baskets of wine-colored asters, blue delphinium and carnations. There were several speakers, and Virginia Carthey served as Chairman of the banquet. Grand Secretary Gail DeWolf, Iowa Zeta, installed the chapter and led “Pi Phi Grace.” Ethel Paul gave a toast about the Golden Arrow, which brought a realization of the true meaning of the arrow to every Pi Phi. Leaila Sexton represented the Utah Alumnae Club and told of the “Flight of the Arrow” which gave a brief history of the journey of Pi Phi.

Installing Officer

Jennie Sutliff, Kansas Alpha
 

Installation at Vermont Alpha

The chapter was installed on December 1, 1893. After the Initiation Ceremony, the women enjoyed a meal and a literary program previously arranged.

Vermont Alpha was organized by Jennie Sutliff, Kansas Alpha, and chartered on December 1, 1893, with the following charter members Laura S. Clark, Bertha E. Ranslow (Joscelyn), Cora A. Brock (Daniels), Mary O. Pollard, Lena M. Roseman (Denio), Mabel H. Ware (Bailey), Ada A. Hurlburt, Mary A. Towle and Harriet D. Gerould.

The charter was relinquished in 1969.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Vermont Alpha

• Janet Martin Fenwick (2015)
• Jane Bryant Quinn (1991)

Installing Officer

Ada Hurlburt, Vermont Alpha
 

Installation at Vermont Beta

The chapter was installed on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1898, amid a blizzard. Vermont Beta was chartered through the efforts of Vermont Alpha Ada Hurlburt. The charter members were Ada Almina Hurlburt, Eliza Maybelle Farman, Mary Isabelle Gregory (Waddell), Kate Russell White, Edith Louise Carpenter, Mary Conro, Ivah Winnifred Gale, Katheryne Knee Gebhardt (Welch), Inez Adelaide Grout, Charlotte Frances Hale, Susanne Pearl Whiteman (Smith), Grace Anna Goodhue (Coolidge), Ethel Marilla Stevens (Guptel) and Mary Adelle Grout (McKibbon). 
 

Notable Alumnae

• Grace Goodhue Coolidge, former First Lady of the United States

Grand Council Members from Vermont Beta

• Edith L. Carpenter

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at Virginia Alpha

When the Virginia Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi was installed on May 10, 1913, it had an interesting history. It had been installed as the Iota Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha on May 23, 1908. Alpha Sigma Alpha released it from its commitment and offered it the option to affiliate with another organization. Installation activities took place in the chapter house.

Due to a college ruling against fraternities, the chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1960.

Grand Council Members from Virgina Alpha

• Lulu H. Clark Ingraham

Installing Officer

Grand President Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha
 

Installation at Virginia Epsilon

The chapter was installed on April 12, 1975. The Initiation Ceremony took place at Christ Episcopal Church with Elizabeth Turner Orr, Oregon Alpha, conducting the initiation. There was both a brunch and a Cookie Shine. The installation banquet took place in the Dogwood Room at Newcomb Hall on campus.

Installing Officer

Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon
 

Installation at Virginia Iota

The chapter was installed on January 25, 2014. Installation took place in what is now the Mason Globe on George Mason University’s campus in Fairfax, Virginia. A banquet was held where several speakers spoke, including the Leadership Development Consultant, the Grand President, and the Fraternity and Sorority Life Advisor. A few sisters also shared what Pi Phi had come to mean to them over the four months of learning, conversations and friendship leading up to this installation. Special guest speakers included Past Grand President Sarah Ruth "Sis" Mullis, South Carolina Alpha, who was celebrating her 50th chapter installation. The chapter was installed by Grand President Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon.

The chapter closed in 2022.

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at Virginia Beta

A local group, Lambda Gamma, was formed in 1914. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on June 1, 1917.

Due to anti-fraternity legislation from the college, the chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1930.

