Angel UPDATE
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 Illinois Zeta continues into the Fall 2024 term, we look forward to the abundance of opportunities it will bring.
Returning to campus is always a special time filled with excitement and gratitude. After spending the summer apart, we are all so excited to hear the stories and memories each sister made. Every member is
uniquely diverse in their interests and aspirations, and it is amazing to hear everything they accomplished. Continuing to share our growth and experiences deepens our bonds more and more each year.
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 Illinois Zeta is dedicated to fulfilling this vision for our sisterhood.
There are many opportunities for Illinois Zetas to engage with our community in purposeful ways. The Fall 2024 term is especially meaningful, as we celebrate Read > Lead > Achieve ® month in September alongside the entirety of our sisterhood. Our chapter is also looking forward to continuing to serve our local dyslexic clinic where we volunteer each week and give back to our community. Additionally, homecoming week creates many special memories as we often have large groups of alumnae come to the house and bond with our new members. It's so exciting to see how Pi Phi’s values connect such a diverse group of women. Seeing the love and connection between members even after they graduate reminds us just how lucky we are to be sisters for life.
The Fall 2024 term looks promising at Illinois Zeta, and as Chapter President, I’m honored to keep witnessing Pi Phi’s commitment to bettering the lives of our sisters and community members. Nothing fills our hearts with more Pi Phi Pride than authentically living the values of our sisterhood.
In
Pi
Phi, KENDELL MACDONALD Chapter President
Illinois Zeta Spring 2024 seniors.
ILLINOIS ZETA CHAPTER AT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Welcome, New Angels
SPRING 2024 NEW INITIATES
Kira Fanelli San Diego, CA
Leah Kuehl Dixon, IL
Eva Yentsch Village of Lakewood, IL
Executive Council
Kendell MacDonald Chapter President
Anna Melody Vice President Operations
Isabella Acevedo Vice President Risk Management
Katie Holland Vice President Member Experience
Kendall Vallette Vice President Finance/Housing
Lauren Propes Vice President Community Relations
Bianca DiVito Vice President Inclusion
Sally Rogers Vice President Recruitment
Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC)
Katie Bednar, Illinois Zeta AAC Chair
Megan Feeney, Illinois Zeta AAC Operations
Kate Testa, Illinois Zeta AAC Risk Management
Maddie Claire Porterfield, South Carolina Alpha AAC Member Experience
Kimberly Ervin, Illinois Theta AAC Finance/Housing
Julie Swartz, Illinois Zeta AAC Recruitment
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Sisterhood Spotlight
Upper, from left: CRYSTAL WANG, BROOKE VOELKER and SARAH NORRICK.
Middle, back row, from left: LAUREN PROPES, ISELA ACEVEDO, SALLY ROGERS and ANNA MELODY. Front row, from left: KATIE HOLLAND, KENDALL VALLETTE, BIANCA DIVITO and KENDELL MACDONALD.
Lower: Illinois Zetas at a formal event.
Giving Back For The Future
KAREN VELDE DOLLMEYER is passionate about serving our sisterhood, aiming to both give back and pay it forward. In her role as Delaware Alpha's Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) Operations Advisor, Karen makes a meaningful impact on both current and future members of Pi Phi.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?
My most favorite thing is the bond of everlasting friendships. Even if we didn't see each other for years due to our busy lives, it is as though we were never apart from each other. I also love meeting new Pi Phi friends throughout my life at work or other social activities.
WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI?
Once I graduated and started my career, I attended several local alumnae club meetings, however, I thought I was too busy to truly get involved. Once we moved to Delaware, I became involved with the University of Delaware (UD), and in 2016, UD announced an opening for a new sorority on campus and Pi Beta Phi was selected, which then became the Delaware Alpha Chapter. I joined several of the initial meetings and then volunteered as a member of AAC and have been in many different AAC roles ever since. I felt this was my opportunity to give back to Pi Beta Phi as well as give to the future of many young women.
HOW HAS PI PHI SHAPED YOU AS A LEADER?
Pi Phi values provided me with the framework to be a good person and leader. I developed many leadership skills in my career, and I have utilized and shared those skills by mentoring the young women in leadership roles at the Delaware Alpha Chapter.
WHAT ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING AND REWARDING PARTS ABOUT SERVING PI PHI?
As a member of AAC, I had to understand how collegiate women viewed things from their perspective. I had to adjust my thinking from my past experiences to what our collegiate women were experiencing now in order to be a good mentor. The biggest reward is advising these women and providing them with ideas and perspectives that can assist them in their decision making.
Pi Phi values provided me with the framework to be a good person and leader. “
BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER LIFE, HOW DO YOU FIND BALANCE?
I find balance by identifying specific times of the week to dedicate to Pi Phi. Yes, there are some impromptu things that occur; however, enough notice and planning is key to finding the necessary balance.
HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
The sisterhood and values are everlasting. I am so proud to be a Pi Beta Phi!
AS A PI PHI VOLUNTEER YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK VOLUNTEERING FOR OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?
Volunteering gives me the opportunity to give back to the Fraternity, however, the most important part is ensuring our sisterhood is shared with all the young women in the future.
Pi Phi PRESS
BetaBase is Here!
Pi Beta Phi’s cutting-edge member portal and database management system, BetaBase, is live! Within BetaBase, you can easily manage and update your personal information and communication preferences to stay connected with your Pi Phi sisters, locate and connect with sisters across the globe, access your personal donor history and make contributions online, and complete, submit and track RIFs—streamlining the recruitment process.
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. Be sure to use #ReadLeadAchieve or tag @pibetaphihq on social media to share the impact you’re making in your community!
Empowering the Next Generation of Pi Phis
Your $45 international alumnae dues power the programs that define the Pi Phi member experience, from leadership events to personal development opportunities and the volunteer and staff support that helps chapters grow. You can shape the future of our sisterhood by paying your annual alumnae dues at pibetaphi.org/dues or by scanning the QR code.
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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@PiBetaPhiHQ S upported by the
raternity H ousing C orporation ( FHC )
The Illinois Zeta 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.
