Pi Beta Phi - University of Illinois

Linked for a Lifetime Skylar Epstein '20 and Avery Bowen '20 outside of the chapter house during Philanthropy Week 2021. Angel UPDATE I L L I N O I S Z E T A C H A P T E R UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS | SUMMER 2021 From left, Nora Loftus '17, Maddy Prendergast '18, Kana Tamai '17, Sarah Brom '17, Maggie Schubert '17 and Sarah Demas '17 celebrate their recent graduation. I n June, I was thrilled and grateful to attend the virtual Pi Beta Phi Convention 2021 – Linked Through Friendship. Even though we were unable to congregate in person, seeing the familiar and new-to-me faces made me realize just how expansive the Pi Phi sisterhood is, how deep our bonds run and that we'll always have a sister to turn to in times of need. We'll always have Pi Phi. It's clear that Pi Beta Phi knows no bounds in the lives it touches, shapes and benefits, and I'm so fortunate to be a part of this sisterhood. The two-day event kicked off with the opening general session and special guest speaker Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG and Emmy winner Nicole Kidman. During the session, Nicole shared her strategy for managing her time and setting boundaries, a critical skill for a leader in any capacity. "I've learned to say, 'let me get back to you,'" she said. "Rather than saying an immediate 'yes,' the greatest phrase for me is 'I'm going to sleep on it' — so I don't make rash decisions and am not pressured into saying 'yes.' That key phrase of 'let me sleep on it' is such a good way to just get some time to take a breath and think about something." Convention was one of the most exciting experiences I have had so far as a Pi Phi. Hearing from Nicole Kidman about how she leans on strong women to get through tough times was especially enlightening. Her conversation reignited the spark of our sisterhood, and reminded all of the attendees why we joined Pi Phi. Following the opening session was the awards presentation, which was inspiring to say the least. It's always moving to see how the ideals of Pi Beta Phi play such a strong role in the lives of our sisters, as well as how they better our respective communities. These individual members, chapters and alumnae clubs pursue excellence and push our sisterhood forward. Ending the evening on such a positive note motivated me to find more ways to keep giving back and paying it forward. I logged off eager to start brainstorming ways to guide the Illinois Zeta Chapter to the next level at the University of Illinois. Day two of Pi Phi's first-ever virtual convention included the business session, which allowed all members to participate in shaping the future of Pi Beta Phi through discussion and debate about several legislative proposals. Due to the sheer gravity of the proposed legislative changes, we made it through the first nine proposals as well as Officer elections and Installation within the time allotted for the meeting. The meeting reconvened on July 24 to complete the legislative session. A full recap is available in the Summer issue of The Arrow and at pibetaphi.org. Convention wrapped up with a virtual Cookie Shine, which was the perfect way to end a weekend focused on both the rich history and bright future of Pi Beta Phi. This year was Bring Your Own Cookie, but the beloved Pi Phi tradition still felt just as meaningful as if we'd all been able to gather in-person. Convention weekend was a reminder that Pi Phi truly is for life and has so much to offer us all, even after we leave the chapter house and embark on our post-college lives. I'm hopeful as to what's to come, and I know the progress we've made will benefit every chapter, including our beloved Illinois Zeta. In Pi Phi, Madison McBride, Illinois Zeta '19 Chapter President

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