A Brief History of Alpha Pi Beta
The sorority was established at UNBC in 1994, the same year the university opened. Few records were kept from that date and as such, much of the founding information has been lost to us. Since 1998 however, we have been keeping detailed records for sisters in the future.
In 1994, a group of 5 girls set out to join a sorority within Prince George and were shocked to find there were none. Pi Beta Phi, "Sisters of the Northern Light," was founded to provide women and women’s supporters a unique opportunity to grow. They began creating fun opportunities on campus (organizing dances, events and the dating game), charity events and fundraising (carnations, candy grams, nuts and bolts dances). Our beginning was strong, but after a few years the population of the sorority was dropping and it was up to Natalie (President from 1994-1998) and Amanda (who joined in 1996) to make a difference and get established at UNBC.
In 1994, a group of 5 girls set out to join a sorority within Prince George and were shocked to find there were none. Pi Beta Phi, "Sisters of the Northern Light," was founded to provide women and women’s supporters a unique opportunity to grow. They began creating fun opportunities on campus (organizing dances, events and the dating game), charity events and fundraising (carnations, candy grams, nuts and bolts dances). Our beginning was strong, but after a few years the population of the sorority was dropping and it was up to Natalie (President from 1994-1998) and Amanda (who joined in 1996) to make a difference and get established at UNBC.
The sorority was faced with petitioning the UNBC senate to be recognized as a group on campus. Through countless hours of lobbying and public speaking, the sorority was able to prove itself a worthy addition to university lifestyle and the Prince George community. In 1996, we got our recognition and status as an official UNBC club. The girls set out to prove themselves, they worked hard to raise funds, creating social opportunities on campus and focussed on providing fun, safe events. It worked! Though we are a small group, we have grown in spirit and direction greatly over the past 20 years. We fight hard every year to abolish the misconceptions the population has about Greek life.
As a local sorority, we have had to form our own methods around what works at a smaller, much newer, university. Our “Rush” differs from those of traditional sororities & fraternities. We plan 7 nights of fun events in which new pledges must attend a minimum of 3 events. The events are all non-alcoholic and promote an environment where the current members & possible new members can meet each other to build friendships.
As a local sorority, we have had to form our own methods around what works at a smaller, much newer, university. Our “Rush” differs from those of traditional sororities & fraternities. We plan 7 nights of fun events in which new pledges must attend a minimum of 3 events. The events are all non-alcoholic and promote an environment where the current members & possible new members can meet each other to build friendships.
Special thanks goes to Natalie (Founding President 1994-1998) for a recount of the sorority’s history. It is the job of the Alpha Pi Beta Historian(s) to maintain the sorority’s rich history.