Pi Beta Phi - University of Minnesota

Pi Beta Phi, University of Minnesota P.O. Box 442100 Lawrence, KS 66044-2100 Address Service Requested P B F 1890 Arrow MINNESOTA ALPHA F our years ago was an unforgettable one for the Minnesota Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. The year prior, we laid a strong foundation that led us directly into a successful Fall 2014 recruitment. With the addition of 55 New Members seamlessly integrating Pi Phi's values into their everyday life, the momentum became even stronger. At our very first executive team meeting for the 2015 term, we set the goal to receive PHI-level on our chapter evaluation by the end of the year. To receive PHI-level, we would need to be within the top 10 percent of all Pi Phi chapters internationally and receive a perfect score on every area of Pi Beta Phi's annual Chapter Evaluation. The most important requirement to obtaining PHI-level status is the sincere dedication and all-in commitment from every individual. Setting that expectation from the very beginning allowed us to hit the ground running. Each executive team member had their own committee, composed of members within the chapter. With their partnership, we hosted multiple philanthropy events, raising well over the PHI-level fundraising standards. Getting creative with our philanthropies allowed for strong participation from the UMN community as well the infamous Pie a Pi Phi being a campus favorite! In addition to successful philanthropy, we hosted an unforgettable initiation, social events such as formal and date party, study halls with other chapters and sisterhoods, all while maintaining a top three Panhellenic GPA and operating within budget. It was clear that our sisterhood was stronger than ever. However, that strength would be tested on March 27, 2015, when Minnesota Alpha lost Jennifer Houle '11, an involved senior member, mentor and friend to us all. Although our focus shifted entirely to remembering and celebrating the impact that Jen had on all of us, it is safe to say that the bond of sisterhood demonstrated during the worst of times represented everything that Pi Phi stands for. The chapter evaluation might have been the last thing on our minds throughout those tough weeks, but it became clear to me that it was the strength of our membership that got us through this, and I've never been prouder to be associated with a group of women in my life. At the biennial Pi Beta Phi Convention, hosted on June 29, 2015, at the Hilton Chicago, our PHI-level status was celebrated amongst the other chapters within the top 10 percent and the entire Pi Beta Phi community. Then, at the Wine Carnation Banquet, the last event of the 2015 Convention, Paula Pace Shepherd, Texas Epsilon '82, Pi Phi's Grand President, stood up to announce the recipient of the 2014 Balfour Cup, given annually to the top Pi Phi chapter. I will never forget the feeling when the name Minnesota Alpha was read aloud. To accept the award on behalf of the most amazing group of women, whose bond and dedication to this sisterhood never wavered even in the most difficult of times, will forever be one of my most treasured experiences. I am forever grateful to the Minnesota Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi for presenting me with valuable opportunities to grow and succeed, sincere friendship and memories that will last forever. In Pi Phi, Maddy Eddy '12 Minnesota Alpha is the proud winner of the Balfour Cup 2014-15. Winning e Balfour Cup 2014-15 Reflecting on an Important Minnesota Alpha Moment

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