The mission of Pi Beta Phi is to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service.
The first national organization for women, Pi Beta Phi, was founded in 1867 at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois. The twelve founders had a vision to form the first national secret society for women at a time when only five state universities admitted women.
Pi Beta Phi distinguishes itself as one of the seven founding members of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), an umbrella organization for 26 inter/national women’s fraternities and sororities.
With a presence at 134 major universities in 43 states and Canada, more than 13,000 collegiate members, 330 alumnae organizations and hundreds of thousands of women claiming membership, Pi Beta Phi works hard to provide ongoing support for all members as they continue the journey of lifelong commitment to the Fraternity.
Philanthropy and Community Service
The Pennsylvania Theta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi is proud to continue the tradition of Pi Beta Phi's philanthropy to improve literacy across America. Pi Beta Phi is partnered with First Book, an international nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with a single mission: to give children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. First Book and Pi Beta Phi are committed to bringing new books to children from low-income families in communities across the United States and Canada. In fact, within the first year of the partnership, Pi Phi and First Book donated 350,000 brand-new books.
Pi Phi's fall philanthropy event is Arrowspike, a friendly volleyball tournament for members of the Greek community and other student organizations. In the spring, the chapter hosts Pi Phi Gives You Wings, a fun-filled evening where the sisters of Pi Phi really do give you wings! All students are invited to sample chicken wings from a variety of Main Line restaurants. All money raised in these events benefits First Book and the Pi Beta Phi Foundation.
Every year the Pennsylvania Theta chapter participates in the Champions Are Readers, or "CAR", Program. CAR is a month-long reading enrichment program for third-graders. This program is designed to supplement reading activities that schools already provide.
Sisterhood
Pi Phi’s always find time to spend together whether it’s getting lunch between classes, coffee breaks, late night study parties in the library, or getting ready for social events. As a Pi Phi, you’ll always have a sister by your side.
Pi Phi hosts a variety of sisterhood events for its members. In the past year, events have included bowling, craft night, cookie decorating, potluck dinners, secret Santa and gift exchange parties, movie nights, haunted house and hayride adventures, and apple picking.
Awards and Achievements
Recent Villanova University Awards
- President of the Year 2012
- Excellence in Scholarship 2011
- Panhellenic Spririt Award 2011
- Excellence in Service 2011
- Excellence in Risk Management 2010
- Excellence in Leadership Development 2010
- Best New Member Program 2009
- Chapter of the Year 2009
National Recognition from Pi Beta Phi
- Excellence in Community Service and Philanthropy for Region 1
- Excellence in New Member Programming for Region 1Excellence in Alumni Advisory Committee Service in Region 1
- National Excellence in Alumni Advisory Committee Service National Excellence in New Member Programming
- National Honorable Mention for Community Service and Philanthropy
The Villanova Chapter of Pi Beta Phi received a Phi Level chapter rating, meaning that this is one of the Top 10 Chapters of Pi Beta Phi in the nation!
To learn more about Villanova’s chapter of Pi Beta Phi, visit https://www.pibetaphi.org/pibetaphi/villanova.
Famous Pi Phis
U.S. Senators
- Senator Kay Baily-Hutchinson
- Senator Lisa Murkowski
Former First Ladies
- Grace Coolidge
- Barbara Bush
Actresses
- Jennifer Garner
- Susan Lucci
- Faye Dunaway
Did you know?
Pi Phi's symbol, the arrow, is always aimed up and worn over the heart to represent Pi Phi's permanent place in a member's heart. This arrow can also be found on Parker pens and Wrigley's gum, displaying Mrs. Wrigley's and Mrs. Parker's dedication to their sorority.
