A Century of Sisterhood: Pi Beta Phi’s Pasadena Chapter Turns 100

In the summer of 1924, as First Lady Grace Coolidge’s portrait found its place in the White House, a group of women in Pasadena, California, were laying the foundation for a century of friendship and service. The Pasadena Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi, born in the era of flappers and jazz, is now poised to celebrate its centennial, a testament to the enduring power of sisterhood and community engagement.

The club’s inception, just two months after Mrs. Coolidge’s portrait unveiling, marked the beginning of a legacy that would see it host national conventions, support educational initiatives, and foster lifelong connections. As the organization prepares for its 100th anniversary celebration on September 15, 2024, it stands as a rare survivor among alumnae clubs in the Los Angeles area, its longevity a reflection of the bonds forged over decades of shared experiences and common purpose.

From its first president, Grace Post, to the current cohort of enthusiastic alumnae, the Pasadena club has woven itself into the fabric of local and national Pi Beta Phi history. The organization’s story is one of adaptation and perseverance, mirroring the changing roles of women in American society throughout the 20th and into the 21st century.

Pi Beta Phi, founded as the first nationally recognized women’s fraternity, established its Pasadena Alumnae Club on June 1, 1924. This year was significant for the national fraternity, as Grace Goodhue Coolidge, a Pi Phi from the University of Vermont, served as First Lady. Her portrait, commissioned by the fraternity and painted by Howard Chandler Christy, was formally presented at the White House in April 1924. The portrait, which still hangs in the China Room of the East Wing, also celebrates its centennial this year.

Miss Grace Post, a teacher with ties to Washington State and Stanford University chapters, was elected as the club’s inaugural president. The Pasadena Star-News documented the club’s first officer installation at a luncheon hosted by Mrs. Ralph Stevens. The club quickly gained prominence, hosting the 29th biennial national convention at Pasadena’s Huntington Hotel in 1929.

Grace Post served as chairman, or “Convention Guide,” for this event, which featured dinners, an evening at the Pasadena Playhouse, and a tour of United Artists Studio where Mary Pickford greeted the Pi Phis. Post reprised her role as chairman for the 1940 convention, also held in Pasadena.

In 1969, Pasadena hosted another convention themed “The City of the Angels welcomes the Pi Phi Angels.” Marilyn Van Derbur, Miss America 1958 and a University of Colorado Pi Phi, was the featured speaker. The event honored prominent Pi Phis including philanthropist Dorothy Buffum Chandler, actress Faye Dunaway, and Dorothy Marshall, President of Broadway Department Stores.

The club’s influence extended beyond social gatherings. Members supported Pi Beta Phi’s philanthropic priorities, focusing on education and literacy. Grace Post served as treasurer for the fraternity’s national education service project, the Settlement School in the Appalachian Mountains, from 1929 to 1934.

Pi Beta Phi cherishes its founding values of integrity, lifelong commitment, honor, respect, personal and intellectual growth, philanthropic service to others, and sincere friendship. The upcoming centennial celebration, scheduled for September 15 at a private club in Pasadena, will gather alumnae to commemorate the organization’s history. For information and reservations, interested parties can contact piphipasadena100@gmail.com.

The Centennial Committee includes a dedicated group of local Pi Beta Phi alumnae: Barbie Blake, Jan Clifford, Jane Armel, Aliya Coher, Angela Howell, Dee Thiesmeyer, Heather Lenkin, Jane Laudeman, Katy Hedrick, Kelli Hammon, Liz Anderson, Ann Boutin, Margaret Hostrup, Nancy Foster, Steph Tyler, Terry Cross, and Winnie Reitnouer.

As the Pasadena Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi enters its second century, it continues to uphold the enduring principles that have guided it since its inception, fostering friendship and service in an ever-changing world.