Pi Beta Phi - Oklahoma State University

F or Jenne Barry Knudsen '75 and Kimberlee Simon Jordan '75, Pi Phi has given them friendships of over 50 years and counting. Many of these friendships were formed in their member class, which is full of many wonderful personalities. On several occasions over the years, Leslie Hutchinson Rothe '75 has invited member class sisters to her home in Colorado. The women were brought together again during Oklahoma Beta's 100 th -year celebration in 2019. "Barbie Edwards Paige '75 and her late husband, Dee, hosted our class on Friday night, and that was the beginning of our member class gatherings! Barbie offers her 'Pharm' each spring, and we have pledged to return each year," Kimberlee shares. "It is so relaxing and enlightening, and it's such a laughter-filled weekend. Everyone brings food and drink (Hideaway is a staple), and we watch the most beautiful Oklahoma sunsets on the back porch!" The reunions have strengthened the women's Pi Phi bonds, and they have enjoyed hearing about each other's accomplishments and families, sharing in sadness and grief and recounting memories of their collegiate years. "We laugh! I love reminiscing, and it's funny to hear the different perspectives and memories of the hilarious events (especially on the third floor) that happened," Jenne shares. When Kimberlee received the issue of Arrow Talk highlighting the member class challenge, another reunion was just ahead. "What a great idea!" She visited with Jenne, Barbie and Leslie and decided to mention the idea to their class. "Kimberlee was our champion," Jenne says. "I remember in college we were trying to win a pool table; Kimberlee led the charge then, and now, she led the charge for the participation challenge. Our reunion timing was perfect!" Kimberlee suggested several giving options, including: • $12 for the 12 founders • $25 for the cost of 25 glasses of beer in 1974 • $36 for the number of women in their member class • $50 for their upcoming Golden Arrow pin • $75 for their initiation year • $250: $5 for every year the sisters have been a Pi Phi • $324 for the chapter house address During their next reunion, they mentioned the class challenge, put a jar out asking for cash, a check or Venmo, and asked everyone to write their names on a list so they knew the participation level. "We had pretty good attendance at our recent reunion and there was a no-pressure discussion to participate," Jenne says. "Then we went to the phones. We called, texted and emailed those who could not attend and asked them to participate!" Through their efforts, the class of 1975 reached 75% participation and won a reunion in the new house. Jenne and Kimberlee are very excited. "I hope we can get all our member class to attend. We miss those who've not been able to attend the previous reunions, so hopefully this will provide an extra incentive," Jenne says. "It will be a time to appreciate the hard work of all who have raised the money and spent countless hours planning," Kimberlee says. "I'm so very proud of their determination and all the sisters who jumped in and supported the effort. I'm not surprised, though; Pi Phis are a true, tried group of women, of which I am proud to be a member!" Campaign Status at a Glance As of June 21, 2024 Campaign Goal $9.5 Million Alumnae Commitments $7,784,008 Chapter Commitment $750,000 Contributors 710 HUGE increase from last year! SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN TODAY Do Your Part for Oklahoma Beta H ave you contributed to the Continuing Our Oklahoma Beta Sisterhood at 324 campaign yet? We are just under $1 million from our goal for the new chapter house, and we are counting on our devoted alumnae to help us close the gap. You can contribute and do your part for the class challenge by filling out the inserted pledge card or scanning the QR code to visit donateokbeta.causevox.com. Remember, 75% participation grants your class a reunion in the new house! Connections Beyond College T H E 1 9 7 5 M E M B E R C L A S S R E U N I O N S Jenne Kimrlee Connect with Kimberlee at kimberlee100@cox.net and Jenne at jbknudsen23@gmail.com.

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