Pi Beta Phi - University of Illinois

Angel UPDATE I L L I N O I S Z E T A C H A P T E R U N I V E R S I T Y O F I L L I N O I S | W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 S tarting college, I signed up for recruitment with the hopes I'd find a place to make the Illinois campus feel a bit more like home. I knew the friendships I formed here would be ones I'd cherish for the rest of my life, but what I found in Pi Beta Phi exceeded my expectations. Not only did I find a strong support system, but I also developed Sincere Friendships that continuously push me to pursue a better version of myself. In my years as a collegiate member, there are countless memorable moments that come to mind: Bid Days, Big/Little Reveal, philanthropy events, formals, etc. However, there's one moment that's defined my membership — initiation. It's incredible to think that each member of Pi Beta Phi has experienced this same ceremony — a chain linking us to our 12 founders gathered in the southwest bedroom of "Major" Jacob Holt's house, as well as to our chapter's founding in 1895 when Grand President Grace Lass Sisson, Illinois Delta, and Jessie Davidson, Illinois Delta, installed the chapter. I am beyond honored to play a small part in carrying on our Pi Phi ritual and traditions as a leader in our chapter. Though I am no longer a New Member, I can still remember hearing our ritual for the first time. I spoke with some New Members about their experiences during initiation and the ceremonies leading up to it. Many mentioned the most memorable part of their initiation experience was signing their name during the ceremony as they finally felt like they were official members of our chapter. They also loved the strong bonds they formed with their own class and members of older classes throughout the week. While we'd already begun forming friendships in the chapter before initiation, that day we solidified our Lifelong Commitment to our sisterhood. I couldn't begin to imagine the experiences I'd have with the women standing next to me or the Sincere Friendships that would carry me throughout my days at the University of Illinois. When I attended convention in Washington, D.C., last summer, I had the pleasure of meeting members from chapters all over the country and Canada and alumnae of Illinois Zeta. It was very impactful to hear how they were initiated as I felt personally connected to them through the rituals we all participated in. Initiation is such an important aspect of our membership in Pi Beta Phi and I hope I made it as special for our New Members as it was for me. My collegiate years have been enhanced by the women of the Illinois Zeta Chapter. Every step of the way, my sisters have been by my side, cheering me on in moments of joy and comforting me in moments of sorrow. It's easy to see why so many alumnae reunited for convention last summer. No matter what chapter you're from or when you joined, you can always find a sincere friend through Pi Phi. In Pi Phi, Sarah Brom '17 Outgoing Chapter President FOREVER BONDED BY SINCERE FRIENDSHIPS Kathleen Flores '18, Emily Earl '19 and Jenny Huynh '18 celebrate at our '70s-themed Bid Day. Madison McBride '19 and Priyanka Balakumar '19 celebrate initiation. Emily Earl '19, Kennah Porcelius '19, Katelyn Afable '19 and Sam Roberson '19 cheer on our Illini football team.

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