Pi Beta Phi - Oklahoma State University

O n April 27, the Oklahoma Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi marked a historic milestone with a grand Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The event, ochestrated by Kimberlee Simon Jordan '75 and Kim Kizziar Wilmes '76, was a heartfelt tribute to our generous alumnae and a joyful unveiling of our stunning new chapter house. The celebration began with a warm welcome from Annette Solomon Shamas '80, President of the Oklahoma Beta Chapter House Corporation, as more than 400 alumnae, collegians and guests gathered on the front patio. In a touching nod to our past, front-row seats were reserved for distinguished alumnae who once called our original home at 923 College Avenue their own—and who have continued to champion our sisterhood at our new address, 324 S. Cleveland. Among the honored guests were former Grand Presidents Jo Ann Roderick '53 and Mary Loy Tatum '58, along with Member Experience Specialist Region Four Staci Moss Wekenborg '87, who introduced Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and Fraternity Housing Corporation Executive Director Shawn Eagleburger and newly slated Grand President Jenn Plagman-Galvin. Their words celebrated the enduring strength and success of our chapter. Also in attendance was Collegiate Regional Director for Region One, Alison Pilgrim, South Dakota Alpha. Annette extended heartfelt thanks to our alumnae for their overwhelming support of the capital campaign that made this dream a reality. Special recognition was given to Building Committee Chair Colette Denny Buxton '82 and the many dedicated volunteers from the Chapter House Corporation, Building Committee, and Capital Campaign Committee. The Alumnae Advisory Committee and House Director Terry Wilke '24 were also applauded for their unwavering guidance throughout the 18-month journey. Chapter President Kenna Lake '22 delivered a moving tribute, reminding us that this celebration was about more than bricks and mortar—it was about "our legacy, our sisterhood and the incredible power of women coming together for a shared purpose." Her remarks culminated in a delightful surprise: a Pi Phi logo-wrapped tandem bike, a gift from Andrea Spencer '90. The ceremony concluded with Pi Phi collegians singing. As the red ribbon was ceremoniously cut, the silver blue front doors swung open, welcoming alumnae into our beautiful new home. Inside, guests delighted in arrow cookies, snapped photos and admired thoughtfully designed elements that paid homage to our beloved former house. Organized by Riley Garrison '23, collegians greeted guests with name tags, served lemonade and shared their excitement about living together again for the first time since Spring 2023. A photo booth and charming pop-up shops curated by Callie Ketchum Merritt '06 added to the festive atmosphere. A special Founders Day display included cookies bearing the names of our founders. As your Capital Campaign Co-Chairs, it has been an honor to serve. We are thrilled to announce we met and exceeded our ambitious goal of $9.5 million, raising a remarkable $9,610,324—yes, take a second look at those last three digits! Every class from 1953 to 2024 contributed, proving once again that Oklahoma Beta Pi Phis rise to the occasion. This will be the final letter from us, but the newsletters will continue to come twice a year. Look for the final printed donor list in the Fall 2025 newsletter. In Pi Phi, thank you and welcome home, Beverly Cregg Schafer '65 Campaign Co-Chair bacs74114@yahoo.com Mary Revell Rykard '81 Campaign Co-Chair merykard@aol.com Oklahoma Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi at Oklahoma State University | Summer 2025 arrow talk WELCOME HOME Oklahoma Beta Opens the Doors to Its Stunning New Home JENN PLAGMAN-GALVIN, IOWA GAMMA Past Grand Vice President Fraternity Growth "The beautiful new Oklahoma Beta Pi Phi home is a testament to vision and partnership. Goals were set, achieved and a state-of-the-art facility was built where members can live, learn and lead. This project supports OSU Pi Phis for generations to come." SHAWN EAGLEBURGER Pi Beta Phi Fraternity and Fraternity Housing Corporation Executive Director "Seeing Pi Phi Pride on display was incredible! Oklahoma Betas should be proud of this lasting legacy. The house blends tradition with function—comfortable, approachable and built to evolve with the chapter. It's strong, humble and truly represents Pi Phi for the long haul." SEE MORE RIBBON CUTTING PHOTOS ON PAGE 4

• Cover