Our History
History and Symbols
Our History
International History:
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.
Illinios Theta History:
The Illinios Theta Chapter was chartered in 1947 as part of the Omicron
Province.It was the first sorority
house at Bradley, built across the street from campus. During the school year,
Illinios Theta Pi Phi’s enjoy a
date party "Crush" and a semi-formal dance in the fall called Beaus and Arrows
and then a formal dance in
the spring called Wine Carnation. In addition...we have date parties, exchanges,
and sisterhood events.
Pi Phi’s also host a Parent’s Weekend dinner, a Founders' Day Brunch, a
scholarship banquet, and a
banquet honoring our graduating seniors. We also participate in numerous campus
activities including Derby
Days, Intramural Sports, Greek Week, and Homecoming. As well as sisters only
events in which Pi Beta Phi
promotes the spirit of sisterhood within the chapter and is committed to
preserving the quality and
cooperation of the Greek System.
Our Symbols:
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, 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. The golden arrow badge is to be
worn only by initiated
members of Pi Beta Phi and is worn over the heart.
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,
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.
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
firls 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
stamen are ideals of Pi Beta Phi. The petals stand closely united around these
to defend and protect them.
The pledge pin is an arrowhead of Roman gold mounted with the Greek letter B
(beta) in burnished gold.
The arrow badge is not to be worn until after initiation.
Fraternity history indicates that songs about Pi Phi angels were often used in
rush. Angel collections are
popular among many Pi Phis. The Founders did not choose the angel as a
fraternity symbol; however, it is
worthy unofficial symbol of Pi Beta Phi.
