Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women
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Message Board
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February 28, 2010 Ring
Ching Challenge Update --- |
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February 28, 2010 PI
BETA PHI WINS THE GRADE CUP! Fall 2009 Pi Phi wins with a
3.394 We topped any and all groups at Simpson. That includes
independent and Greek and individuals in between. And our New
Members (pledges) topped all New Members with a 3.439. Amazing! |
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January 15, 2010
Hello Everyone! |
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December 31, 2009 A big hello and Happy New Year to Iowa Beta!!! And a big Thank you to those who support Iowa Beta is so many ways, we are truely blessed with a smart, talented and loyal alumnae! And if you wish to write a note on this Message Board, please do so, we'd love to hear from YOU. This is the last report on the Ring Ching Challenge for 2009 and it has been a super start for this 2 year Challenge. And as the administrator for the Ring Ching Challenge it has been wonderful to hear from Pi Phi's far and wide young and old, such a privilege for me. So, here is your update: Our total contributions at year end are $22,280 by 144 Iowa Betas (including 1 "friend", my mother. : ) This represents 144 represents 18% of our membership from 1929 to 2008 graduates, totalling 813 members (as given by Simpson's records). We have 13 Challengers as of the end of 2009. The thrill for me has been the rates of participation by the decade with Challengers ($1035.00) indicated: 1940's 18% with 1 Challenger 1950's 33% with 2 Challengers 1960's 20% with 5 Challengers 1970's 19% with no Challengers 1980's 14% with 1 Challenger 1990's 14% with 3 Challengers 2000's 13% with 1 Challenger And by the Grad Class 1955 has 6 gifts and has the highest percentage of givers per grad class. 1957 has 6 gifts and is next highest. 1995 also has 6 gifts from their class. The next highest with 5 gifts per grad class are the following classes: 1953 1974 1987 Also, the fun part for me is hearing about so many classes and groups that are doing The Reunion or even small get-togethers. Which brings me to the Class Agent Project.
This is an update from my last message and thanks
to Facebook we have addtional classes covered. Also, we have an
Iowa Beta Alumnae Facebook page with about 100 members so far!
So look it up! |
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December 28, 2009 The Class Agent Project For years we have talked in small ways about a big project that would create a giant 'telephone tree' for our Iowa Beta membership. Because of Email, this has become a perfect fit for our project, although I favor the telephone, but, Email is perfect for quick communication. And the Letter will never be replaced. I should never say never. : ) So, our challenge is to have one or two Class Agents for each graduating class to update addresses and be a connector for your class. Your level of involvement in this mission is up to each Agent. I have a little letter of ideas and a database from Simpson for each class, to get you started. So makes some calls and choose your Class Agent and let me know your Agent. Cmeek66775@aol.com The following classes have recently chosen their Class Agent and if you've previously committed and I've missed you, please remind me. : ) 1950, 1953 1976, 1977, 1978, 1989 1992, 1997, 1999 2000, 2007 So, don't be shy! PPL, Claudia Cole Meek '77 Cmeek66775@aol.com |
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December 25, 2009 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the sisters of the Wine and Silver Blue! AND a very Happy New Year !!! PPL and Ring Ching Iowa Beta Alum Club |
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December 12, 2009 The Ring Ching Challenge for Iowa Beta is great
and it looks like it is off to a good start. I want to encourage
all 1950's Iowa Betas to help in this support. The house looks
good and the girls are doing a wonderful job with many honors
and such. We can do our share as well. |
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November 30, 2009
Happy Holidays Iowa Betas! Ring Ching Challenge Update Throughout our two year Ring Ching Challenge we will report at the end of each month the progress of our challenge for Iowa Beta's future. We hope to have all of our Alumnae participate, but, hope also that is causes all of us renew old friendships, to wish the active chapter well in your thoughts and in your deeds and to simply remember wonderful memories. And many remember YOU fondly, do not doubt it. And now for the Ring Ching Update: Overall Iowa Beta Alumnae have given gifts totaling $21,115.00 by 133 generous and loyal members, which is now 16% of our membership and represents an average gift of $158.00. This is simply amazing! And we are touched by your contributions, large AND small. Thank you. The 1950's continue to be the leaders in participation with a whopping 28%, with every graduation class participating. Wow. The 1960's have the highest dollar contribution with 19 participation. Participation by the decade: 1940's 19% 1950's 28% 1960's 19% 1970's 17% 1980's 13% 1990's 12% 2000's 12% Two graduation classes stand out 1957 and 1995 with 6 contributors in each class, but that represents 50% participation in the class of 1957. Go 50's girls!! 1962 continues to stand out with the largest dollar contribution for any class, by 4 Iowa Betas. The two most common gifts continue to be $35 and $135. $35 with 53 gifts $135 with 41 gifts Gifts have been rec'd below $35, in between and above and all are appreciated!!! 13 graduating classes have had no contributions. 1942, 1943, 1946, 1947 1964, 1966 1971, 1976 1982, 1985, 1988 1994 2005 Will you be the Iowa Beta sister who break the record for your class. It only takes one! And to remind you all, unfortunately, our gifts are not tax deductable, made simply for love of our Iowa Beta. Thank you to all for your generous support of Iowa Beta's Ring Ching Challenge. PPL and Ring Ching!! Claudia Cole Meek '77 Iowa Beta Boosters 3667 Grand Ave. #13 Des Moines IA 50312 cmeek66775@aol.com |
