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 opportunities with members across North America, there is no replacement for being together with our sisters. As Vermont Beta 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. The first thing my sisters and I do when we return to Burlington, Vermont is go for a walk by the lake, grab ice cream and catch up about our summers. Reuniting is one of the best feelings and makes coming back to campus that much more exciting.
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 Vermont Beta is dedicated to fulfilling this vision for our sisterhood.
At Vermont Beta, there are many opportunities to engage with our community in purposeful ways. The Fall 2024 term is especially meaningful; our chapter is looking forward to volunteering at the King Street Center, an after-school program for the youth of Burlington, and our Pie a Pi Phi philanthropic event. These initiatives help us grow closer to the community and connect us to our values.
The Fall 2024 term looks promising at Vermont Beta, and as Vice President Community Relations, 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,
JILLIAN GRIFFITH Vice President Community Relations
Vermont Betas soaking up the last few weeks of summer with one another. From left: LILY FELTEN , LILA MCGUIRK , LANEY O’DONNELL and MICAELA MAZZONI
VERMONT BETA CHAPTER AT UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
Executive C ouncil
Chapter President
Laine Partington
Vice President Operations
Erin Stanton
Vice President
Risk Management
Sydney Skarbek
Vice President
Member Experience
Gillie Castadot
Vice President
Finance/Housing
Maya Dammen
Vice President Community Relations
Jillian Griffith
Vice President Inclusion
June Dodson
Vice President Recruitment
Lila Pierce
Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC)
AAC Chair
Sarah Ursini , Pennsylvania Gamma
AAC Operations
Kyra Sullivan , Virginia Zeta
AAC Risk Management
Sydney Marino , Connecticut Alpha
AAC Member Experience
Holly Paige Chaos , Virginia Theta
AAC Finance/Housing
Tracey Cross-Baker , New York Gamma
AAC Community Relations
Meredith Roberts , Delaware Alpha
AAC Inclusion
Madison Schmidt , Virginia Iota
AAC Recruitment
Lauren Fecura , Vermont Beta
Do you have any interesting life updates to share with your sisters?
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Sisterhood Spotlight
Upper: Vermont Beta Spring 2024 seniors.
Middle: Vermont Betas during their Spring 2024 formal event.
From left: STELLA SCHLUMBOM , GRACE GERHARDT, KILEY PLUNKETT and ENYA ARENTZEN
Lower: LILY FELTEN represented Pi Beta Phi while lobbying with the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition in Spring 2024.
Widening the Circle
As Alumnae Club President for the Conroe-The Woodlands, Texas, Alumnae Club, DEBRA RANDLE BITELY has found staying involved as an alumna has brought her new friendships, connections and cherished memories. Read more about what she loves most about alumnae life and our sisterhood.
WHAT DREW YOU TO PI PHI DURING RECRUITMENT?
The sisters were very welcoming! Rather than an interview, they made you feel like a new friend.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PI PHI MEMORY?
Our road trip to Convention 1979. Six members of outgoing and incoming chapter leaders traveled by bus starting in Vermont and picked up others in Connecticut and Pennsylvania on the way to Phoenix. At that convention, we received the Vera Moss Bowl for most improved chapter!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ALUMNAE LIFE?
The opportunity to meet people that I might not have otherwise ever encountered.
WHAT MADE YOU INITIALLY WANT TO JOIN AN ALUMNAE CLUB?
They found me! The mothers of a couple of my children’s classmates saw my name on the roster and invited me to join them.
WHAT ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING AND REWARDING PARTS ABOUT LEADING AN ALUMNAE CLUB?
Outreach is both the most challenging and the most rewarding. I love identifying other alumnae, making those connections and widening our circle.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A SISTER WHO IS INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR PI PHI OR JOINING AN ALUMNAE CLUB?
Just do it! Everything you enjoyed about chapter life is available in alumnae life.
HOW HAS PI PHI MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
Lifelong friendships. Although we are scattered across the country now, when we get together it’s like no time has passed.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT OUR SISTERHOOD?
Supporting, encouraging and uplifting each other through various stages of our lives.
WHY DO YOU THINK STAYING ENGAGED AS AN ALUMNA IS SO IMPORTANT?
It gives an opportunity to continue supporting and mentoring our sisterhood while doing our best to serve our community in any way we can.
Everything you enjoyed about chapter life is available in alumnae life. “
Membership in Pi Beta Phi brings a lifetime of fun and friendship. Alumnae clubs offer a meaningful way to make new friends, expand your network and stay connected to our sisterhood. If you are interested in joining an alumnae club, scan or click the QR code to view our club locator and find one near you!
Upper: Debra (right side in blue dress) celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Cookie Shine with her sisters.
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.
Facility Update
The Vermont Beta house was a busy place over the summer! Fifteen members moved in to find freshly painted bedrooms and common areas as well as an upgrade to the internet system. The House Director and chef, Joanne, is excited to begin another academic year and has earned rave reviews on her culinary masterpieces!
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
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.
1154 Town & Country Commons Drive
Town & Country, Missouri 63017
uvm.pibetaphi.org
The Vermont Beta 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 .
