Jennie Nichol, M.D.
1845-1881
A pioneer among women physicians, she was one of the first females to study medicine.

Emma Brownlee Kilgore
1848-1925
A true leader and Pi Beta Phi’s first president. The coat of arms of Pi Beta Phi is derived from those of the Brownlee family.

Rosa Moore
1849-1924
Generous and sensitive to the needs of others, she spent her days in social work and missionary endeavors. Rosa speaks: “The one word out of my heart to every other heart is give all that you are and have…”

Libbie Brook Gaddis
1850-1933
The youngest founder, she established Pi Beta Phi’s second chapter at Iowa Wesleyan University . Libbie speaks: “…for while there are deeper and holier relations than that of…Pi Beta Phi, still nothing purer or lovelier graces the name of friendship.”

Fannie Thomson
1848-1868
Radiating happiness, with a beautiful voice, in her short year of membership she was a faithful and enthusiastic member. Fannie speaks: “our object… is to send out into the world women who will ever be an honor and a blessing.”

Nancy Black Wallace
1845-1918
Pi Beta Phi’s first secretary and an enthusiastic extensionist. Nancy speaks: "…I am glad that the great sympathetic heart of Pi Phi Fraternity has responded to the call of true service…uplifting the womanhood of our own..

Clara Brownlee Hutchinson
1850-1931
Gentle and shy, she was Emma’s younger sister. When needed, she showed an admirable strength of character.

Margaret Campbell
1846-1936
Pi Beta Phi’s first treasurer and promoter of philanthropic work.

Inez Smith Soule
1846-1939
Independent, beautiful, witty, she established a long Pi Phi legacy through a Pi Phi daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter. About Inez: “There is an inner radiance expressed by her actions which finds no other medium.”

Ada Bruen Grier
1848-1924
A teacher and minister’s wife, the friendships she formed in Pi Phi lasted her entire lifetime. Ada speaks: “It has always been a real joy to me that I had a little part in the founding of Pi Beta Phi, and I wish for you all continued prosperity of success…”

Jennie Horne Turnbull
1846-1932
Quiet and charming, her life revolved around her work as a minister’s wife and Pi Beta Phi. Jennie speaks: "The Founders dreamed dreams as to our future…words fail to express the pride the Founders feel in the work, and well we should.

Fannie Whitenack Libbey
1848-1941
Her home was where the ground work was laid for the formation of Pi Beta Phi. She always remained young at heart. Fannie speaks: “I trust that the companionship and friendships formed in your college may prove sweet and lasting as those of us girls in 1867…a tie that will bind you to achieve the highest and best in life.”