Angel UPDATE
CALIFORNIA THETA CHAPTER AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
LIVING OUR VALUES
Gathering in Sisterhood Leads to Meaningful Impact
In Pi Beta Phi, we deeply cherish the values of community and togetherness. From chapter-specific events and traditions to collaboration with members across North America, there is no replacement for being together with our sisters. As California Theta prepares for the Fall 2024 term, we look forward to reuniting on campus and the abundance of opportunities it will bring.
Returning to campus is always a special time filled with excitement
and gratitude. We all share stories about our adventures over the summer and talk about what excites us heading into the academic year. Preparing ourselves for the year by enjoying one another’s company before diving into classes is such a special way to honor our bonds.
Being together on campus not only allows us to foster genuine connection and Sincere Friendship, but also provides the opportunity for community engagement.
As Pi Phis, we embrace our mission to enrich lives through community service. Giving back is at the core of who we are, and California Theta is dedicated to fulfilling this vision for our sisterhood.
At California Theta, there are many opportunities to engage with our community in purposeful ways.
The Fall 2024 term is especially meaningful, as we get to celebrate Read > Lead > Achieve ® month in September alongside the entirety of our sisterhood. Our chapter is also looking forward to our annual “Pie a Pi Phi” event where community members come together at our chapter house to give a donation for our philanthropy. It’s a special way to bring fun energy into midterms and remind people why supporting our philanthropy offers value to the community.
The Fall 2024 term looks promising at California Theta, and as Chapter President, I’m honored to keep witnessing Pi Phi’s commitment to bettering the lives of our sisters and our community. Nothing fills our hearts with more Pi Phi Pride than authentically living the values of our sisterhood.
In Pi Phi, MIA TOLLES Chapter President
From left: CARMELA GULISANO, ELIZABETH MELTON, ILIANA DEARMON, ARIELLE KAY, AVA BERARD and AILISH LOWTH
Welcome, New Angels
SPRING 2024 NEW INITIATES
Lexi Alltucker San Luis Obispo, CA
Ava Berard Bellevue, WA
Ilianna Dearmon St Johns, FL
Carmela Gulisano Davis, CA
Arielle Kay Encino, CA
Ailish Lowth Novato, CA
Elizabeth Melton Davis, CA
Minah Tran Hayward, CA
L eadership
Scan or click the QR code to see the alumnae and collegians currently leading your chapter!
Do you have any interesting life updates to share with your sisters?
Scan or click the QR code and fill out the form for a chance to be featured in the next newsletter!
Sisterhood Spotlight
Upper: California Theta recent graduates. From left: TRACY TIVADAR , ELIANA ERTSEY, ELLIE GUTHRIE, MAYA FUJITA , ELISE EPPERSON, CAMERON PARK and ISABELLA BODNER
Middle, from left: CADY SCHWIETZER ATHENA SEIPLE GABRIELLA SANG and ANNE KAIDANTZIS
Lower, from left: KELSEY FARHIT and MEGAN PUSL
Continuing to Receive
As an alumna with over 20 years of volunteer experience and serving as Massachusetts Gamma’s Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) New Member Experience Advisor, KRISTIE CALLAHAN GILL finds that staying involved with Pi Phi gives her much to be thankful for in return. Read more about her story and how our sisterhood has enriched her life over the years.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?
Pi Phi has always been part of my life; I’m so grateful. From the training and support I’ve received to the social aspects, Pi Phi has always been there for me. The Bostonian Alumnae Club is my family. Those women are truly my sisters as much as my original member class—we’ve been together for decades and I love them dearly.
WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI? WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP VOLUNTEERING?
Pi Phi has always seen the best version of me and given me space to grow and make an impact. I’ve been fortunate to engage in meaningful volunteer work through Pi Phi as the first AAC Chair for the Massachusetts Gamma Chapter, serving on the Gatlinburg Study Committee and as a member of the Foundation Ambassadors Council. The women I worked with in each capacity have been phenomenal role models. I have grown both professionally and personally from these roles, and with each new role, I make new friends who turn into lifelong friends.
HOW HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH PI PHI IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
True friendship, sisterhood and Lifelong Commitment that goes both ways. I feel like Pi Phi is as committed to me as I am to it.
WHAT
ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING AND REWARDING PARTS ABOUT SERVING PI PHI?
Any type of volunteer work has challenges. We serve in our free time and with jobs and families, there often isn’t enough time to serve at the level we may like. It’s also challenging to work with collegians who are struggling but that work can be the most rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to serve on great teams of dedicated, smart women who truly care, and even if life gets in the way, we are there for each other and for Pi Phi.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT OUR SISTERHOOD?
Our sisterhood has felt incredibly consistent to me for 30 years. In each club and volunteer role I have felt connected, valued, appreciated and part of something much bigger than myself. I have seen Lifelong Commitment and Sincere Friendship repeatedly throughout my life.
AS AN ENGAGED ALUMNA YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK STAYING INVOLVED WITH OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?
I would be hard pressed to express all the ways Pi Phi has impacted my life positively. I want that for future generations. The mentorship we can offer young women is deeply impactful. Without alumnae support, there would be no Pi Phi. While my four years at
University of California, Davis were amazing, I’ve had over 30 years as an alumna. The people I’ve met and places we’ve gone together have enriched my life. Like most things, you get back what you put in. By staying committed, I continue to receive.
Pi Phi PRESS
BetaBase is Here!
BetaBase is Pi Beta Phi’s new member portal and database management system designed to enhance your Pi Phi experience. Powered by Salesforce, BetaBase offers enhanced technology and data reporting and more advanced tools for chapters, alumnae clubs and members. Members should create a BetaBase account to update their member profile and communications before the fall term begins. This will allow you to find Pi Phi sisters, access your giving history, easily fulfill your annual dues commitment and submit online Recruitment Information Forms.
Pi Phis with a valid email on file were sent an invitation to create their BetaBase account in mid-July. Didn’t receive your email invitation? Create your account now.
September is Read > Lead > Achieve ® Month
Every September, Pi Beta Phi celebrates Read > Lead > Achieve Month by working to inspire a lifelong love of reading in our communities. We encourage every Pi Phi to participate, donate and advocate for literacy through our reading initiatives, both during Read > Lead > Achieve Month and all year long. Start planning your celebrations now and be sure to use #ReadLeadAchieve or tag @pibetaphihq on social media to share the impact you’re making in your community!
Facility Update
The California Theta Chapter facility was scheduled to undergo a main sewer line replacement in Summer 2024, ensuring enhanced functionality and reliability.
Save the Date for Convention 2025
Join us in Louisville, Kentucky on June 20-22, 2025, for a celebration of sisterhood, heritage and Pi Phi Pride! Held each biennium, convention honors our history, celebrates the present and ensures we are prepared for a bright future.
Registration will open in early 2025—mark your calendars now for this once in a lifetime opportunity!
1154 Town & Country Commons Drive
Town & Country, Missouri 63017
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@ucdpibetaphi
@davispibetaphi Connect with the Fraternity pibetaphi.org
@PiBetaPhi
@PiBetaPhiHQ S upported by the
raternity H ousing C orporation ( FHC )
The California Theta Chapter is supported by FHC. Learn more about FHC and the services offered, including this newsletter, by visiting pibetaphi.org/housing or contacting at fhc@pibetaphi.org .