Installing Officer

Grand President Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta 
 

Installation at Virginia Zeta

The chapter was installed on December 5, 1981. Pi Phi's installation week consisted of an informational get-together, an interview session, a preference party, the New Member Ceremony with a reception following and a picnic meeting. During the picnic, the women learned Pi Phi songs, were divided into interest groups, made plans for Homecoming 1981 by selecting a queen candidate and discussed new ideas for the upcoming year for Virginia Zeta. It was rewarding to have so much enthusiasm, dedication and sincerity present in the New Member Class. Virginia Zeta, consisting of 72 young women, was the largest New Member Class at that time in Pi Phi's history. The women went out of their way to make the installation team feel the Virginia hospitality. 

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Virginia Gamma

A local group, Delta Phi Kappa, was formed in 1920. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 26, 1925. The Installation Ceremony took place in Jefferson Hall on campus. A banquet was held on Saturday evening, the day after the installation, at the Pocahontas Tea Room; 53 Pi Phis from 10 chapters attended. On Sunday afternoon, a tea was given for the Pi Beta Phi women by the Kappa Alpha Theta women. This was held in their rooms, which were located in an old debtor's prison. Another tea was given on Monday afternoon by the Kappa Kappa Gammas. These two groups had not only entertained the Pi Phis so graciously, but had given them the use of their rooms in the dormitories during their stay.

Notable Alumnae

• Ellen Stofan ‘83, chief scientist at NASA
• Sue Hanna Gerdelman ’76, former member of the Homeland Security Council, former President of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, current Chair of the Campaign for the Bold at William & Mary, current member of the Board of Visitors of William & Mary
• Dr. Wilma Fowler Bergfield ’57, Head of Dermatology Department at the Cleveland Clinic

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation at Virginia Eta

Virginia Eta was installed at the University of Richmond. Grand President May Lansfield Keller spent most of her career as Dean of Westhampton College, which was the coordinate of the University of Richmond. Although she died in 1964, she played an integral role in the pledging ceremony. It took place in the Deanery, her former home, with a portrait of her overseeing the festivities. The installation banquet took place immediately following the ceremony at the Richmond Hyatt. 

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha, Grand Vice President Collegians Annette Mitchell Mills, Alabama Alpha, Grand Vice President of Membership Jean Wirths Scott, Pennsylvania Beta, Grand Secretary Carol Inge Warren, North Carolina Beta, Director of Alumnae Advisory Committees Sarah Ruth Mullis, South Carolina Alpha, Director of Extension Kay Cromb Brada and others were in attendance.

Installing Officer

Grand President Alice Weber Mansfield (Johnson), Missouri Alpha
 

Installation at Virginia Delta

The chapter began as a local group, Kappa Kappa Kappa, and officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on Chapter Loyalty Day, January 9, 1965. The Initiation Ceremony took place at Park Place Methodist Church. The installation banquet was held at the Golden Triangle Hotel. Special guest speakers included Past Grand President Dorothy Weaver Morgan, Nebraska Beta, who gave a tribute to suffragist Carrie Lane Chapman Catt, Iowa Gamma, in whose honor Chapter Loyalty Day is celebrated.

Notable Alumnae

• Maya Rubio, Redskins cheerleader

Installing Officer

Grand President Jo Ann Minor Roderick, Oklahoma Beta
 

Installation at Virginia Theta

The Initiation Ceremony was held in Lexington at the Seven Hills Inn, originally built as a men's fraternity house. Grand President Jo Ann Minor Roderick, Oklahoma Beta, conducted the ceremony and was assisted by Grand Vice President of Membership Carolyn Pavletich Lesh, Grand Vice President of Collegians, Beth van Maanen Beatty, Grand Vice President of Finance Carol Inge Warren and Grand Vice President of Program Development Sarah Ruth “Sis” Mullis. On Saturday evening the Installation Banquet was held at the Lexington Country Club. The theme for the banquet was "A Gathering of Angels." Dinner was served at 7:30 p.m. with Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg presiding as toastmistress. The tables, covered in wine and blue cloths, contained votive candles and small wooden angel favors for everyone in attendance.

