Notable Alumnae of Pi Beta Phi: A Legacy of Achievement

Pi Beta Phi (ΠΒΦ), often known simply as Pi Phi, is an international women's fraternity founded at Monmouth College, in Monmouth, Illinois, on April 28, 1867, as I. C. Sorosis. Since its founding, it has installed over 200 chapters and more than 300 alumnae organizations across the United States and Canada. Pi Beta Phi was one of the seven founding fraternities of the National Panhellenic Conference. This article highlights some of the notable alumnae who have made significant contributions in various fields.

The Origins and Ideals of Pi Beta Phi

Pi Beta Phi was founded as a secret organization under the name I. C. Sorosis on April 28, 1867, at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. The organization was formed "to enjoy the benefits of a secret society similar to those formed by collegiate men." They planned their society at a home where two of the women rented a room, choosing I. C. Shortly after the founding, the sisters had a jeweler design their official badge: a golden arrow with the letters "I. C." on the wings. When the name changed to "Pi Beta Phi", the Greek letters replaced "I. C." on the wings. The first fraternity convention was held in 1868 at Fannie Thomson's home in Oquawka, Illinois. The fraternity's second chapter was established that same year at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

At the 1882 convention, the society officially adopted its motto as well as the fraternity colors of wine and silver blue. It began to use Greek letters as its name in 1888 when the name changed from I. C. Sorosis to Pi Beta Phi. In 1893, with the number of alumnae growing, the fraternity organized a national alumnae department. In 1907, Pi Beta Phi had 4,500 initiates across 36 collegiate chapters and 30 alumnae chapters. In 1908, its first Canadian chapter was established at the University of Toronto. In 1912, the fraternity's first philanthropy, Pi Beta Phi Settlement School, was organized in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. In 1913, the fraternity created local Alumnae Advisory Committees to support its chapters individually.

The official symbol of Pi Beta Phi is the arrow. Its flower is the dark red or wine carnation. The fraternity colors are wine and silver blue. The unofficial mascot is the angel, nicknamed "Angelica". The crest is a lozenge emblazoned with the crest of the Brownlee family, two of whom were founders of the fraternity. Like many sororities and fraternities, Pi Beta Phi members take part in several philanthropy programs. Pi Phi's philanthropy is called Read>Lead>Achieve and is centered around children's literacy. Pi Phi's believe in unlocking the power of reading to create a more literate and productive society.

Trailblazers in Education and Leadership

Amy Burnham Onken, Illinois Epsilon

Amy Burnham Onken, a member of the Illinois Epsilon Chapter, significantly contributed to the strength and reputation of Pi Beta Phi within the fraternity and sorority community. Joining Northwestern University in 1904, she quickly became involved in various activities, serving as class historian for four years. In 1912, she joined Pi Beta Phi’s Grand Council and was elected Grand President in 1920, a position she held for 31 years. During her tenure, Pi Phi expanded from 65 to 97 chapters and from 13,000 to 56,000 members. She installed 38 chapters, pinning arrows over the hearts of more than 1,500 initiates. From 1928 to 1953, Amy served as Pi Phi’s NPC Delegate and oversaw the merger of the Association of Education Sororities into NPC, serving as NPC Chairman from 1945 to 1947. In 1934, she received an honorary degree from Monmouth College. The Amy Burnham Onken Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Campus and Community Leadership, one of Pi Phi’s highest collegiate awards, was established in her honor.

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Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, Ohio Alpha

Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg, from the Ohio Alpha Chapter, served as Grand President from 1985 to 1991. An alumna of Ohio University with a degree in education, she previously served as an alumnae club leader and Alumnae Province President before being elected Grand Secretary in 1983. As Grand President, she established the Pi Beta Phi Foundation in 1990 and was instrumental in developing the Links to Literacy program, which extended Pi Beta Phi’s literacy work nationally. The Chapter Banner Parade at the biennial convention is a tradition that owes its existence to Carolyn’s creativity and organization. The Carolyn Helman Lichtenberg Crest Award was created in her honor, recognizing alumnae who exhibit excellence and leadership in their careers or community service.

