Pi Beta Phi

History :

Pi Beta Phi Fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, on April 28, 1867, as I.C. Sorosis. Pi Beta Phi was the first national secret college society of women to be modeled after the Greek-letter fraternities of men. During a time when few women were admitted to colleges and universities, Pi Beta Phi created a feeling of unity among pioneering women. Holt House is the site of Pi Beta Phi's original founding. It is used today by the community, collegiate chapters, and alumnae clubs.

The Founders:

Jennie Nichol, MD
Rosa Moore
Jennie Horne Turnbull
Libbie Brook Gaddis
Nancy Black Wallace
Inez Smith Soule
Ada Bruen Grier
Clara Brownlee Hutchinson
Emma Brownlee Kilgore
Fannie Thomson
Margaret Campbell
Fannie Whitenack Libbey

Crest:

        The crest or coat-of-arms is a lozenge on which is blazoned the Brownlee family crest. An eagle is displayed in the middle, on top of which is the seal of Monmouth College (where Pi Phi was founded). The blazing sun with the Latin word "LUX" in the center, is on the eagle's chest. In the eagle's right talon is the monogram IC, and the left talon holds the arrow of Pi Beta Phi. The lozenge signifies that the arms are that of a women's organization; the eagle, by holding the IC in one talon and Pi Beta Phi arrow in the other signifies the absolute identity between I.C. Sorosis and Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. The coat-of-arms was adopted as the official fraternity crest at the 1912 Convention.

Badge:

The badge of I.C. Sorosis was decided upon by the Founders in 1867, and consisted of a golden arrow with the letters IC on its wings. When the name of the Fraternity was changed to Pi Beta Phi, the Greek letters replaced the IC on the wings. In 1934, at the Yellowstone National Park Convention, the Convention voted that there should be just twelve links in the chain of the badge-one for each Founder. Upon initiation, a member is given a gold-filled arrow badge. If she wishes, she may order a jeweled badge through Central Office at nominal cost. The golden arrow badge is to be worn only by initiated members of Pi Beta Phi and is worn over the heart.

Flower: The Wine Carnation

            Adopted at the 1890 Convention, the wine carnation is our official flower. At the convention it was said, "The roots of the flower are the Founders, for from them the whole plant grew, ...the stem represents the Grand Council. It gives to us what was received from the roots. It gives us height and strength... the leaves of our flower are the alumnae. They stand nearest the stem and assist it in its work. They are in communication with the world and breathe in for us the best of the world's ideals... the petals are red for the girls are loyal. As it is the rich, wine color which makes the flower attractive, it, too, is the warm fervent loyalty of its members which makes Pi Beta Phi beautiful in the eyes of everyone... The pistil is the spirit and the stamens are ideals of Pi Beta Phi. The petals stand closely united around these to defend and protect them."

Mascot:

    Fraternity history indicates that songs about Pi Phi angels became popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and that skits depicting Pi Phi's as angels were often used in rush. Angel collections are popular among many Pi Phi's. The Founders did not choose the angel as a fraternity symbol; however, it is a worthy unofficial symbol of Pi Beta Phi. Fraternity history indicates that songs about Pi Phi angels became popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and that skits depicting Pi Phi's as angels were often used in rush. Angel collections are popular among many Pi Phi's. The Founders did not choose the angel as a fraternity symbol; however, it is a worthy unofficial symbol of Pi Beta Phi.

A Women's Fraternity of Firsts:

• The first organization of college women founded as a national fraternity.

• One of the first of seven founding groups of the National Panhellenic Conference.

• The first to recognize the value and the service of the alumnae by organizing an alumnae department.

• The first to recognize the joy to be found in service to others expressed in the organization of a national philanthropic project.

• The first to recognize the value of mature guidance by establishing an Alumnae Advisory Committee for each collegiate chapter.

• The first in innumerable fields of organization and leadership training in the fraternity world.

• The first to utilize contemporary concepts in chapter development and programming.