Our Roots
Kansas Alpha, first known as Kappa of I.C. Sorosis, was installed in 1873 after Illinois Beta Sara Richardson influenced the decision to establish a chapter where her three sisters, who later became charter members, attended school. The beloved tradition of the Cookie Shine also originated at the first party hosted by Kansas Alpha.Collegiate Chapter Leadership
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Riya Arcot
Director Policy and Prevention Education
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Mikayla Bird
Director Academics
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Alyssa Bonder
Director Recruitment Events
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Riley Cover
Director Leadership
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Ann DeSimone
Director PR/Marketing
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Madeline Doyle
Vice President Finance/Housing
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Anna Ehlert
Director Service and Philanthropy
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Josie Finlason
Director Social Events
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Elyssa Frieze
Vice President Operations
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Layla Gates
Director Member Conduct
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Lauren Gurera
Director Community Inclusion
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Sophia Harmon
Director New Member Experience
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Lily Jones
Vice President Member Experience
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Adelyn Martin
Director Housing
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Madelyn Meyer
Vice President Risk Management
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Sophia Occhipinto
Director Lifelong Membership
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Taylor Renzi
Vice President Community Relations
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Kathryn Roemke
Director Fraternity Heritage
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Ava Rumpza
Vice President Recruitment
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Mckenna Schaefer
Director Member Finances
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Ana Silva
Vice President Inclusion
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Olivia Tuttle
Director Membership Selection
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Claire Wilkinson
Panhellenic Delegate
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Molly Zeleny
Chapter President
Supporting Sisters’ Dreams
Chapter-specific scholarship funds support collegiate chapter members as they pursue their academic dreams and professional goals. By giving to a scholarship fund, donors can directly impact their own chapter sisters and open doors that might not have been possible otherwise.
Building Leaders Who Shine
Chapter Leadership Education Expendable (CLEE) funds directly empower our sisters’ leadership journeys, helping eliminate financial barriers to leadership development opportunities for both chapter leaders and individual members. Giving to a CLEE fund allows donors to support the chapters they love while lighting the way for future leaders.
When you're with her, you’re home
Pi Phi chapter facilities are where friendships take root, leaders find their voice and sisterhood shines across generations. From memories made over shared meals to the built-in support from late-night study sessions and knowing your sisters are there in both the big and small moments, living in a chapter facility creates a sense of home and belonging within every wall.
Notable Chapter Alumnae
Jenette “Nettie” Bolles
Physician
Jenette “Nettie” Bolles
Physician
Jenette “Nettie” Bolles was a physician who helped open the field of osteopathic medicine to women. As the first woman to study and practice osteopathy, she built a successful career in Colorado at a time when few women entered the profession. Nettie specialized in diseases of the urinary system, bladder and kidneys.
In addition to her medical practice, she was the first editor and publisher of the “Journal of Osteopathy,” helping advance knowledge and communication within the field. She was also a member of the national, state and local osteopathic associations and became the founding president of the American Colleges of Osteopathy in 1898. Nettie received the American Osteopathic Association Distinguished Service Certificate in 1925 for her pioneering role in creating opportunities for women in osteopathic medicine.
Nettie was initiated in 1883.
Iris Calderhead
Suffragist and Women’s Rights Activist
Iris Calderhead
Suffragist and Women’s Rights Activist
Iris Calderhead was an active leader in the National Woman’s Party and worked alongside some of the United States’ most influential suffragists during the final push for a federal women’s suffrage amendment. She traveled across the country to organize, speak and build support for the women’s suffrage movement. Beginning in 1917, she was among the “Silent Sentinels”—the women who picketed outside the White House to pressure President Woodrow Wilson into supporting women’s suffrage. Iris was arrested and imprisoned for her participation, enduring harsh treatment alongside fellow activists in a way that generated significant public sympathy for the cause.
Her courage and perseverance were part of a broader movement that culminated in the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, securing voting rights for millions of American women. Iris continued her advocacy in the 1930s, serving as Director of the National Woman’s Party’s campaign to pressure the newly created World Court to protect the rights of women internationally. In 1932, she addressed the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the issue. Iris is recognized by historians as a dedicated participant in one of the most significant expansions of democratic rights in American history.
Iris was initiated in 1907.
Dr. Leona Baumgartner
Physician
Dr. Leona Baumgartner
Physician
Dr. Leona Baumgartner was an American physician and public health leader who became one of the most influential women in medicine during the 20th century. Dedicating her career to improving maternal and child health, her research on infant and maternal mortality, infectious diseases and preventive healthcare helped shape public health policy and expand access to medical services for underserved populations. In 1954, she made history as the first woman appointed Commissioner of Health for New York City, where she led major vaccination campaigns and public health initiatives.
Leona’s groundbreaking contributions earned her several honors throughout her career. She was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1969. She also received a Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences as well as the Albert Lasker Public Service Award and the Elizabeth Blackwell Award. Following her tenure as health commissioner, she served as vice president of the The Commonwealth Fund, helping guide national healthcare and medical research initiatives.
Leona was initiated in 1919.