Pi Beta Phi Breaks Ground on Centennial Gate

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Architectural rendering of the Pi Beta Phi Centennial Gate

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – In the fall of 2007, the University of Arkansas chapter of Pi Beta Phi women’s fraternity was offered an opportunity to name something on campus in commemoration of their 100-year anniversary on campus. After seeing plans for campus beautification projects, the organization chose the Maple Street entrance to Old Main for their project location, which would be a centennial gate. After a year of planning with the university and working on an architectural rendering, the group was ready to raise the private funds necessary for this project.

The Arkansas Alpha chapter of Pi Beta Phi has raised more than $900,000 toward funding the Pi Beta Phi Centennial Gate, designed as a grand signature gateway towering nearly 30 feet, and at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, chapter alumnae joined students and university administrators to break ground for the gate.

“Not only do we look forward to having this beautiful gate as a part of our campus, but we are impressed with the accomplishment of such an energetic, positive group of alumnae,” said Bruce Pontious, associate vice chancellor for development. “Volunteers are a critical part of any successful fundraising effort, and this group has dedicated a remarkable amount of time to bring this special project to life.”

The volunteer fundraising team, led by steering committee member Marilynn Porter (B.S.E. 1975) of Little Rock, began their efforts in early 2009, with the official announcement of the project released in April that same year. The group collaborated with John Tolleson, director of development at the University of Arkansas, to be sure their efforts were aligned with the university.

“We were very close to reaching our initial fundraising goal of $900,000 by the fall of 2009,” said Porter, “in time for our centennial celebration. And by our Founders Day celebration in early 2010, we had surpassed it.”

“It is our honor to be able to give the centennial gate to the University of Arkansas,” said Karen Morton (B.A. 1976) of Springdale, a member of the steering committee, along with Julia Peck Mobley (B.S.E. 1965) of Texarkana and Patty Pyle (B.S.E. 1972) of Little Rock.

“Of course, we want this entryway from the north to be a structure that our Pi Beta Phi actives, alumnae and future members can be proud of, a place to meet, a symbol of our 100 years on campus,” Morton continued. “But, we also want it to be inspiring and provide aesthetic enjoyment for the U of A community," said Morton.

The initial estimates for construction are more than $1 million and will be fully funded by private gift support. Naming opportunities on and surrounding the gate are still available, and anyone interested in supporting this effort may contact John Tolleson at jtolleso@uark.edu or 479-575-7004.

Pi Beta Phi, the first nationally recognized women’s fraternity, was the first organization to form an alumnae department in 1893, the first to organize a national philanthropic project in 1910 and the first to establish an alumnae advisory committee for each chapter in 1913. The Arkansas Alpha chapter’s philanthropic activities focus on children and literacy.