  pi beta phi (Î ÎÎ¦) is an international fraternity for women founded as i.c. sorosis on april 28, 1867, at monmouth college in monmouth, illinois. its headquarters are located in town and country, missouri, and there are 200 chapters ever installed and more than 300 alumnae organizations across the united states and canada. once an initiated member in good standing graduates or otherwise leaves her college or university, she is a member for life. according to the official web site, "the mission of pi beta phi fraternity for women is to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service."pi beta phi official web site ==history== pi beta phi was founded as a secret organization under the name of i.c. sorosis on april 28, 1867 at monmouth college in monmouth, illinois. it began to use greek letters as its name in 1888. pi beta phi is regarded as the first national women's fraternity. it began when twelve female students wished to enjoy the benefits of a secret society similar to those formed by collegiate men. the twelve founders were clara brownlee hutchinson, libbie brook gaddis, emma brownlee kilgore, margaret campbell, rosa moore, ada bruen grier, nancy black wallace, jennie horne turnbull, jennie nicol, inez smith soule, fannie thomson,and fannie whitenack libbey."the history of pi beta phi fraternity" page 19, 1915 they planned their society at the home of major jacob h. holt, where two of the women rented a room. the name chosen for the society was i.c. sorosis. the motto chosen was pi beta phi. shortly after the founding, the sisters had a jeweler design their official badge: a golden arrow with the letters "i.c." on the wings. the first fraternity convention was held in 1868 at the home of fannie thomson in oquawka, illinois
1867_establishments_in_Illinois International_student_societies Monmouth_College National_Panhellenic_Conference Organizations_established_in_1867 Student_societies_in_the_United_States