Installing Officer

Grand Secretary Elda Smith, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Washington Alpha

A local group, Kappa Tau Tau, was formed in 1900. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on January 5, 1907. Washington Alpha was installed at the home of Roberta Frye, Delta Province President, and the ceremony began at 2:00 p.m. The entire afternoon was required to install the new chapter with its 13 charter members and to initiate the six young women first taken in by the new chapter. The Initiation Ceremony took place at the home of Maryland Alpha Roberta Frye (Wyatt).

Immediately after the alumnae had renewed their vows and the initiates had taken theirs for the first time, all went to the Butler Hotel for the first Pi Phi banquet ever held in Seattle. During the banquet, Lucy Hammond, Colorado Beta, was toastmistress and Pi Phi songs were sung. Other special guests included founder Inez Smith Soule and Past Grand President Rainie Adamson Small, Illinois Beta.

 

Notable Alumnae

• Fran Watson Bigelow, creator of Fran’s Chocolates

• Imogen Cunningham, photographer
• Lousie Henry Bryson, former President of Distribution for Lifetime TV

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Washington Alpha

• Cathy Gustafson Hylton (2014)
• Fran Watson Bigelow (2012)
• Judith Strang Curran (2011)
• Harriet Buckman Stephenson (2010)

Installing Officers

Grand President Anna Lytle Tannahill (Brannon), Nebraska Beta
 

Installation at Washington Beta

The chapter began as a local society, Phi Alpha Epsilon. Members chose July 6, 1912 as the date for the installation as an official Pi Beta Phi chapter. Because summer school was in session, Pi Phi had to find some alumnae from across the country (not just the state) to be there for the installation. The chapter house had been closed for the summer and had to be readied for the guests and for the reception of the initiates.

The ceremony took place at the chapter house on Saturday evening. The chapter room had been converted into a beautiful initiation hall. The initiation ceremonies began at 7 p.m. There was not an installation banquet because the installation was held during the summer and few people were present. However, it was said that “the visiting Pi Phis found the absence of all social affairs a real gain, because during the delightful days spent in the chapter house they had a rare opportunity to come into close touch with the initiates."

Grand President Anna Lytle Tannahill (Brannon), Nebraska Beta, installed the chapter. The chapter’s charter was suspended in 2012. The chapter was reorganized on January 24, 2015.

Grand Council Members from Washigton Beta

Grand Presidents

• Sarahjane “Sally” Paulson Vanasse

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Washington Gamma

A local group, Kappa Sigma Theta, was formed in 1903. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on September 9, 1948. The installation took place at the University of Puget Sound, formerly known as the College of Puget Sound.

The history of Kappa Sigma Theta began in 1903 when it became the first sorority on the campus. Mrs. Dix Rowland was founder of the group. Finally in 1946 and 1947, the college administration opened the campus to national groups and Kappa Sigma Theta immediately petitioned Pi Beta Phi. In October, 1947, Isabel Clark Winkler visited the campus. In February, 1948, the local was honored by visits from representatives of all the Pi Phi chapters in Lambda province.

Initiation ceremonies began September 7. Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon, officiated in the Little Chapel of Jones Hall. The Inez Smith Soule Alumnae club entertained at an informal buffet in the reception room of Anderson Hall that evening. Kansas Beta Gladys Forester was chairman of the event.

The chapter was formally installed September 9, 1948. The Crystal ballroom of the Hotel Wintrop was the setting for the installation banquet Thursday evening, with more than 250 local and visiting Pi Phis present, including large delegations from the alumnae clubs of Seattle and Olympia. Jane Hagen and Mrs. Edward Burkhalter were co-chairmen for the banquet. The theme for the dinner was "Visions." Wine and silver blue were dominating colors in the decorations.