Carrie Lane Chapman Catt, Iowa Gamma

Carrie Lane Chapman Catt, an alumna of the Iowa Gamma Chapter, played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement. Enrolling at Iowa State University in 1876, she used her Pi Phi connections to promote women's suffrage, speaking at the 1890 Galesburg Convention. She worked with leaders such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and served as President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Her organizational and oratory skills were vital in passing the 19th Amendment in 1920. Later, she helped found the League of Women Voters. Always loyal to Pi Beta Phi, she provided financial aid to rebuild the Iowa Gamma Chapter house after a fire. Chapter Loyalty Day is celebrated on January 9 in honor of Carrie’s birthday.

Elizabeth Clarke Helmick, Michigan Alpha

Elizabeth Clarke Helmick, from the Michigan Alpha Chapter, served as Fraternity Historian and wrote “The History of Pi Beta Phi,” published in 1915. She also played a significant role in the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School in Gatlinburg. After marrying Eli A. Helmick, Elizabeth followed him to various army posts, including those in the western frontier. In 1896, she was initiated by the Michigan Alpha Chapter while her husband was stationed at Hillsdale College. She became Chairman of the Settlement School Committee and hired Della “Miss Dell” Gillette Morgan, the first Pi Phi teacher.

Emma Harper Turner, Indiana Alpha and D.C. Alpha

Emma Harper Turner, a member of both the Indiana Alpha and D.C. Alpha Chapters, made numerous contributions to Pi Beta Phi, driven by her commitment to women's roles in society. Initially a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, she later sought a charter to establish an I.C. Sorosis chapter. She served as Grand Vice President and, later, Grand President. Emma was instrumental in establishing the first women’s fraternity alumnae association. She presented the plan for the Settlement School in the Appalachian Mountains, marking the beginning of Pi Beta Phi's commitment to literacy service. The Pi Beta Phi Foundation’s Emma Harper Turner Fund provides financial assistance to alumnae and collegians in need.

Evelyn Peters Kyle, Illinois Alpha

Evelyn Peters Kyle, from the Illinois Alpha Chapter, served as Pi Beta Phi’s Poet Laureate, expressing her pride in the sisterhood through her poems. After graduating from Monmouth College, she held numerous roles, including Alumnae Province President, Director of Programs, Grand Vice President Alumnae, and Grand Vice President Philanthropy. She was named Pi Beta Phi’s Poet Laureate at the 1993 Orlando Convention. The Evelyn Peters Kyle Society recognizes donors who support the Foundation with gifts totaling $1,000 or more each year.

Achievers in Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Pi Beta Phi's influence extends into the realms of arts, entertainment, and media, with alumnae making significant marks in these competitive industries. Their contributions range from acting and journalism to music and literature, showcasing the diverse talents nurtured within the fraternity.

Actresses and Performers

Several Pi Beta Phi alumnae have achieved recognition as actresses in film, television, and stage. Faye Dunaway, from the Florida Beta Chapter, is celebrated for her roles in iconic films such as "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Chinatown," earning her an Academy Award, Emmy Award, BAFTA Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. Jennifer Garner, an Ohio Eta alumna, gained prominence for her role as CIA officer Sydney Bristow in the ABC series "Alias," winning a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Kathy Garver, from California Delta, is best known for her role as Catherine "Cissy" Davis on "Family Affair." Paula Prentiss, a Virginia Alpha alumna, is recognized for her roles in films like "Where the Boys Are" and "Catch-22," and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the sitcom "He & She". Nancy Kulp, another Florida Beta alumna, is fondly remembered as Miss Jane Hathaway on "The Beverly Hillbillies."

Other notable actresses include Blaze Berdahl (Pennsylvania Beta), known for her roles in "Ghostwriter" and "Pet Cemetery," Mary Elizabeth Blackmon (Louisiana Alpha), known for "In the Heat of the Night," and Eugenie Bondurant (Alabama Beta), with roles in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2" and "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It." Jenna Dewan (California Gamma) is known for her role in "Step Up" and as a host of "World of Dance." These women have showcased their talents across various genres, contributing to the entertainment landscape.

