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[National History]

Pi Beta Phi was founded on April 28,1867 at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois. It was the first women's fraternity to be modeled after men's fraternities -- with the intention of setting up a chain of chapters at other schools. Originally known as I.C. Sorosis, the name was changed to Pi Beta Phi in 1888. During a time when few women were admitted to colleges and universities, Pi Beta Phi created a feeling of unity among pioneering women. There are now over 132 collegiate chapters in forty-two states and two Canadian provinces, as well as over 360 alumnae clubs throughout the United States and Canada.

There were twelve founders of Pi Beta Phi:

Jennie Nicol, M.D.
Libbie Brook Gaddis
Clara Brownlee Hutchinson
Ada Bruen Grier

Emma Brownlee Kilgore
Fannie Thomson
Margaret Campbell
Jennie Horne Turnbull

Rosa Moore
Nancy Black Wallace
Inez Smith Soule
Fannie Whitenack Libbey

[Local History]

Following formal recruitment at the University of Dayton in September 1988, several young women had not found what they were looking for in a Greek organization. After the official formalities for approval had been finalized, Grand Vice President of Membership Carolyn Brada notified “The Colony” on March 6, 1989 that Pi Beta Phi was proud to accept the University of Dayton group as charter members of Pi Beta Phi. October 14, 1989, Pi Beta Phi was delighted to initiate the charter pledge class of 70 young women. It was an exciting time for these young women, the area alumnae, the national officers, and all others who have helped to make the Ohio Iota chapter of Pi Beta Phi a reality.

[Pi Phi Firsts]

Being the first women's fraternity means starting great traditions. Here's a look at some Pi Phi firsts:

1. Pi Beta Phi was one of the first of seven founding groups of the Panhellenic Conference.

2. Pi Beta Phi was the first to recognize the joy found in service to others expressed by the organization of the first national philanthropic project.

3. Pi Beta Phi was the first to recognize the service and value of alumnae with the founding of alumnae clubs.

4. Pi Beta Phi was the first to recognize the value of mature guidance by establishing an alumnae advisor committee.

5. Pi Beta Phi was the first to use contemporary concepts in chapter development programming.