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11-29-09 Monmouth Initiation at Holt House 2009 In the mid 1990's our Iowa Beta Chapter started our pilgrimage to have our Fall Initiation at Monmouth. This tradition is done every fourth year and is both inspiring and exciting for all. Thanks to our Actives for honoring this tradtition. And thank you to Roberta Starry Kerr for this wonderful snap shot of the weekend and her personal remembrance. ccmeek '77 "A brief note from one of the Three Generation trio at Monmouth---Jenna Gray's grandmother, Her mother, Lisa Kerr Gray and I felt very special to be able to join the pledges and actives for the "once every 4 years" bus trip to the home of our founders, Holt House. We were so impressed with how well organized the girls were and how we really stayed on schedule! Actives from the local chapter at Monmouth came to help set up for initiation the night before, which helped make things go smoothly. The morning of the big day we were all loaded on buses and headed for Holt House by 7:00 A.M., after an overnight at a lovely AmericInn. Following the beautiful ceremony, the girls poured out of the house and into the street for the traditional kick line. Even the weatherman was giving us his blessing --- it was in the 50's, but the sun was shinning brightly. One last historical stop was at the cemetery where several of our founders are buried." "It was an honor for me to be able to pin my pearl and ruby studded arrow on my granddaughter, Jenna Ann Gray, and to wish for her all the same joys of the wine and blue friendships I have treasured for over 60 years." Roberta Starry Kerr '50 |
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11-09-09 Don't forget to check out the fabulous House Tour, just click on the house photo on the Home page. Thank you to Megan Oney Hegwood for taking wonderful photos of the Chapter House with it's newest renovations, done by our amazing House Corporation! And thank you to Mary MacKenzie our Web Master for creating a super slide show of those photos! And stay in touch! PPL and Ring Ching! Claudia Cole Meek '77 |
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10-26-09 THE RING CHING CHALLENGE !!!!! Hello Iowa Beta's, As we begin this TWO year challenge, I wonder at our participation toward our goal for our 135th anniversary of Iowa Beta. Personally, I think about 1874, 14 years after the Civil War and the beginnings of Simpson College. And I think of the women who started our chapter, amazing strong women who envisioned a future of women, but could not have imagined what we have today. Only knew that this was a great thing that women could experience. I think mostly about the friends that I have and the sisters that I have come to love and know. And I think of the sisters that make new friends, experiences and connections that Pi Phi makes possible. This is a rich experience and continues to enrich itself each year. Ring Ching Challenge! For those of you whom have participated in the Ring Ching Challenge, We Thank You!! It has been exciting and gratifying to see the responses from our Iowa Beta Alumnae base of 812 Iowa Beta's. Here are some interesting facts so far: 121 Iowa Beta's have sent gifts for a total of $18,920 since September 12th., which is about 14% of our Iowa Beta's. The decade of the 1950's have the highest percentage of participation of 24% The decade of the 1960's have had the highest dollar donations with 19% participation with it's 118 members. The 1990's decade has the second highest dollar participation with 12 percent participation. The 1990's have the largest initiates (by far) number of Iowa Beta's with 177 members and have the second largest dollar donation contribution. And these Grad years have the largest participation: By the Grad years: 1948 has three donations 1953 has three donations 1957 has four donations 1960 has four donations 1962 has four donations 1969 has four donations 1974 has four donations 1987 has five donations 1998 has four donations and the winner 1995 has SIX donations (two are Challengers) There are a total of 12 Challengers for the Ring Ching Challenge by the decade: 1940 One 1950 Two 1960 Four 1980 One 1990 Four And the most common contributions are $35 dollar contributions with 47 Iowa Beta's and $135 are 38 Iowa Beta Pi Phi's contributing. We Thank you to all and note that all gifts are important toward our goal toward the Ring Ching Challenge !! Thank you to all and Pi Phi Love for our Iowa Beta. Sincerely, Claudia and all of Iowa Beta |
