top of page
Kentucky Alpha
Pi Beta Phi
National History
Pi Beta Phi Fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill., on April 28, 1867. Originally named 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.
​
The founders of Pi Beta Phi created the fraternity to cultivate sincere friendship, establish real-life objectives and promote happiness. Pi Beta Phi continues to encourage young women to develop meaningful relationships as they reach for their personal goals. Membership in Pi Beta Phi and the relationships it yields help sisters adapt to college life by providing a sense of belonging, support and guidance.
Holt House, Founding Place of Pi Beta Phi
Our 12 Founders
Jennie Nichol, MD
Rosa Moore
Jennie Horne Turnbull
Libbie Brook Gaddis
Nancy Black Wallace
Inez Smith Soule
Ada Bruen Grier
Clara Brownlee Hutchinson
Emma Brownlee Kilgore
Fannie Thomson
Margaret Campbell
Fannie Whitenack Libbey
The first organization of college women founded as a national fraternity.
One of the first of seven founding groups of the National Panhellenic Conference.
​
The first to recognize the value and service of the alumnae by organizing an alumnae department.
The first to recognize the joy to be found in service to others expressed in the organization of a national philanthropic project.
​
The first to recognize the value of mature guidance by establishing an Alumnae Advisory Committee for each collegiate chapter.
​
The first in countless fields of organization and leadership training in the fraternity world.
​
The first to utilize contemporary concepts in chapter development and programming.
Fraternity of Firsts
bottom of page