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. After spending the summer months apart and reuniting on campus earlier this fall, there have been an abundance of opportunities to live our values at Minnesota Alpha.
Minnesota Alpha members cherish the time we spend with one another; being together on campus is always
a special time filled with excitement and gratitude. From primary recruitment to football game days and date parties, fall is a busy time around the chapter house. We have loved having so many opportunities to spend time together and grow closer, especially with our New Members!
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 Minnesota Alpha is dedicated to fulfilling this vision for our sisterhood.
At Minnesota Alpha, there are many possibilities to engage with our community in purposeful ways. The fall term is especially meaningful; our chapter is looking forward to deepening our connection with Webster Elementary through our Champions Are Readers ® (CAR) program and holding our annual fall philanthropy event, Pumpkin Pie with Pi Beta Phi! Our CAR program was first started in Fall 2023, and we are excited to expand the impact we have on our own local community, especially as it relates to children’s literacy.
The Fall 2024 term has been truly fulfilling at Minnesota Alpha, 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,
KRISTIN CULLEN
Chapter President
Minnesota Alpha senior class of 2024. From left: KINSLEY LAWRENCE , KATE CAMPION , CARLY NEVILLE , TARA DAWSON and KARA FLAHERTY
MINNESOTA ALPHA CHAPTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Welcome, New Angels
SPRING 2024 NEW INITIATES
Alayna Birch Neenah, Wisconsin
Faith Black Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Ashley Blickhan Santa Clarita, California
Camilla Bonicatto Hayward, Wisconsin
Lola Elke Madison, Wisconsin
Emily Jeffcoat Melbourne, Florida
Grace Kern Woodbury, Minnesota
Lily Nixa Rochester, Minnesota
Lillian Schifsky Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Executive Council
Chapter President
Kristin Cullen
Vice President Operations
Kennedi Beniek
Vice President
Risk Management
Jocelyn Ames
Vice President
Member Experience
Addison Loeb
Vice President Finance/Housing
Alexis Willette
Vice President Community Relations
Isabella Dols
Vice President Inclusion
Marta Smith
Vice President Recruitment
Serena Marchi
Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC)
AAC Chair
Maighdlin
Shaughnessy Herbert Minnesota Alpha
AAC Operations
Rachael Fix
North Dakota Alpha
AAC Risk Management
Hannah Jacobs Pack Tennessee Gamma
AAC Member Experience
MarLee Johnson-Volk
Colorado Gamma
AAC Finance/Housing
Miranda Brown Illinois Eta
AAC Community Relations
Sydney Roberts North Dakota Alpha
AAC Inclusion
Sydney Hedgepeth Iowa Gamma
AAC Recruitment
Lindsey Trader Singh Minnesota Alpha
Sisterhood Spotlight
Upper: Minnesota Alphas during primary recruitment.
Middle, from left: HAILEY RADEMACHER , ALEXIS WILLETTE and ABBEY ROUFS enjoying the final days of summer break.
Lower, from left: HAILEY NEWHOUSE , GRACE MCHUGH and ASHLEY PIPER in Dublin, Ireland.
Sisterhood In Action
ROXANN GOERTZ has a rich history with Pi Beta Phi that began during her collegiate years at the University of Minnesota, where she embraced leadership roles and forged lifelong friendships. Now a seasoned advertising and marketing professional, she remains actively involved with the St. Paul, Minnesota, Alumnae Club, working alongside her sisters to better their community.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
I graduated from the University of Minnesota (UMN) in 1977 and have been living in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area since 1983. During my time at UMN, I was involved in student government and served as the Chapter President for Minnesota Alpha. After completing my undergraduate degree, I accepted a job as a Traveling Graduate Counselor, now known as a Leadership Development Consultant.
I am now an advertising and marketing professional with more than 40 years of experience, specializing in new product development and brand growth strategy. I have also held various volunteer leadership positions, including mentoring and serving on the University of Minnesota Alumni Board and Minnesota Council on Economic Education.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PI PHI MEMORY?
During my three years living in the chapter house, I experienced so much camaraderie. One of my favorite memories is when we created an "engagement candle" to pass around in a circle for our friend PAMELA SHEEHANRYAN to blow out. She was getting married and would be leaving soon after. Both my friend JAN OLSEN MCCOY and I were Pam’s bridesmaids, and we remain close friends to this day, messaging daily in our Pi Phi Wordle group we call the "Pi Phi 9."
WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR PI PHI?
A dear friend initially invited me to join the Chapter House Corporation when my children were teens and becoming more independent, giving me the time to volunteer. I believed my business management skills would be beneficial as President and Treasurer. This led to a new role leading campus sororities and fraternities in forming the Minnesota Greek Alumni Council, which focuses on supporting fraternity/sorority chapters and houses alongside the university administration. After completing my term as President, I took a break, and was later asked to join the St. Paul, Minnesota, Alumnae Club, where I’ve served in various roles.
AS AN ENGAGED ALUMNA YOURSELF, WHY DO YOU THINK STAYING INVOLVED WITH OUR SISTERHOOD IS SO IMPORTANT?
I believe being an engaged alumna adds value in many ways. For young women, involvement in Pi Phi enhances leadership skills, expands networks and exposes them to career and life paths they may not have considered before. For longstanding alumnae, participation keeps them engaged and connected. At both ends of the spectrum, members can also contribute to meaningful philanthropic efforts. The St. Paul, Minnesota, Alumnae Club is dedicated to supporting literacy and addressing
children’s needs in St. Paul Public Schools, and I am proud to be part of this group.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?
My favorite thing about alumnae life is maintaining special relationships with Pi Phi sisters and meeting new sisters from around the country.
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. 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.
Support Minnesota Alpha
The Minnesota Alpha Chapter needs your help to ensure its long-term success. A Chapter House Improvement Program (CHIP) Fund allows you to make taxdeductible contributions in support of your chapter facility to fund qualified educational projects and expenses. By supporting the Minnesota Alpha CHIP, you are supporting future educational projects within the facility. To make a donation, follow the QR code below. Your gift is an investment in the place our sisters call home. To learn more about opportunities to support your chapter's facility, please reach out to us at fhc@pibetaphi.org and fndn@pibetaphi.org We'd love to hear from you!
Save the Date for Convention 2025
Join us in Louisville, Kentucky on June 19-21, 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.
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
1154 Town & Country Commons Drive
Town & Country, Missouri 63017
umn.pibetaphi.org
upported by the
The Minnesota Alpha 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 .
