Pi Beta Phi - University of Southern California

ENTRE NOUS 2 A llie Campbell Fomon '99 was always at the center of everything. She was smart, fun, driven, and an important part of the Pi Phi Beta house at the University of Southern California. While in college, Allie's commitment to California Gamma included executive board service as house manager. But friends remember her devotion to philanthropy beyond college as Allie organized fundraisers for Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego. "Allie embodied the pillars of California Gamma sisterhood and lived her whole life in accordance," her pledge sisters say. Allie was the nucleus of her Pi Phi group. She maintained that network beyond college while working as an attorney and starting a family with her husband, Brad, and their children, Bryan and Reese. On March 25, 2023, Allie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was devastating news. Immediately, her California Gamma sisters rallied around Allie and her family. They wore matching bracelets with Allie's name on them, they organized gift baskets, and sent cards and flowers. They visited when they were able to. When Allie was too weak to have visitors, her sorority sisters made a banner for Allie and said "hi" and yelled well-wishes to Allie from her backyard. Less than five months after she was diagnosed, Allie passed away. PI PHI LOYALTY Carlene Davis Stauff '99 was Allie's freshman year roommate. Carlene and Allie were a duo destined for Pi Phi. They enjoyed making memories like the pledge class sleepover, forming the "Angel 8" friend group with sisters, learning about their connection as fifth cousins, and even working security for the Academy Awards near their dorm building. After Allie's passing, Carlene organized their pledge sisters to honor Allie with a beautiful memorial in the chapter house. "When people got word of the memorial fundraiser, they immediately started donating, and the goal kept growing and exceeded our expectations," Carlene says. The memorial wall was recently unveiled in the chapter house and features gold-etched names of every sister who donated in memory of Allie. "She was just so loved by everyone; I love the idea of having her name on the wall forever." Carlene is especially glad that Allie's daughter, Reese, can see the impact her mother had on the California Gamma sisterhood. Carlene says, "It brought tears to all our eyes seeing all the sisters' names etched in gold who donated. Her legacy will now live on in Pi Phi forever." Virginia Witmer Casey '51 is feeling great in her 90s in Santa Barbara, California. Email: virgwen@yahoo.com Jerra Lynne Tyler Beckhart '54 is retired and surrounded by her combined family of seven kids, 10 grandkids, and six great-grandkids, most of whom live close to her home in Laguna Woods, California. "We are blessed to see most of them from time to time and involved in their lives," she says. Email: jerralynne1@gmail.com Mary Laird Holman '54 is still moving and kicking and in relatively good health! "God has been good to me, and I have a blessed, good life," she shares. Mary is surrounded by her two sons and their families in Reno, Nevada. She enjoys managing her rental properties and social events with her friends and family. Email: maryaholman@gmail.com Ann C. Lippincott '70 retired after 38 years on the faculty of the Teacher Education Program at UCSB. She now teaches Mental Health Matters in 6th grade classes near her home in Santa Barabara, California, and leads a team of volunteers. She is also involved with Land Trust for Santa Barbara County and leads hikes. Email: annlippincott1@me.com Lynn Van Buskirk Johnson '72 is involved with the Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Group and Active Angels, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the National Parks Travelers Club. "My passion is traveling anywhere and everywhere." She resides in Indian Wells, California. Email: lynnvbj@aol.com Dorothy Wheaton Judy '73 lives in wine country and has been helping pour wine at Mystic Hills Vineyard in San Miguel, California. She loves meeting new people and learning new things about them. "Great way to spend retirement!" she says. Email: dj91381@gmail.com Terry Arnold McCarthy '73 shares, "We are blessed to be living near our three daughters and seven grandchildren. I am still working and enjoying recruiting for executives in the medical device field." Terry resides in Coto de Caza, California. Email: tjmccarthy@cox.net Linda Payne Smith '74 lives in Boise, Idaho, and retired on May 31. She is looking forward to more travel and visiting her three-year-old grandson. Recently, several of her Pi Phi sisters have visited Boise as their children have moved there from California. "It has been such fun to reconnect," she says. Kathy Simons May '77 and her husband, Greg, have been married for 42 years and have raised four happy, healthy kids. Their two daughters are married to wonderful guys, and they hope for grandchildren soon. Greg is still working, but the couple tries to travel when they can. Kathy lives in Corona del Mar, California. Email: kathymay@me.com A Growing Memorial Allie's memorial wall is designed to honor fellow late alumnae for their California Gamma contributions. By donating in memory of a beloved sister, her name can also be added to the memorial plaque. "Pi Phi meant so much to Allie. It was a huge part of our life and it's the reason our friend group exists to this day." Leaving a Legacy of LOVE California Gamma Remembers Allie Campbell Fomon '99 You can connect with Carlene and share your memories of Allie at cdstauff80@gmail.com. Alumnae News

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