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Philanthropy

Pie Chi Theta: the chapter's annual philanthropy at SMU

Yes, the pun is the name. Here is what the event is, who it benefits, and how to take part.

What Pie Chi Theta is

Pie Chi Theta is the chapter's signature philanthropy: a pie themed event on the SMU campus where the chapter raises money for the SPCA. The name is the joke and the joke is the marketing. It runs once a year, and past editions have drawn enough support that the chapter posted a thank you to everyone who came out for the SPCA.

Beyond the money raised, the event is one of the biggest reps a member gets. Someone has to book the space, buy the pies, coordinate volunteers, run the table and count the donations. That someone is usually a brother in their first year, and it shows up in their interviews later.

Why the SPCA

The chapter chose an animal welfare partner that is local, well known and easy for a student to care about. The SPCA takes in and rehomes animals, provides veterinary care and runs cruelty investigations, and a campus fundraiser converts directly into that work. It is also the kind of cause that gets people who have never heard of a business fraternity to stop at a table.

How the event works

Details change year to year, but the shape holds. The chapter picks a date, usually in the spring semester, sets up on campus, and invites everyone. Donations go to the SPCA. Pies are involved, in one form or another. The chapter posts the date and any specifics on Instagram a few weeks ahead. If you want to support it, that is where to look; if you want to help run it, join the chapter.

Why a professional fraternity does philanthropy

Two reasons. The first is the obvious one: service is part of what Phi Chi Theta has stood for nationally since 1924, and a chapter that only runs speaker meetings is missing half the point. The second is practical. Organizing a fundraiser is the most concrete leadership experience most undergraduates get. Budgeting, logistics, promotion, asking strangers for money, and reporting the result are the same skills every employer on the placement list looks for.

For sponsors and partners

Local businesses that want to support Pie Chi Theta, whether with product, a matching donation or a table, can reach the officers through the contact form and choose the sponsorship option. Alumni who want to give directly to the event can use the same route.

The rest of chapter life

Pie Chi Theta is the biggest single event, but not the only one. The chapter also holds a spring formal, regular socials, and chapter meetings at the Cox School of Business with guest speakers from Dallas firms. The chapter overview lays out the whole year. If you want to be part of the next Pie Chi Theta from the inside, recruitment runs each fall and spring and the application is on this site.