The Story of the Cookie Shine
Among Pi Phi’s most beloved traditions is the Cookie Shine, a celebration that has continuously brought sisters together across generations. Though its form may vary from chapter to chapter, its purpose remains the same: to unite Pi Phis in an expression of gratitude and affection.
The Cookie Shine traces its origins back to one of the earliest Pi Phi gatherings. In April 1872, Sara Richardson became a charter member of the Iota Chapter of I.C. Sorosis (later known as Illinois Beta) at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois. A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Sara had three sisters—Flora, May and Alma—who were students at the University of Kansas. In the spring of 1873, after learning several men at the university had formed a chapter of Beta Theta Pi, Sara encouraged her sisters to follow in her footsteps by establishing a chapter of I.C. Sorosis. Thanks to her influence, Kansas Alpha was chartered on April 1, 1873. Just a few months later, the chapter hosted its first social event: a gathering at the Richardson home in Sara’s honor.
The event was a joyful affair and featured a table spread with a variety of snacks and treats—likely foods such as cheeses, peanuts, pickles, apples, crackers and gingersnaps—each item brought by a sister to share. The University’s chancellor, John Fraser, was in attendance that day, and as the women gathered around the feast, he remarked that the scene resembled a “Cookie Shine,” a term he liked to use for any joyful, informal gathering—planned or unplanned. Fraser, who had grown up in Scotland and immigrated to the United States later in life, may have borrowed the phrase from a Scottish term used to describe casual social gatherings, such as potlucks or tea parties. In Scottish dialect, “cookie” could refer to a plain bun or biscuit rather than a sweet dessert, and “shine” could indicate a cheerful occasion. The name delighted the women, who embraced it with enthusiasm.
By 1885, nearly every Pi Phi chapter had adopted the Cookie Shine as a tradition. Ever since, this celebration has been an important ritual woven into the fabric of the Pi Phi experience. Often taking place at conventions, alumnae club meetings, initiations, Founders’ Day celebrations and reunions, Cookie Shines serve as a special time to honor Sincere Friendships and reflect on what it means to be a member of the Pi Phi sisterhood.
Every chapter and alumnae club puts its own spin on the Cookie Shine. Still, common threads remain. The treats are often displayed in shapes relevant to Pi Phi—arrows, angels or Greek letters—and are carefully arranged on a cloth large enough for sisters to gather around. In some chapters, a large cookie is passed from member to member, with each sister sharing a memory or wish as she breaks off a piece. Others mark the occasion by signing and later embroidering a special Cookie sheet, adding their names to a growing tapestry.
Across generations, Pi Phis have found joy and meaning in this simple, but powerful, tradition. From its beginnings at a gathering in Lawrence, Kansas, to celebrations now held in chapter facilities, event spaces and homes around the world, the Cookie Shine reminds us that the best traditions are the ones made sweeter by the friends beside us.
The Cookie Shine traces its origins back to one of the earliest Pi Phi gatherings. In April 1872, Sara Richardson became a charter member of the Iota Chapter of I.C. Sorosis (later known as Illinois Beta) at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois. A native of Lawrence, Kansas, Sara had three sisters—Flora, May and Alma—who were students at the University of Kansas. In the spring of 1873, after learning several men at the university had formed a chapter of Beta Theta Pi, Sara encouraged her sisters to follow in her footsteps by establishing a chapter of I.C. Sorosis. Thanks to her influence, Kansas Alpha was chartered on April 1, 1873. Just a few months later, the chapter hosted its first social event: a gathering at the Richardson home in Sara’s honor.
By 1885, nearly every Pi Phi chapter had adopted the Cookie Shine as a tradition. Ever since, this celebration has been an important ritual woven into the fabric of the Pi Phi experience. Often taking place at conventions, alumnae club meetings, initiations, Founders’ Day celebrations and reunions, Cookie Shines serve as a special time to honor Sincere Friendships and reflect on what it means to be a member of the Pi Phi sisterhood.
Every chapter and alumnae club puts its own spin on the Cookie Shine. Still, common threads remain. The treats are often displayed in shapes relevant to Pi Phi—arrows, angels or Greek letters—and are carefully arranged on a cloth large enough for sisters to gather around. In some chapters, a large cookie is passed from member to member, with each sister sharing a memory or wish as she breaks off a piece. Others mark the occasion by signing and later embroidering a special Cookie sheet, adding their names to a growing tapestry.
Published December 4, 2025