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Pi
Beta Phi About Us |
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The Mission
The mission of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women is to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service.
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 Pi Beta Phi 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 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 Beta 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, and 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 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 which makes the flower attractive, it, too, is the warm fervent loyalty of its members which 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 New Member Pin 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. |