The chapter was installed by Grand President Amy Burnham Onken assisted by Isabel Clark Winkler, Ruth Barrett Smith, Emily Babcock Draper and Louise Wheelock Dobler.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Washington Gamma

• Julie Jacobson Gates (2009)

Grand Council Members from Washington Gamma

• Luellen Clymo Smith

Installing Officer

Grand President Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at West Virginia Alpha

A local group, The Circle, was formed in 1916. The chapter was installed as an official Pi Beta Phi chapter on September 21, 1918. The day after Pennsylvania Delta’s installation, Grand President May Lansfield Keller, and four members of Pennsylvania Delta’s chapter accompanied her to Morgantown, West Virginia for the installation of West Virginia Alpha. The installation took place at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Francis Strickland, who was a Gamma Phi Beta at Syracuse University. The installation banquet was held at the Hotel Maderia. Many wives of faculty members and townspeople attended the banquet, representing Kappa Kappa Gamma, Chi Omega and Alpha Xi Delta. There were 18 women who were initiated as collegiate members and two initiated as alumnae.
 

Notable Alumnae

• Honorable Elizabeth V. Hallanan, U.S. district judge for Southern District of West Virginia, appointed in 1983

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Virginia Alpha

• Dr. Judie Fern Charlton (1998)

Grand Council Members from West Virginia Alpha

• Vernah Stewart Gardner

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at West Virginia Beta

The Phi Chi local sorority was founded during the school year, 1922-1923, when eight women were granted permission by Dr. James E. Allen, President of Davis and Elkins College, to form a new local sorority.

The chapter’s petition to become a Pi Beta Phi chapter was accepted at the 1950 Convention. The lovely, inspiring installation service took place on September 21, 1950 and was followed by a formal banquet for the alumnae, actives, patronesses, guests and representatives from other chapters at the Tygart Valley Country Club. The club was elaborately decorated with the Pi Phi theme. The floral arrangements artistically displayed the Fraternity's colors, wine and silver blue. As a background for the speakers' table there was a backdrop of wine silk centered with a large golden arrow.

The charter was relinquished in 1955.

Installing Officer

Grand Vice President Alumnae Helen Boucher Dix, Ohio Beta
 

Installation at West Virginia Gamma

West Virginia Gamma became the 112th Pi Beta Phi chapter. There were 28 collegiate women and six alumnae who were initiated into the chapter on March 2, 1968. Grand Vice President Alumnae Helen Boucher Dix, Ohio Beta, installed the chapter.

The chapter was founded as a local group, Pi Alpha Theta in 1965. A colony was established in 1967, and all activities were supervised by Grand Secretary and Director of Extension Fay Martin Gross. Several women supported Fay, including a young Sarah Ruth "Sis" Mullis, South Carolina Alpha. The chapter was also supported by the alumnae in western Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh-South Hills Alumnae Club.

A pre-initiation ceremony was held the Friday before installation and officially began the weekend program. Initiates and guests also enjoyed a Cookie Shine and were entertained by Wheeling alumnae in the Bethany Faculty Lounge with traditional Pi Phi songs. The presentation of "Seven Gifts to Pi Beta Phi" was dramatized by that of an eighth gift. In the ceremony, a wine and blue velvet cushion was passed, on which each New Member placed her New Member pin.

The charter was relinquished in 1981.

Installing Officers

Gertrude Clark Sober, Michigan Beta (1894); Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha (1986)
 

Installation at Wisconsin Alpha

Wisconsin Alpha was organized by Gertrude Clark Sober, Michigan Beta, and Elizabeth Church Smith, Colorado Alpha. The first installation of the chapter took place in Madison, Wisconsin, in November of 1894. It was installed on November 1, 1894 with the following charter members Elizabeth Church Smith, Elizabeth B. McGregor, Bessie Steenberg (Webster), Anna Pauline Houghton (Williams), Anna L. Meshek (Tillotson), Amelia Ecklor Huntington (Gilmore), Agnes Arlette Perry, Genevieve Church Smith and Nellie B MacGregor (Ellis). 