Broadcast Journalism and Media

Pi Beta Phi alumnae have also made significant contributions to broadcast journalism and media. Savannah Guthrie, an Arizona Alpha alumna, is a main co-anchor of NBC's "Today Show." Cheryl Casone, from Arizona Gamma, is a television news anchor on Fox Business and News networks. Elise Hu (Missouri Alpha) hosts the TED Talks Daily podcast and serves as host-at-large for NPR, having previously served as the network's first Seoul, South Korea, bureau chief. Carol Lin (California Delta) is best known as the first television news anchor to break the news of the September 11 attacks to a worldwide audience while reporting for CNN. Lara Moritz (Illinois Beta-Delta) is a news anchor at KMBC 9 News in Kansas City, winning multiple awards for her reporting. Christine Romans (Iowa Gamma) is a correspondent and anchor for CNN and author, previously working for Reuters and Knight Ridder Financial News. Nicolle Wallace (California Beta) is the anchor of MSNBC's "Deadline: White House" and a former co-host of ABC's "The View," who also served as White House Communications Director during the George W. Bush presidency.

Authors and Writers

The literary world has also been enriched by Pi Beta Phi alumnae. Ree Drummond (California Gamma), known as The Pioneer Woman, is a blogger, author, food writer, photographer, and television personality. Moira Forbes (New Jersey Alpha) is the publisher of ForbesWoman. Sue Grafton (Kentucky Alpha) is renowned for her "alphabet series" of detective novels.

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Other notable authors include Meredith Auld Brokaw (South Dakota Alpha), Carolyn Kates Brown (North Carolina Beta), Carol Wiley Cassella (North Carolina Beta), Marjorie Ohls Chalmers (Illinois Beta-Delta), Erin Summers Chase (Texas Delta), Susan Colebank (Arizona Gamma), Sandra Dallas (Colorado Beta), Margaret Truman Daniel (D.C. Alpha), Susie Gerrie Davis (Texas Zeta), and Jane Bryant Quinn (Vermont Alpha). These women have contributed to literature across various genres, from fiction to non-fiction, reflecting the diverse intellectual pursuits of Pi Beta Phi members.

Musicians and Artists

Pi Beta Phi has also fostered talent in music and the arts. Mary Jane Rose Johnson (Texas Gamma) is an opera singer counted amongst the great dramatic sopranos. Charlotte Lansing (New York Alpha) was an opera singer with a career in theater, performing in musical comedies and light operas. Imogen Cunningham (Washington Alpha) was a world-renowned photographer known for her botanical photography and industrial landscapes. These women have made significant contributions to the artistic and cultural landscape.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Pi Beta Phi alumnae have also excelled in the world of business and entrepreneurship, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and business acumen across various industries.

Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs

Adrienne Maloof (New Mexico Alpha) is an American businesswoman, television personality, shoe designer, and co-owner of the various business holdings of Maloof Companies. Louise Henry Bryson (Washington Alpha) is Chair Emerita of the J. Paul Getty Trust, with a 30-year career in media, including serving as president of distribution for Lifetime Entertainment Services. These women have demonstrated leadership and business acumen in their respective fields.

Sports and Athletics

Pi Beta Phi has produced alumnae who have excelled in the world of sports, showcasing their athletic abilities and competitive spirit.

Athletes and Sportscasters

Samantha Ponder (Arizona Beta) is a sportscaster who currently hosts Sunday NFL Countdown on ESPN. These women have made their mark in the world of sports, both on and off the field.

Philanthropy and Community Service

Pi Beta Phi's commitment to philanthropy and community service is exemplified by its alumnae who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the world.

Leaders in Philanthropy

Pi Beta Phi opened the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in 1912 to provide education, economic opportunity, and health care to the rural area. Over the years, as the community took over childhood education, Settlement School began to adapt by offering arts and crafts classes to preserve and promote the region's crafts tradition.

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