A Place of Love and Acceptance
At Illinois Beta-Delta, Liv Dunn has not only helped shape a stronger chapter through her leadership—she's also discovered the belonging, friendship and purpose that define her Pi Phi experience.
I’m a native of Portland, Oregon, and currently a senior at Knox College pursuing a double major in political science and environmental studies. I’m in the process of applying to law school and beginning my honors research project, which focuses on the politics of environmental stewardship. My goal is to become an attorney and work in environmental defense.
As someone who’s passionate about many things, I stay active on campus. I currently serve as both Chapter President and Vice President Finance/Housing on my chapter’s Executive Council. I’m also the President of the Order of Omega and Vice President of Communications for Knox College’s National Panhellenic Conference. I serve as Public Relations Chair in Pre-law Club, where I serve and work as a Dare2Care Peer Educator for the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance. I’m also the centerfielder for the varsity softball team and a proud member of two honor societies: Pi Sigma Alpha and Phi Beta Kappa.
In my free time, I love to read, craft and spend time with my cats!.
The second I stepped into the Illinois Beta-Delta Chapter facility—lovingly known as “the Bung”—I knew it was my home. I also connected with Pi Phi’s philanthropy, Read > Lead > Achieve®. Growing up, I was a massive reader. Books were my safe haven, and I don’t think I would have made it through my childhood without them. The thought of a child growing up without books was devastating to me.
But my fellow Illinois Beta-Deltas put all those fears to rest the moment I met them. They showed me there’s no “right” way to be a sorority member and made it clear the Bung is a place of love and acceptance. Since joining, our chapter has continued to prioritize inclusivity. We use mostly gender-neutral language and are working to connect with more international students as part of our outreach.
As Chapter President, it’s important to share that Pi Phis are sweet, kind and hardworking, but what defines our chapter is we’re open to loving anyone who walks through our doors. These efforts make me so incredibly proud to be a Pi Phi.
Pi Beta Phi taught me there’s so much love in the world waiting for me. Before Pi Phi, I had never experienced unconditional, kind and gentle love. Pi Phi reminded me I deserve to be treated like I matter.
After three years in Pi Phi, my world has become smaller in the best way. I met an Illinois Kappa during my first professional internship. She was already years into her government career yet offered me support without hesitation simply because I’m a Pi Phi. When I studied abroad, I met another woman in the program who is a Virginia Theta. We became instant friends, connected by the bond we share. Even at convention, everyone treated me with such generosity and kindness. Three years ago, I never would have imagined being loved like this. Now, I’d be lost without it.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a native of Portland, Oregon, and currently a senior at Knox College pursuing a double major in political science and environmental studies. I’m in the process of applying to law school and beginning my honors research project, which focuses on the politics of environmental stewardship. My goal is to become an attorney and work in environmental defense.As someone who’s passionate about many things, I stay active on campus. I currently serve as both Chapter President and Vice President Finance/Housing on my chapter’s Executive Council. I’m also the President of the Order of Omega and Vice President of Communications for Knox College’s National Panhellenic Conference. I serve as Public Relations Chair in Pre-law Club, where I serve and work as a Dare2Care Peer Educator for the Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance. I’m also the centerfielder for the varsity softball team and a proud member of two honor societies: Pi Sigma Alpha and Phi Beta Kappa.
In my free time, I love to read, craft and spend time with my cats!.
What drew you to Pi Phi?
The second I stepped into the Illinois Beta-Delta Chapter facility—lovingly known as “the Bung”—I knew it was my home. I also connected with Pi Phi’s philanthropy, Read > Lead > Achieve®. Growing up, I was a massive reader. Books were my safe haven, and I don’t think I would have made it through my childhood without them. The thought of a child growing up without books was devastating to me.How does your identity shape your Pi Phi experience?
Before becoming a Pi Phi, I never pictured myself joining a sorority. The portrayals of sorority women on TV didn’t reflect who I was—I didn’t think I was pretty enough or cool enough to belong in any of the chapters I saw online. I also hadn’t seen much representation of queer people in sororities, and I knew I couldn’t feel at home in a space where I couldn’t be myself.But my fellow Illinois Beta-Deltas put all those fears to rest the moment I met them. They showed me there’s no “right” way to be a sorority member and made it clear the Bung is a place of love and acceptance. Since joining, our chapter has continued to prioritize inclusivity. We use mostly gender-neutral language and are working to connect with more international students as part of our outreach.
As Chapter President, it’s important to share that Pi Phis are sweet, kind and hardworking, but what defines our chapter is we’re open to loving anyone who walks through our doors. These efforts make me so incredibly proud to be a Pi Phi.
How has your Pi Phi experience helped you feel a sense of belonging?
I spent much of my life as a competitive softball player, giving my evenings to practice and my weekends to traveling the country with my team. Coming into college, I wanted to find a group of people who would encourage me, just like my teammates had. I also craved something I could pour my time and energy into—somewhere to direct all the ambition and work ethic that suddenly felt rudderless. Pi Phi gave me a place for all of that. This community offered the love and support I was looking for, along with goals to work toward.
Finish this sentence: “Pi Beta Phi has taught me...”
Pi Beta Phi taught me there’s so much love in the world waiting for me. Before Pi Phi, I had never experienced unconditional, kind and gentle love. Pi Phi reminded me I deserve to be treated like I matter.After three years in Pi Phi, my world has become smaller in the best way. I met an Illinois Kappa during my first professional internship. She was already years into her government career yet offered me support without hesitation simply because I’m a Pi Phi. When I studied abroad, I met another woman in the program who is a Virginia Theta. We became instant friends, connected by the bond we share. Even at convention, everyone treated me with such generosity and kindness. Three years ago, I never would have imagined being loved like this. Now, I’d be lost without it.
#WeArePiPhi celebrates recognition days and awareness months while sharing personal stories from our members. Share your story to connect with sisters and represent the holidays and traditions special to you.
Published October 29, 2025