Shining on Campus

When Alabama Beta Chapter President Lexi Bush and her sisters set out to support Al’s Pals Mentoring Program in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, they wanted to make an impact that would continue long after their time on campus ended. Through a $75,000 endowment to establish the University of Alabama Center for Service and Leadership Workroom for Al’s Pals, the chapter made a lasting investment in literacy, mentorship and the future of the Tuscaloosa community.

What inspired Alabama Beta to establish this endowment for Al’s Pals?

Our chapter wanted to support a program that builds confidence and encourages academic success among Tuscaloosa youth. Through reading support and homework assistance, Al’s Pals creates meaningful relationships that positively influence both students and mentors. By helping establish the Center for Service and Leadership Workroom for Al’s Pals, we wanted to ensure the program would continue serving students for years to come.

Tell us about Alabama Beta’s connection to the program.

Alabama Beta Jenny Do shared, “Being from Tuscaloosa, I knew I wanted to be involved in organizations that allowed me to be hands-on with my local community—especially with kids who play on the same playgrounds and love the same things I did growing up. Al’s Pal’s and Pi Phi allowed me to do both. I can see firsthand how my involvement positively shapes the lives of the children I mentor. Helping raise money for the Al’s Pal’s endowment felt like a full-circle moment because not only was I part of raising the funds—I also watched them make a real difference for my mentees. Being on both sides of the experience—as a fundraiser and a mentor—makes me incredibly proud.”

How did the chapter and community come together to make this endowment possible?

This achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of collegiate members, alumnae, parents, friends, volunteers and generous donors who shared a vision of expanding literacy opportunities in Tuscaloosa. Through a Pi Beta Phi Foundation Local Impact Grant, our chapter was able to raise $13,307 with a matching grant, dollar-for-dollar, by Pi Beta Phi Foundation, which helped fund part of the endowment. Our community rallied behind us, through philanthropy events and fundraising initiatives, allowing us to exceed our fundraising goal. The dedication of our members, the generosity of our supporters and the enthusiasm of the broader community demonstrated not only a commitment to Pi Phi’s mission, but to creating a lasting difference for the students and families served by Al’s Pals.

What made this effort unique was our decision to establish an endowment rather than make a traditional one-time donation. Our members were inspired by the opportunity to make a lasting investment in Al’s Pals, and seeing our chapter unite around a long-term vision reinforced the belief that change is never accomplished by one person alone—it’s built together.

What does it mean to know future generations will benefit from the Center for Service and Leadership Workroom?

This gift is about more than a physical space. It’s about the child who will walk into Al’s Pals years from now and find encouragement, confidence and a mentor who believes in them. It’s about the college student who will discover a passion for service and form valuable relationships through the program.

One of the most special parts of this journey is knowing we may never meet many of the children who will benefit from this gift, yet we can still impact their lives. That’s the beauty of an endowment. It allows our chapter’s commitment to literacy and service to continue long after we’ve graduated.

When you think about the legacy Alabama Beta is leaving through this endowment, what are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the opportunities it will create for the children we serve. Literacy has the power to change a child’s future, and knowing students will have access to books, learning materials and mentors who are invested in their success is incredibly meaningful.

This gift will help provide resources many children may not otherwise have access to after the school day ends. It will allow students to continue learning, growing and building confidence. By supporting Al’s Pals, we are helping ensure both mentors and students have the resources they need to succeed.