Pi Beta Phi - University of Illinois

Empowering Our Communities PI PHI INSTILLS THE VALUE OF SERVICE 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 2022 P i Beta Phi sisters are united by a set of core values, including our mission "to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service." Service is inherently linked to the core tenets of our sisterhood, and we all strive to serve our communities throughout our lives. At Illinois Zeta, we proudly uphold Philanthropic Service to Others as one of our six core values—throughout our time as both collegians and alumnae. Our commitment to service is widespread, and we aim to give back to our community in ways that fit its specific needs. Our chapter holds philanthropic service very close to our hearts—it's what made many of us want to join Pi Phi in the first place. There's something very special about having a philanthropy that participates in weekly hands-on service with local elementary schools to support a cause that impacts all of us. When philanthropy events come around, our members enthusiastically join in to help. Our chapter is also very creative in coming up with events and ideas that are engaging for everyone. Philanthropy, to us, is selfless acts of kindness everyday—genuinely caring for the people around us, friends and strangers both, with no need for reward. I consistently see our sisters lending a hand to whoever may need it. To be surrounded by a group of women who truly care for their community and help each other in times of need is beyond inspiring. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and lost at times, but through Pi Phi, I've learned that the most charitable act is creating a support system for someone else. Pi Phi also has a special commitment to literacy—a cause our Fraternity has been dedicated to for more than 110 years. Read > Lead > Achieve ® , Pi Phi's philanthropic effort, inspires a lifelong love of reading that can unlock true potential, creating a more literate and productive society. Every September, Pi Phi celebrates Read > Lead > Achieve Month. Chapters, alumnae clubs and Pi Phi sisters spend the month sharing their passion for literacy through projects and initiatives in their communities. This includes hosting local events, improving access to literacy education and advocating for the importance of fostering a lifelong love of reading. As college students, commitment to literacy is imperative to us. We acknowledge that we have the privilege and luxury of being part of a system that not all children can be in. Literacy is powerful—it empowers you to be informed and educated on relevant issues. It also allows readers to travel to different worlds, fall in love with words on pages and find comfort in authors and their beloved characters. Whether it's the smell of a new book or the sound of cracking the book binding, every child should have the opportunity to feel inspired through literacy. Read > Lead > Achieve reminds us to support and empower individuals of all backgrounds so they, too, can grow to accomplish their aspirations. A portion of our proceeds from our Polo Bear merchandise sales goes toward Read > Lead > Achieve. Additionally, each semester we hold book drives for local organizations in the Champaign- Urbana area and receive an abundance of participation from members. I think that's one of the amazing things about literacy—it has the power to bring together individuals and communities. Our goal is to help as many of those children as possible during our time with Pi Phi and beyond. Illinois Zeta believes service and literacy are the keys to a brighter, more compassionate world. When we lift those around us, they become empowered to uplift others as well. As a new term begins here at the University of Illinois, we can't wait to show you how Illinois Zeta is making Pi Beta Phi's mission a reality. In Pi Phi, Valerie Gabay, Illinois Zeta '20 Chapter President From left: Valerie Gabay '20 and Gracie Schumacher '20 celebrate Founders' Day in person at the Champaign-Urbana Country Club with the Champaign-Urbana Alumnae Club and Illinois Zeta members.

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