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10-15-09 Thank you to all of our wonderful alumnae who came back for Simpson's homecoming last weekend and stopped by the house. For those of you who do not know, we celebrated our 135th Birthday with an "indoor BBQ and cupcakes!" It SNOWED on Saturday!! Gotta love Iowa weather. Needless to say, we cancelled the bounce house for the kids. It was great to see many new faces back to town. Here is to many more great Pi Phi birthdays...............Kamie Downing Haynes '92 |
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10-11-09
Thank you to Dawn and Kamie for a
Wonderful Homecoming for Iowa Beta. 135 years of Iowa Beta
sisters. |
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10-03-09 Recruitment! and formally known as
Rush!! |
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10-03-09: Dearest Iowa Beta's: The Ring Ching Challenge is in full swing! Eighty-two of our Iowa Beta's have sent in their generous gifts toward the Challenge and we thank you for every gift toward our future.We are tracking by decade and the 1960's are leading thecharge with the 1990's in very close persuit! And as time goes by and your letter may get misplased, you may need the address for your donations:Checks made out to Iowa Beta Boosters and sent to Claudia Cole Meek, 3667 Grand Ave #13, Des Moines Iowa 50312. And remember every dollar is important toward the Challenge! Thank you to those of you that have sent their gifts and we hope that the rest of you will send your gift for thefuture of Iowa Beta. New sisters depend upon you! And take this moment to call an old friend, they'll be happy to hear from you. Thank you all for what you have done for Iowa Beta in the past, but, don't forget about the future!! PPL and mine, Claudia Cole Meek '77 |
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9-22-09: Hello Ladies! I wanted to drop a quick note and let you know that recruitment is in full swing this week! Please keep the active chapter in your thoughts as they enter preference night on Wednesday the 23rd. Recruitment has been strong and know that our house will end the week with an excited, happy group of new pledges! I'd also like to thank those of you who donated items to Arrowspike, the first annual volleyball tournament to benefit our Links to Literacy initiative. The chapter greatly appreciated it as did AAC - the day was perfect and turnout was good so I think we're on our way to a successful event! PPL, Shelly |
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8-31-09 I want to say a special thank you to Mary MacKenzie our web coordinator and special friend to Pi Beta Phi. Thank you for a fine job in redesigning our web site and doing a fantastic job in keeping Iowa Beta connected for many years of friendship. Thank you Mary ! Love in the bonds of fraternal
friendship and mine, |
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08-13-09: Dearest Iowa Betas, If you are upgrading your vacuum cleaner and would like to donate your old model, please email me at cmeek66775@aol.com. Thank you! Claudia '77 |
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08-13-09: Hello from Iowa Beta! We're getting ready to move back for the year and enthusiastic about a great year ahead of us! We have so many things planned already and are all looking forward to another fantastic year with our sisters. A big thank you to the alums for all the hard work they have put in over the summer and the continued support throughout theyear. Your encouragement is priceless and please feel free to drop by sometime to say hello! Pi Phi love, Allison, Chapter President |
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08-10-09:
RING CHING CHALLENGE !! Stay tuned.... |
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08-03-09: Recruitment is right
around the corner. If you would like to recommend a special
young woman for our great chapter, check the Pibetaphi.org
website for RIF information and our Iowa Beta contact or contact
me at cmeek66775@aol.com or Shelly Stork at shellystork@msn.com
and I or she will pass your recommendation to the chapter. Thank
you, Claudia Cole Meek '77 |
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08-03-09: NOTABLE IOWA BETAS Please
check out our newest addition to Angelsofiabeta.org. You may
recognize some names, some may be friends, some may be family,
but all are Iowa Beta's of note. We will be adding some new
names soon, because we have a wealth of talented Iowa Betas. So,
stay tuned. And if you have someone that we have missed and
needs to be added, please contact me, at cmeek66775@aol.comBe
notable, pledge Pi Beta Phi ! Claudia Cole Meek '77 |
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08-03-09:FALL EVENT FOR PI BETA PHI:
This fall, September 13th, Pi Phi is having a volleyball
competition and BBQ to kick off the new school year. Arrowspike
will begin at 10:00 am on that day. Alums may form a team and
get in on the action. Teams of 6 to 10 may register for $40.00
for early registration or $60.00 for late registration.Or just
come and watch, it will be a wonderful event to show our spirit
to the whole campus and community. And it will be held on the Pi
Phi property. All proceeds will benefit First Book. Missy Deer
the V.P. of Philanthropy will run the event, she can bereached
at missy.deer@simpson.edu. Also, Alums she needs some donations
for the BBQ. If you would wish to help email her and ask what
she needs. Any help would be appreciated !!And if you currently
are not on the Iowa Beta Alum email list and wish to be
included, please email me, Claudia at cmeek66775@aol.com and
we'll be happy to include you. It's a great way to keep in touch
with what's going on at Iowa Beta. |
