The Bow

The Bow SPRING 2019

An official publication for donors of Pi Beta Phi Foundation

A Message from Kate Blatherwick Pickert, Pi Beta Phi Foundation President Dear Sisters and Pi Phi Friends, As we plan for the conclusion of Pi Phi’s historic SHINE THROUGH campaign, we believe success is about more than reaching our fundraising goal. It’s a chance to show and reaffirm the sisterhood bonds we hold so dear. Full participation from our volunteer leadership and our Pi Phi Headquarters staff illustrates the importance of this effort. I am pleased to share the following story of Julie Wisbrock, Pi Phi’s Senior Director of Membership, and her family. Through her shining example, Julie is helping us reach our goals to SHINE THROUGH for future generations. In Pi Phi, Kate Blatherwick Pickert, Kansas Alpha

Supporting the Chapter Experience is a Family Affair for the Wisbrocks When Julie Wisbrock joined Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Kansas in 1995, she never thought some 20 years later she would feel passionately about financially supporting another women’s fraternity — Pi Beta Phi. Julie is Pi Phi’s Senior Director of Membership, working at Pi Beta Phi Headquarters for more than six years. When she recalls her experiences with Alpha Chi Omega, she lights up describing the year she spent as a Leadership Development Consultant (LDC) and how it shaped her future in more ways than one. “My LDC experience was great because it’s how I met my husband, Chris, who was an LDC for Delta Tau Delta and because we both learned first-hand the amount of resources it takes to successfully run a fraternal organization,” said Julie. As a result, both of them have been actively involved in and have financially supported their respective organizations since early in their relationship. And, due to Julie’s role at Headquarters and her belief in the Fraternity’s mission, they also give to Pi Beta Phi. She personally understands how each financial gift to Pi Phi directly impacts her team’s ability to build and deliver a premier experience for our members.

Chris, Julie, Emma and Kate Wisbrock

The Wisbrocks usually make one-time gifts to Pi Phi throughout the year at events such as Pi Phi Giving Day and Founders’ Day, and Julie donates in honor of her team members during the holidays. But what lit a spark for them to increase their giving was the desire to contribute to the SHINE THROUGH campaign. They discussed what they could do and committed to a $2,500 pledge. And, because Chris is included on the donation, his employer will match the gift 100 percent, turning $2,500 into $5,000! “The campaign is so exciting, and it’s at such a critical time for Pi Phi and the industry overall,” explains Julie. “With the world INSIDE THIS ISSUE questioning the value of Greek-letter organizations, Chris and I see the need more Not My Chapter, But Still My than ever to put forth resources to ensure Pi Phi and similar organizations endure.” The couple has two young daughters, and they want the girls to have the opportunity to decide whether to join a women’s fraternity when they’re in college. “We want them to know what it’s like to have a sorority to come home to if they choose,” Julie said. “Although I’m not a Pi Beta Phi member, Pi Phi is my home just as much as Alpha Chi because we’re friends, we work together and we share a common goal.”

Responsibility

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Maximize Your Impact

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Halo Highlights

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Evelyn Peters Kyle Society

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