Pi Beta Phi - University of Colorado

Arrow UPDATE C O L O R A D O A L P H A C H A P T E R U N I V E R S I T Y O F C O L O R A D O | S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 I n early 2020, the world changed suddenly with the outbreak of COVID-19. The virus spread rapidly around the globe, leading to stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidance. Campuses were forced to close doors to classrooms and student housing facilities, including our chapter house. Classes were moved online, and all spring and summer in-person events were postponed or canceled. Adhering to University guidelines, the chapter closed for the semester in March. "With the constantly changing COVID- 19 situation around the world, this is an unprecedented time for everyone," says Grand President Marla Neelly Wulf. "As Pi Phis, we look to our core values to direct us, but most especially in times of uncertainty. Our core values hold constant when everything around us is changing. I believe our sisterhood is perhaps one of the most important resources we have in times like this." With our core values in mind and our collegiate members, alumnae and staff as top priority, the crisis response team at Pi Beta Phi Headquarters and Grand Council made crucial, timely decisions for the health and safety of our sisters. However, we know collegians and alumnae alike were left grappling with indescribable loss and uncertainty as the spring semester came to an abrupt end. "A large theme throughout the COVID- 19 pandemic has been the importance of transitioning to virtual means of communication, and that certainly pertains to how our members are staying connected," Colorado Alpha Chapter President Lauren Purcell '18 said. "Since returning home, sisters are spread across the country and have made it a priority to keep in touch. This looks different for everyone, but texting, calling and FaceTime are chapter favorites." Megan Griffith '19 says she has been safely meeting with sisters who live close to her while adhering to social distancing and small group guidelines. The Alumnae Advisory Committees (AAC), Chapter Executive Councils and Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) have worked diligently to ensure members stay connected to each other and to Pi Phi despite our physical limitations. We're all adjusting and need the support of our sisters and our community to endure this global hardship that will undoubtedly have long-lasting effects. Although we can't gather with sisters in the ways we're accustomed, we can still celebrate our sisterhood in meaningful ways. Thanks to technology, there are a myriad of ways sisters are staying connected or perhaps reconnecting with each other. In turn, those virtual connections strengthen the bonds of our sisterhood and give us hope at a time when we need it most. "Sisters have been celebrating a lot of milestones virtually," Lauren said. "Many members have held Zoom parties for birthdays, which has created a sense of community. If sisters live close to one another, they have spent time together while properly socially distancing and following health guidelines in their areas. Everyone is doing the best they can to adapt and continue celebrating important milestones and everyday sisterhood." It's impossible to know where we will go from here, but as we try to navigate a "new normal" we know this is certain: we are in this together and we will get through this together. The lasting bonds of Sincere Friendship and our community of sisters in Pi Beta Phi will see us through this unprecedented time in our history. With the support of our sisters, we will persevere, and we will undoubtedly strengthen our Pi Beta Phi bonds. We encourage you to reach out to a sister today — it's never too late to reconnect and build on the community we've found in Pi Beta Phi. In Pi Phi, Marla Neelly Wulf, Kansas Beta Grand President Lauren Purcell, Colorado Alpha Chapter President IN WINE AND SILVER BLUE, WE WILL SEE THIS THROUGH We are excited to announce Colorado Alpha was recently recognized as a PI-level chapter! PI PHI PRIDE Chapter President Lauren Purcell '18 and Vice President of Operations Tate Robinson '18 with their mothers on Moms Weekend. Sisters at our spring philanthropy event, Pancakes with Pi Phi.

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