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07-20-09:
A big Congratulations to our
Active Chapter for their awards at the 2009 Convention!!! |
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07-15-09:
Pledge Pi Phi, learn leadership!! |
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07-15-09: Congratulations to Donni Popejoy Alley '95... The New President of the Alumni Association for Simpson College! Donni, you have served Pi Phi well with your amazing creative talents. Simpson is lucky to have you as their new President! We salute you!!! Iowa Beta's of Pi Beta Phi |
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07-13-09 Congratulations to Dorothy Hodges Kennett '59 Simpson recognizes Dorothy for outstanding achievement, with emphasis on service to humanity on a broader scale than community service with the Humanitarian Service Award. "Kennett retired from Illinois State University in 1996. At ISU, she was manager of the Learning Resource Center and a lecturer for the communications department and for the department of education. Following a trip to South Africa in 2001, Kennett founded "Books for South Africa Projects," a nonprofit organization that provides library access for underserved and undervalued children and young adults in rural communities of South Africa. For each of the past five years, Kennett has spent several months working in South Africa to realize a dream of providing library materials and opportunities to the people. In 2005, she raised funds to build a library in a facility that provides foster care to 100 children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In 2006, she returned to add a life skills library for 15- to 25- year-olds from the Sankontshe Valley. She helped open yet another library in 2007 in Swayimane and introduced a traveling library. In 2009 she established a library collection at a child development center in Inchanga and expanded the traveling library in Swayimane as well as the country of Zimbabwe." Alumni Weekend Recognition Luncheon brochure. We salute you! Proud Iowa Beta's |
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07-13-09 Congratulations to Debra Moore '81 Simpson recognizes Debra for out standing service to Simpson College with the Alumni Loyalty Award in 2009 "Moore is an executive officer with the Iowa Attorney General's office and has been highly involved with numerous state initiatives. At Simpson, she most recently served as president of the Alumni Association and as an alumni trustee. She has participated in the Alumni in Residence program as well as networking luncheons and serves as a reunion challenger. A membe of the alumni strategic thinking process, class ambassador for The President's Society and participant on various alumni board committees, Moore still finds time to recruit Simpson interns, volunteer for Campus Day and attend numerous college events." Alumni Weekend Recognition Luncheon Brochure. We salute you! Proud Iowa Beta's |
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07-10-09 Pi Phi Smarties! Take note that our Pi Phi actives had a great chapter GPA for Spring 2009 of 3.489 !!! That is the highest of ANY group on Simpson College campus. And, yes, they still have fun ! Congratulations actives, we're very proud of you. Iowa Beta Alumnae |
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RAGBRAI 2009 Hello Pi PHis, This year RAGBRAI riders will go through Indianola and stay the night. That day will be July 21st on a Tuesday. The Pi Phi house will be open for Pi Phis and any female friends that are riding with a Pi Phi. There is a limit, so if you wish to reserve a spot in the house, please email Ardene at Ardenekd@dwx.com There will be spots for tents on the lawn also and a port a potty, I believe. Pi Phi love and mine, Claudia |
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4-18-09: Hello Pi Phis! Alumni Weekend will be June 26th and 27th 2009 Here is a change to make note of: The Pi Beta Phi Luncheon held on Saturday the 27th, will be held at President Byrd's home, by Nancy Byrd instead of the Pi Phi House. This came in after the brochure was printed. Nancy requested to host our Luncheon this year, which was so very nice. To reserve your spot please email Kiersten at Kiersten.Johnson@indianola.k12.ia.us by June 11th. $10.00 at the door. Her email shows Hendrickson, but Kiersten was married last fall and it didn't get changed, so please us "Johnson" instead. Hope to see you there, Pi Phi love and mine Claudia |
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3-28-09:Be proud and say it loud ! Pi Phi actives had a Fall 2008 grade point average of 3.413. That's the best of any group at Simpson College. That's our smarties at Iowa Beta. Pi Phi love and mine, Claudia |
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3-24-09: Congrats to Shelly Kirby Priebe for being the mother of the 2009 Arrow Man of the Iowa
Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi!! Tucker Priebe... You're the Man!!! Pi Phi Love and Mine, Claudia '77 |
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3-23-09: Did you know that in
October of 2009 Iowa Beta will be 135 years old????? Pi Phi love and mine Claudia |
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Black and white
sketches included in the site were created by Iowa Beta Alumna, Claudia
Cole Meek.
Permission was obtained for the use of photos
and official publications.
Copyright © 2009 Iowa Beta Alumnae Chapter, Pi Beta Phi