Pi Beta Phi Fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois on, April 28, 1867 as I.C. Sorosis. Pi Beta Phi was the first national secret college society of women to be modeled after the greek-letter fraternities of men. During a time when few women were admitted to colleges and universities, Pi Beta Phi created a feeling of unity among pioneering women. The Founding of Pi Beta Phi took place at Holt House which is still in Monmouth today and is a tribute to the Founders.
Holt House in Monmouth, Illinois
Symbols
Pi Beta Phi Crest
The Crest
The Crest or Coat-of-Arms is a lozenge on which is blazoned the Brownlee family crest. An eagle is displayed in the middle, on top of which is the seal of Monmouth College where Pi Phi was founded. The blazing sun, with the Latin word "LUX" in the center, is on the eagle's chest. In the eagle's right talon is the monogram IC, and the left talon holds the arrow of Pi Beta Phi. The lozenge signifies that the arms are that of a women's organization; the eagle, by holding the IC in one talon and Pi Beta Phi arrow in the other signifies the absolute identity between I.C. Sorosis and Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. The coat-of-arms was adopted as the official fraternity crest at the 1912 Convention.
The Arrow
The badge of I.C. Sorosis was decided upon by the Founders in 1867 and consisted of a golden arrow with the letters IC on its wings. When the name of the Fraternity was changed to Pi Beta Phi, the Greek letters replaced the IC on the wings. In 1934, at the Yellowstone National Park Convention, the Convention voted that there should be just twelve links in the chain of the badge - one for each Founder.
A Pi Phi Badge
Wine Carnation - The Fraternity Flower
The Wine Carnation
Adopted at the 1890 Convention, the wine carnation is now Pi Phi's official flower. At the convention it was said, "The roots of the flower are the Founders, for from them the whole plant grew ...the stem represents the Grand Council. It gives to us what was received from the roots. It gives us height and strength... the leaves of our flower are the alumnae. They stand nearest the stem and assist it in its work. They are in communication with the world and breathe in for us the best of the world's ideals... the petals are red for the girls are loyal. As it is the rich, wine color that makes the flower attractive, it, too, is the warm fervent loyalty of its members that makes Pi Beta Phi beautiful in the eyes of everyone... The pistil is the spirit and the stamens are ideals of Pi Beta Phi. The petals stand closely united around these to defend and protect them."
Fast Facts
Pi Phi was founded as a "fraternity for women" in 1867. Since Pi Phi was the first organization of its kind, the term "sorority" had not yet been coined.
Our unofficial mascot is the angel.
The sorority colors are wine and silver blue.
Pi Phi was the first sorority to have a national philanthropy, Canadian philanthropy and alumnae department
Pi Phi is an international fraternity. There are several Pi Phi chapters in Canadian provinces.
There are over 130 active chapters and over 350 alumnae clubs in the US and Canada.
VA Theta Pi Phis wearing halos - a reference to the unofficial mascot
Famous Pi Phis
Margaret Truman Daniel, D. C. Alpha Author of mystery books. Daughter of Harry Truman, 33rd President of the United States
Barbara Bush, Alumnae Initiate Wife of 41st President, George H.W. Bush
Carrie Chapman Catt, Iowa Gamma Suffragist, one of the driving forces behind the 19th Amendment and Founder of the National League of Women Voters
Grace Goodhue Coolidge, charter member of Vermont Beta Wife of Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States, one of first college educated First Ladies
Virginia Dill McCarty, Indiana Beta First woman ever named to a full term as U.S. Attorney, appointed by President Carter in 1977, now in private practice
Susan Akin, Mississippi Beta Miss America, 1986
Ann Sommovigo Moore, Tennessee Beta President of People Magazine Group
Ann Turner Cook, Texas Beta Was the original Gerber baby featured in the brand's advertisements
