Our Roots

The Lawrence, Kansas, Alumnae Club traces its roots back to the early days of Pi Beta Phi at the University of Kansas, where Kansas Alpha was founded in 1873 as the campus’s first sorority. Alumnae in Lawrence had been gathering informally well before the club was officially chartered in 1915, with early records showing involvement as far back as 1895, when The Arrow was first published by Kansas Alpha members. From its earliest years, the club also embraced philanthropy, supporting Pi Beta Phi’s Settlement School and Arrowmont efforts. Over time, it has maintained a steady membership of roughly 50–70 women and strengthened its legacy through lasting contributions, including an endowed scholarship established in 1997 to recognize outstanding Kansas Alpha collegians.