Pi Beta Phi - University of Southern California

3 Pi Beta Phi Countless Successes Set the Stage for an Exciting Year at California Gamma Pi Phi Welcomes 75 New Members as Awards Come Flooding In T he California Gamma Chapter of Pi Beta Phi is thrilled to be back at USC. We kicked off the year with an amazing fall recruitment, which brought us 75 wonderful New Members! Our newest Angels represent a diverse group from all over the world, each bringing a unique blend of interests, goals, and talents. Their enthusiasm and involvement is already evident, and we look forward to honoring them at our formal Presents ceremony and initiation later this fall. Other exciting events coming up include our Luau and Inspo invites, Parents Weekend, Homecoming, and Pink Angel Week. Chapter Accepts Prestigious Awards Our chapter is very proud to be the recipient of a number of awards this year. We received the James Dennis Award of Excellence in Member Development and a Certificate of Excellence in Recognition of Outstanding New Member Programming at the spring 2015 Greek Awards. California Gamma at Convention In addition to these awards, our chapter received a regional Award for Excellence in Formal Recruitment at Pi Beta Phi's 70th biennial convention in Chicago. In June, Vice President of Philanthropy Mariah Miller '13 and I accepted this award personally during the three- day conference, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We met Pi Phi sisters from a variety of states, backgrounds, and generations, yet still felt the strong, common bond and sisterhood of Pi Beta Phi. It was awe-inspiring and humbling to participate in such a powerful event, and to see firsthand the contribution our California Gamma Chapter makes to the greater whole. Alumnae Attendance Welcomed In April, we hosted our first Founders' Day Tea, and were thrilled by the number of alumnae in attendance. As we approach events such as Presents, initiation, and the long-awaited USC football games, we hope to meet more of our amazing alumnae and sisters. We look forward to meeting many of you this semester. Pi Phi Gives Back We hosted Arrowspike, our annual fall philanthropy and major fundraising event, on September 11. In order to properly commemorate the tragic events of 9/11 and the events that ensued, Pi Phi donated 10% of our Arrowspike proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). It is our way of saying thank you to the veteran heroes and their families for their selfless dedication to our country. This year, we set our fundraising goal to $5,000 to allow for substantial contributions to both WWP and Pi Beta Phi Foundation. As we anticipate the events and celebrations that that lie ahead for us, we are all eager to make the best of this school year and to carry on the Pi Phi legacy! Pi Phi Love and Mine, Marie Griffith '12 Chapter President Cal Gamma's newest 75-member class celebrated with a photo booth, DJ, and dancing, as well as In-N-Out Burger and ice cream trucks on Bid Day. Seniors were honored with an entire week of activities last spring. They received gifts throughout the week from the other classes, enjoyed a brunch, and had a special celebration in their honor. Pictured from left: Nicole Grice '12, Kristina Gonzales '11, Riley Mathies '11, Hannah Green '11, and Sarah Maslechko '11. Pie Social, held last spring, raised $30,000 for The Literacy Fund at Pi Beta Phi Foundation, as well as the Foundation's Friendship Fund. Cal Gamma Julia Ryan '14 created beautiful angel wings for Bid Day photo opportunities. PBF

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