Pi Beta Phi - University of Mississippi

MS Beta Post The Mississippi Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi at the University of Mississippi | Spring 2025 E ach April, Mississippi Beta pauses to honor the 12 young women at Monmouth College who came together in 1867 to form I. C. Sorosis—a sisterhood based on Integrity, Lifelong Commitment, Honor and Respect, Personal and Intellectual Growth, Philanthropic Service to Others and Sincere Friendship. They changed the name to Pi Beta Phi 21 years later. By its 50 th anniversary in 1917, Pi Phi had adopted the pin, the official publication (The Arrow), the wine carnation as the official flower, chapter meeting ritual, a national alumnae department, national philanthropic activities, the coat of arms and the Pi Beta Phi Grace. The founders alive in 1917 were surely amazed by and appreciative of their creation and its endurance. Did they ever dream Pi Beta Phi would be celebrating their actions in 2025? MISSISSIPPI BETA GROWTH When you consider Pi Phi is celebrating its 158 th anniversary this year, Mississippi Beta, founded in 1962, seems young in comparison. Yet in just 63 years, Mississippi Beta has grown from an initial annual membership of 27 to approximately 630 today. Since 1962, 3,446 women have been initiated into Pi Phi through Mississippi Beta. Despite its size, Mississippi Beta continues to instill the foundational qualities of the Pi Beta Phi founders in its members. Lifelong Commitment is particularly important, and collegians and alumnae alike continue to make contributions to the rich tapestry and legacy of Pi Beta Phi and our chapter. ALUMNAE INVOLVEMENT I demonstrate my commitment by serving on Chapter House Corporation (CHC). I treasure the opportunity to serve with board members who were Mississippi Betas with me (Gail Thompson Collins '71, Jamie Latture Collier '72 and Marlene Westfaul Holmes '75), two who followed us by "a few years" (Gena Milliken Jennings '85 and Aimee Carlin Verheeck '89) and a Tennessee Gamma who provides a different, yet similar, Pi Phi experience (Emily Thomas Johnson, Tennessee Gamma '96). Mississippi Beta alumnae have demonstrated their Lifelong Commitment by contributing time and effort, as well as financial donations, to the evolution of our house from the original "ski lodge" to the unique southern home that stands out uniquely among the others on campus. I want personally to thank the chapter and alumnae who have demonstrated their Lifelong Commitment through financial contributions and pledges to the house expansion and redecoration project. Without your generosity, we would not have been able to provide the beautiful house that gives our collegians and alumnae such pride. ONGOING MAINTENANCE The chapter house is a dynamic entity. Equipment and appliances break and need repair or replacement. The beautiful rugs, floors, furniture, window treatments and walls need annual cleaning. The plumbing systems, HVAC systems and electrical systems require periodic maintenance, upkeep and repair. There are also additional interior and exterior design elements and furnishings we would like to add! These are just a few things to which CHC must allocate funds. (And let's not forget the mortgage payments!) Now that I have learned about what it takes to provide this beautiful house to our members, I am committed to making additional donations in support of the house, and I hope you will join me in making future donations. Our lifelong generosity will ensure that the chapter house is there for generations of new Pi Phis! During spring break, I was at the house and gave an impromptu tour to a Florida Delta Pi Phi who was making a college visit with her daughter (a rising high school junior). She rang the doorbell in hopes they might be able to visit. Both mom and daughter could not have been more impressed, and the daughter left with stars in her eyes! It was a joyful reminder of what Mississippi Beta alumnae and collegiate members can accomplish when we work together as lifelong Pi Phis! In Pi Phi, Leah Hurley '72 CHC President A L U M N A E S U P P O R T N E E D E D F O R H O U S E A N D S I S T E R H O O D Help our legacy continue by making your gift in 2025! Maintaining Our Pi Phi Legacy

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