The chapter closed in 1971, and it was reinstalled in October 11, 1986 by Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha.

The festivities began with the preparatory service and Cookie Shine held in the historic Grace Episcopal Church. Initiation was held at the Edgewater Hotel. A banquet was held at the Maple Bluff Country Club on Saturday evening. On Sunday afternoon a reception was held at the Edgewater Hotel.

Meetings during the first year were held at Memorial Union or classrooms around campus. Wisconsin Alpha moved into the current chapter house in the fall 1987.

 

Living at Wisconsin Alpha

The chapter moved into the current house at 130 Langdon Street in 1987. The house is located on Lake Mendota and has its very own dock. Many members use the dock in the summer and spring for enjoying the sunshine, jumping into the lake and having an overall good time! The views of the lake make the house stand out amongst other chapters on campus. There are 21 rooms in the house with a total of 50 women who can live in. Many members live in the house their sophomore year as it’s a great place to become close with the women in a members New Member class!

Something that makes the house special is the secret turret! Known only to Wisconsin Alpha Pi Phis, the turret is located in the top corner of the house and can only be accessed by a separate stair well. The turret houses initiation each year and is a very notable part of the initiation experience! In addition to the turret, the house also has a grand piano. The piano has been a great asset to the chapter’s Humorology performances and makes singing along to Pi Phi songs a whole lot easier. 

Panhellenic Groups on Campus

Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Omega Epsilon, Alpha Phi, Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi  and Sigma Delta Tau
 

Philanthropy Event

Wing King
 

Philanthropic Service

The chapter’s main philanthropy event is Wing King, which is held every fall! Hosted at a local Madison restaurant known as State Street Brats, Wing King raises hundreds of dollars for Read > Lead > Achieve^®. Members sell tickets to people in other chapters and the event usually has a great turnout. The food for the event consists of wings, sauces, fries and a fountain drink. There is also a wing eating contest where various people participate to try and win gift cards as well as the ultimate title of the Wing King! 

Notable Alumnae

• Carol Nechrony Skornika, Wisconsin's secretary of the Department of Human Services; corporate treasurer of Midwest Express airlines
• Karen Brindley Christensen, circuit judge in Milwaukee
• Virginia Wolfe, retired circuit judge for Sauk County

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners

• Judith Johnson Frick (1995)
• Patricia Albjerg Graham (1991)

Grand Council Members from Wisconsin Alpha

• Jessica Craig Campbell  
• Lillian Freund
• Florence Porter Robinson

Installing Officer

Grand President Lisa Gamel Scott, Colorado Alpha
 

Installation of Wisconsin Epsilon

The 206^th chapter of Pi Beta Phi was installed December 4, 2021. The installation celebration began on December 3, 2021 with the Preparatory Service and a celebratory Cookie Shine for New Members, alumnae and campus friends. On December 4, 2021, Grand President Lisa Gamel Scott initiated 27 members and installed the Wisconsin Epsilon Chapter as the first National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organization at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. 

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Wisconsin Beta

A local group, Chi Epsilon, was formed in 1905. The group officially became a chapter of Pi Beta Phi on August 20, 1919. The chapter’s charter was relinquished in 1971. The chapter was recolonized in 1979, but the colony was withdrawn in 1980.

Grand Council Members from Wisconsin Beta

• Nancy Blaicher Pollock

Installing Officer

Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon
 

Installation at Wisconsin Gamma

In 1939, 13 women were carefully selected to organize and petition Pi Beta Phi for membership. They first formed a local group Pi Phi Gamma who were willing to work and hope for the honor that would be theirs with installation into Pi Beta Phi. The Fox River Valley Alumnae Club and Mary Jane Hill, Missouri Alpha, assisted the women in their efforts. On September 12, 1940, those efforts became a reality when 24 collegiate members were initiated and the Wisconsin Gamma Chapter was officially installed by Grand President Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon.

