History of Gamma Phi

  • History of the

    Gamma Phi Beta Sorority

    Gamma Phi Beta is one of the ten oldest women's organizations in the United States. Four women, Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham founded Gamma Phi Beta on November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University in Syracuse New York. These young women enlisted the help of Dr. E.O. Haven, Frances' father and Syracuse University's chancellor, as they fought to establish a group solely for women on the male dominated Syracuse campus. These four were imaginative and courageous risk takers who cooperated unselfishly as they worked to achieve the same ideals Gamma Phi Beta emphasizes today.

     

    They started an organization that encourages women to seek their full potential as well as everlasting friendships. Our founders believed in hard work, dedication, and loyalty to each of our sisters.

     

    Universities and colleges admitted few women students in the 1870s, and those that were admitted received a rather reluctant welcome from administrators and faculty. Yet Dr. E.O. Haven, Syracuse University Chancellor and former president of the University of Michigan, maintained that women should receive the advantages of a higher education. Thus, he enrolled his daughter at Syracuse University.


    Instead of joining the two-year-old Alpha Phi society, Frances asked three friends to join her in organizing a new society. The minutes of their first meeting on November 11 state, "Miss Dodge was appointed to draft a constitution." It was the beginning of Gamma Phi Beta.

     

    After the installation of the second chapter of Gamma Phi Beta, the Beta chapter at the University of Michigan in 1882, Syracuse professor Dr. Framl Smally coined the word "sorority" especially for Gamma Phi Beta.


    Organizations created following the footsteps of Gamma Phi Beta have been called sororities ever since. Thanks to the efforts of Helen M. Dodge, Francis E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham, Gamma Phi Beta now has an international membership of over 200,000 members, with 128 collegiate chapters and 156 alumnae groups.

     


     

  • Symbols

     

    International Colors: Brown and Mode


    The colors of brown and mode are in honor of Dr. J.J. Brown at Syracuse University, whose study was used for the very first Gamma Phi Beta chapter meetings.


    Symbol:

    The Crescent Moon



    Flower:

    Pink Carnation

     

    Magazine:

    The Crescent


    Badge:

     Designed by Tiffany & Co. and voted" Most Beautiful" Sorority Badge

     

    Objective:
    To promote the highest type of womanhood through education, social life, and service to community and humanity.

     

    Creed:
    Love, Labor, Learning, Loyalty

     

    Open Motto: "Founded Upon a Rock"

     

    "Since the rock is the firmest and most enduring substance, able to withstand the ravages of time, and offering the strongest protection, it seemed fitting that Gamma Phi Beta should be thus founded. Protecting, like the rock, those who enter our fold, a sure help in time of need, enduring to the end time - this is the wish for Gamma Phi Beta from one of the Founders."
    -E. Adeline Curtis, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, 1912


    Anthem: Fidelity

     

    Tagline: Connect. Impact. Shine.

     

    Conventions: Held biannually in even years

     

    Responsibilities of Membership:

    -To meet all financial obligations

    -To keep Gamma Phi Beta business confidential

    -To attend all meetings

    -To vote responsibly at meetings

    -To abide by the rules of the sorority