University of Toronto

Ontario Alpha

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Our Roots

The local society Xi Tau was installed as the Ontario Alpha Chapter, Pi Phi’s first Canadian chapter, in 1908 by past Grand President May Lansfield Keller, Maryland Alpha. Installation activities took place in the home of charter member Edith Gordon.

Notable Chapter Alumnae

Vida H. Peene

Vida H. Peene

Arts Advocate and Civic Leader 

Vida H. Peene

Vida H. Peene

Arts Advocate and Civic Leader 

Vida H. Peene was one of Toronto’s most influential volunteer leaders and cultural advocates of the mid-twentieth century, dedicating decades to building and supporting the city’s arts and civic institutions. She played significant leadership roles in numerous arts, education and cultural organizations throughout the city. During World War II, Vida served as Assistant Commandant of the Food Administration Section of the Canadian Red Cross, overseeing services supporting nursing personnel and wartime relief efforts while also chairing salvage and war-work campaigns.

In 1964, her contributions to Toronto’s cultural life were recognized with the Civic Award of Merit for distinguished service to the City of Toronto and the Central Drama League Award. Vida was appointed to the Board of Management of the O’Keefe Centre from 1968 to 1970 by the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto Council. She holds the distinction of being the first person in Canada to represent the arts at all three levels of government. Vida was awarded the Centennial Medal in 1967 and the Order of Canada in 1970 in honor of her lasting contributions to Canadian cultural life.

Vida was initiated in 1917.

 

Charmion King

Charmion King

Actress

Charmion King

Charmion King

Actress

Charmion King was a Canadian actress who appeared in notable television films, including “Anne of Green Gables,” “Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot,” “Anne of Avonlea” and “Last Night.” She also starred in the Canadian television series “Wind at My Back” and “House of Pride.”

Charmion was initiated in 1944.

Chapter Awards

2001

McCuaig Canadian Award

2001

McCuaig Canadian Award

2001

McCuaig Canadian Award

2001

McCuaig Canadian Award

2001

McCuaig Canadian Award

2001

McCuaig Canadian Award

2001

Nita Hill Stark Award

2001

Sarahjane P. Vanasse Pitcher

2001

Vera Moss Bowl

2001

Vera Moss Bowl

2006

Sarahjane P. Vanasse Pitcher

2006

McCuaig Canadian Award

2006

McCuaig Canadian Award

2008

Excellence in Recruitment

2019

Jean Wirths Scott Leadership Award for Outstanding Change Leadership

2019

Spirit Award