There was a New Member Ceremony on Thursday morning and an informal luncheon that preceded the Initiation Ceremony. The New Members were honored at a formal banquet held that evening at the Riverview Country Club. The arrow was the background and theme of the program. Speakers even concentrated their talking points over parts of an arrow: The point, the shaft and the chain. Leslie H. Ross, President of the alumnae club, served as Toastmistress. On Friday, the women held their first official meeting as well as their first Cookie Shine at the home of Francis F. Wheeler, Local Chairman of Installation and a member of the Alumnae Advisory Committee.

The charter was relinquished in 1983.

Grand Council Members from Wisconsin Gamma

• Janet Goode (Durham) Gard

Installing Officer

Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha
 

Installation at Wisconsin Delta

In early October of 1988, Kappa Xi Kappa, a local sorority at Marquette University was formed. From the beginning, they sought national affiliation. By the fall of 1989 the group had grown to 50 members. Two National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) groups made presentations to Kappa Xi Kappa, but they wanted to be members of another women's fraternity, Pi Beta Phi. Their persistence and perseverance was being noted by the national Fraternity. In spite of its full expansion schedule, the international Fraternity grew more curious about the group and Pi Beta Phi sent the Milwaukee Alumnae Club President and two others from the club to meet with the members of Kappa Xi Kappa. The women were very impressed with the chapter.

The chapter was quite shrewd in its next step. One of the Pi Phi alumnae who met the chapter, Debbie Reitz, was teaching at Marquette University. Kappa Xi Kappa asked Debbie to be the chapter’s academic advisor, making the first tangible connection between the two groups. Eventually, Pi Beta Phi pledged the women of Kappa Xi Kappa three weeks before the end of the academic term, which made them Wisconsin Delta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. 

The installations weekend of Wisconsin Delta, held the weekend of November 10, started off with the reading of the Constitution and Preparatory Service. Then, Pi Phi New Members, alumnae and national officers took part in a traditional Pi Phi Cookie Shine. All events were held Friday evening in the First Unitarian Church. Initiation was held at the church the following day. Grand President Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha, was assisted by Grand Treasurer Carol Inge Warren and Grand Vice President of Membership Carolyn Pavletich Lesh. Forty-two women were initiated.

The Installation Banquet was held in the Regency Ballroom of the Marc Plaza Hotel. The room was very elegant and formal with the tables covered with wine tablecloths. Pink and white lilies accented with roses and gold angel garland graced the tables as centerpieces. Barbara Damm of the Milwaukee Alumnae Club served as toastmistress for the evening. After dinner, special guests and initiates were introduced to all in attendance. Then everyone was entertained by the Wisconsin Delta rush skit, The Big Chill. Gifts were presented and the installation ceremony was performed by Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha. Following a Candlelighting Ceremony and Loving Cup Ceremony (no longer a Pi Phi ceremony), the evening closed with a slide presentation recapping the fall activities of Wisconsin Delta. A reception was held at the Marc Plaza on Sunday for the charter members.

Installing Officer

Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha
 

Installation at Wyoming Alpha

The Wyoming Alpha Installation Ceremony took place at the Women’s Hall at the University of Wyoming on September 9, 1910. This building is no longer standing. The hall was decorated in wine and blue. After the banquet, a reception was held at Emma Knight’s home. There were also several receptions held within the next couple of days, including one held at Doctor’s Hall by faculty and staff of the University. The chapter was installed by Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha.

The charter was relinquished in 2013.

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award Winners from Wyoming Alpha

• Mary Thorson Gullikson (2012)

Grand Council Members from Wyoming Alpha

• Gladys Phillips Bon 
• Sarah Holmes Hunt
• Agnes Wright Spring