The Gift of Opportunity
For Minnesota Alpha Bella Dols, receiving a Pi Beta Phi Foundation scholarship meant more than financial relief; it meant freedom: freedom to focus on her studies, explore her passions and pursue the bright future she envisions for herself.
A junior at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, Bella is majoring in management information systems and finance. Raised just outside of Minneapolis in Elk River, Minnesota, Bella describes herself as someone who values community and connection. Those same values drew her to Pi Beta Phi, where she found both belonging and inspiration among women who share her drive to learn, lead and serve. “When I opened my Bid Day card and saw ‘Pi Phi,’ I never looked back,” Bella shares.
Within Minnesota Alpha, Bella found a network of hardworking and passionate women who encouraged her to grow as a student, leader and friend. Holding roles such as Vice President Community Relations and Champions are Readers® Program Chair, she quickly discovered how leadership within Pi Phi could shape her both personally and professionally. “The friendships I’ve built here have encouraged me to be a shoulder to lean on—but more importantly, they’ve taught me how to reach out when I’m the one in need of a shoulder,” Bella says.
This supportive community inspired Bella to apply for a Pi Beta Phi Foundation scholarship. Bella vividly remembers receiving the news that she earned the Emma Brownlee Kilgore Scholarship—a brief moment that would have a lifelong impact. “I was leaving my internship when my phone buzzed,” she recalls. “The subject line of the email said: ‘Congratulations! You have been awarded...’ and my heart jumped. I immediately called my family and then played my favorite songs the entire drive home.”
Beyond the initial excitement, the scholarship has made a lasting difference in Bella’s daily life. “This scholarship has given me priceless peace of mind,” she shares. “I now walk through my days knowing I have countless supporters who believe in me. It didn’t just award me money—it truly gave me the gift of time.”
That gift has translated into real opportunity. Bella estimates the Foundation’s support has given her back more than 625 hours this school year alone—time she would have otherwise spent working three part-time jobs to help cover tuition. Instead, she’s been able to invest that time in studying, preparing for interviews and building relationships that will shape her future career. “Without this scholarship, I would have spent every Friday working to contribute to my tuition,” she explains. “Now, my Fridays are for learning, growing and showing up as the best version of myself.”
Bella’s sights are set on a future in consulting—a field that challenges her to solve problems, connect with people and think strategically. Next year, she’ll study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, where she plans to gain firsthand experience in global finance and leadership. “This is undoubtedly the scariest yet most exciting decision I’ve ever made,” she says. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone, and my time zone!”
Meaningfully, Bella’s scholarship experience has inspired her to redefine what success means. “Because of the magnitude of impact this scholarship has had on my life, I now measure success through sponsorship and mentorship,” she reflects. “I hope I’ll be in a position someday to give back to Pi Phi.”
Bella’s story reflects the purpose of Foundation scholarships: to empower members to thrive academically, professionally and personally. For Bella, having that support has been transformational. Speaking directly to Foundation donors, Bella shares: “Thank you. You’ve lifted an enormous weight off my shoulders and gifted me the freedom to focus on my dreams, rather than figure out how to pay for them.”
A junior at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, Bella is majoring in management information systems and finance. Raised just outside of Minneapolis in Elk River, Minnesota, Bella describes herself as someone who values community and connection. Those same values drew her to Pi Beta Phi, where she found both belonging and inspiration among women who share her drive to learn, lead and serve. “When I opened my Bid Day card and saw ‘Pi Phi,’ I never looked back,” Bella shares.
This supportive community inspired Bella to apply for a Pi Beta Phi Foundation scholarship. Bella vividly remembers receiving the news that she earned the Emma Brownlee Kilgore Scholarship—a brief moment that would have a lifelong impact. “I was leaving my internship when my phone buzzed,” she recalls. “The subject line of the email said: ‘Congratulations! You have been awarded...’ and my heart jumped. I immediately called my family and then played my favorite songs the entire drive home.”
Beyond the initial excitement, the scholarship has made a lasting difference in Bella’s daily life. “This scholarship has given me priceless peace of mind,” she shares. “I now walk through my days knowing I have countless supporters who believe in me. It didn’t just award me money—it truly gave me the gift of time.”
That gift has translated into real opportunity. Bella estimates the Foundation’s support has given her back more than 625 hours this school year alone—time she would have otherwise spent working three part-time jobs to help cover tuition. Instead, she’s been able to invest that time in studying, preparing for interviews and building relationships that will shape her future career. “Without this scholarship, I would have spent every Friday working to contribute to my tuition,” she explains. “Now, my Fridays are for learning, growing and showing up as the best version of myself.”
Bella’s sights are set on a future in consulting—a field that challenges her to solve problems, connect with people and think strategically. Next year, she’ll study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, where she plans to gain firsthand experience in global finance and leadership. “This is undoubtedly the scariest yet most exciting decision I’ve ever made,” she says. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone, and my time zone!”
Bella’s story reflects the purpose of Foundation scholarships: to empower members to thrive academically, professionally and personally. For Bella, having that support has been transformational. Speaking directly to Foundation donors, Bella shares: “Thank you. You’ve lifted an enormous weight off my shoulders and gifted me the freedom to focus on my dreams, rather than figure out how to pay for them.”
Scholarships like Bella's are made possible thanks to our generous Pi Beta Phi Foundation donors. To learn more about our donor's impact, read the 2024-2025 Impact Report.
Published January 6, 2026