Beta Pi History
Willamette University's Beta Pi chapter of Delta Gamma has a long history of excellence and enthusiasm. This chapter was inducted into Delta Gamma in November of 1945, and we have been thriving ever since. In the early 1960's, it became apparent that the off campus Court Street house could not accommodate the rapidly growing number of Beta Pi's. Lois Latimer, who had long been involved with Beta Pi, took on the task of finding a new chapter house. In 1967, the Beta Pi's moved into the white colonial style house, on the Willamette campus, that we continue to share today.
Scholarship is integral to the women here at Beta Pi. We recognize that education is our primary reason for being at Willamette as well as that it is one of the primary focuses of Delta Gamma. Beta Pi has recently been recognized for achieving onr of the highest collective GPA's out of the sororities on campus, as well as meeting the all-women's GPA at Willamette.
As a chapter, Beta Pi is proud to be highly involved in foundation and service. Every fall, we sponsor the Delta Gamma fundraiser, Anchorsplash. This fundraiser benefits Delta Gamma Foundation and Oregon School for the Blind, which is the local organization on which we focus our philanthropy. The ladies of Beta Pi take great pride in working with the children at OSB. Twice a month Beta Pi's offer their services at the OSB swimming pool, as well as getting involved in other events as often as possible. We also invite the kids over for desert at Under the Stars and for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Beta Pi's are also active members of the Willamette community. We co-host some Greek all-campus events during the year. Early in September, the chapter hosts Odyssey, a Greek-themed, toga-laden dance, along with the men of Phi Delta Theta. Also, the End of the World is an all-campus bar-b-que, co-hosted with Beta Theta Pi, that celebrates off the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. It is a fun way to relax before the onslaught of finals hits.
Delta Gamma has had a rich and colorful history, which only continues to grow richer and bolder as membership and social involvement flourish.