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Pi Beta Phi Fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, on April 28, 1867, as I. C. Sorosis. Pi
Beta Phi was the first national secret college society of women to be modeled after the Greek-letter fraternities of men.
During a time when few women were admitted to colleges and universities, Pi Beta Phi created a feeling of unity among
pioneering women.

The Founding Women of Pi Beta Phi:

Emma Brownlee Kilgore—a true leader; our first president

Rosa Moore—generous & sensitive to the needs of others

Libbie Brook Gaddis—the youngest Founder, who established our second chapter

Fannie Thomson—a sweet singer & ardent advocate of extension

Nancy Black Wallace—our first secretary & an enthusiastic extentionist

Clara Brownlee Hutchinson—Emma's gentle & compassionate younger sister

Margaret Campbell—the first treasurer & a promoter of philanthropic work

Inez Smith Soule—beautiful, independent, & a loyal friend

Ada Bruen Grier—a true friend, a teacher, & a minister's wife

Jennie Horne Turnbull—quiet & charming; she was devoted to Pi Phi throughout her life

Fannie Whitenack Libbey—her cheerful presence & womanly grace endeared her to Pi Phis everywhere

Jennie Nicol, M.D.—a pioneer among women physicians

OFFICIAL SYMBOLS OF PI BETA PHI

Symbols are an important part of the understanding and appreciation of Pi Beta Phi. These symbols serve as outward
signs of unspoken ideals that all Pi Phis share.

Greek Letters ΠΒΦ

The Greek letters "Pi Beta Phi" are worn only by initiated members of Pi Beta Phi. The greek motto Pi Beta Phi replaced
I.C. Sorosis at the convention in 1882.

Crest

The crest or coat-of-arms is a lozenge on which is blazoned the Brownlee family crest. An eagle is displayed in the
middle, on top of which is the seal of Monmouth College (where Pi Phi was founded). The blazing sun with the Latin
word LUX in the center, is on the eagle's chest. In the eagle's right talon is the monogram IC, the left talon holds the
arrow of Pi Beta Phi. The lozenge signifies that the arms are that of a women's organization; the eagle, by holding the IC
in one talon and Pi Beta Phi arrow in the other signifies the absolute identity between I.C. Sorosis and Pi Beta Phi
Fraternity. The coat-of-arms was adopted as the official fraternity crest at the 1912 Convention.

The Badge

The badge of I.C. Sorosis was decided upon by the Founders in 1867, and consisted of a golden arrow with the letters IC
on its wings. When the name of the Fraternity was changed to Pi Beta Phi, the Greek letters replaced the IC on the
wings. In 1934, at the Yellowstone National Park Convention, the Convention voted that there should be just twelve
links in the chain of the badge - one for each Founder. Upon initiation, a member is given a gold-filled arrow badge. If
she wishes, she may order a jeweled badge through Headquarters at nominal cost. The golden arrow badge is to be worn
only by initiated members of Pi Beta Phi and is worn over the heart.

The Carnation

Adopted at the 1890 Convention, the wine carnation is now our official flower. At the convention it was said, "The roots
of the flower are the Founders, for from them the whole plant grew... the stem represents the Grand Council. It gives to
us what was received from the roots. It gives us height and strength... the leaves of our flower are the alumnae. They
stand nearest the stem and assist it in its work. They are in communication with the world and breathe in for us the
best of the world's ideals... the petals are red for the girls are loyal. As it is the rich, wine color that makes the flower
attractive, it, too, is the warm fervent loyalty of its members that makes Pi Beta Phi beautiful in the eyes of everyone...
The pistil is the spirit and the stamens are ideals of Pi Beta Phi. The petals stand closely united around these to defend
and protect them."

The Pledge Pin

The pledge pin is an arrowhead of Roman gold mounted with the Greek letter B (Beta) in burnished gold.

The Angel

Fraternity history indicates that songs about Pi Phi angels became popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and that
skits depicting Pi Phis as angels were often used in recruitment. Angel collections are popular among many Pi Phis. The
Founders did not choose the angel as a fraternity symbol; however, it is a worthy unofficial symbol of Pi Beta Phi.

Colors and Motto

The colors of the Fraternity, wine and silver blue, and the first Greek Motto, Pi Beta Phi, were adopted at the convention
in 1882.

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