University of Arkansas Chapter of Pi Beta Phi Wins Organization’s Highest Honor

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The women of Pi Beta Phi have something to celebrate — being named the international top chapter of their organization. The Balfour Cup will be presented to the Arkansas Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Fayetteville Town Center. The grand president of Pi Beta Phi, Emily Russell Tarr, will make the official presentation of the Balfour Cup and speak on behalf of the international fraternity. Tarr will be followed by Chancellor John White, who will also recognize this outstanding accomplishment.

“Being recognized as the best chapter internationally is a tremendous honor for the ladies of Pi Beta Phi,” said Scott Walter, associate dean of students. “It demonstrates the commitment and dedication it takes for the women to win the Balfour Cup, and it speaks volumes to the state of our Greek community, especially for our sororities. The UA Greek community has increased by 800 student members in the past three years.”

This is the second time in their history that the Pi Beta Phi chapter at the University of Arkansas has won the Balfour Cup. Pi Beta Phi Fraternity was founded at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill., on April 28, 1867. The Arkansas Alpha Chapter was founded at the University of Arkansas on Dec. 29, 1909. Arkansas Alpha was the 39th chapter of Pi Beta Phi. There were 28 members at the signing of the Arkansas Alpha charter. Today there are more than 200 members.

"As with any organization, we set goals at the beginning of the year,” said Caitlin Simpson, Pi Phi president during the qualifying period for the Balfour Cup. “The key to our success was that every member worked to exceed expectations, not because of one award but the overall desire to be our best on a day-to-day basis. Pi Beta Phi chapters worldwide set high standards each year, so we are very honored to be the recipient of the prestigious Balfour Cup."

The chapter received individual recognition for its excellence in the areas of fraternity programming, values based programming, community service and philanthropy, panhellenic participation, senior programming and risk management and legal programming.