Members of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority are proud of our rich and accomplished history, dating back to our founding on November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University in New York. In a society where women were discouraged from attending college because of their "insufficient brainpower" and "delicate health," four friends came together to form a women's society. They bonded over facing adversity and encouraging one another's intellectual growth. Now, more than 137 years later, we celebrate the vision and dedication of those women --and all who have come since then-- who have built Gamma Phi Beta Sorority into one of the largest and most well-respected sororities in the world.
Helen Mary DodgeThe Scholar Helen Mary Dodge Ferguson was a talented musician and member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her chief interest was the mission work sponsored by her church. Helen died in 1937, leaving a substantial bequest to Syracuse University for scholarships for members of Gamma Phi Beta. Her love of learning has endeared her as the scholar of the four.
Frances Elizabeth HavenThe Artist Frances "Fannie" Elizabeth Haven Moss entered Northwestern University, where her father was president, as one of the first female students. After he was named chancellor of Syracuse University, she transferred to Syracuse. Frances later moved with her husband to Illinois where she was instrumental in establishing Omicron Chapter (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). She was also the only Founder to have a daughter join Gamma Phi Beta. An accomplished artist, many of Frances' original watercolor paintings are on display at International Headquarters.
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Eunice Adeline CurtisThe Friend Eunice Adeline "Addie" Curtis graduated from Syracuse with a bachelor's degree in music. She was the soprano soloist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Syracuse for 33 years and had a son, Edward, with her husband, Frank Curtis. Addie was described by others as kind and generous to a fault, always cheerful, always sympathetic, the most charitable person who ever lived and deeply loved. In a word: friend.
Mary Alice BinghamThe World Traveler Mary "Minnie" Alice Bingham Willoughby graduated from Syracuse with a degree in fine arts. She was a world traveler, having accompanied her parents to numerous sites in Europe. Minnie and Helen were the only Founders able to continue their close association after their college years, as both lived in Utica, New York. Minnie is described as having "a delight in all things that led to a cultural life," and a "pride in all conduct that led to the beauty of knowledge."
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SORORITY SYMBOLS
Our colors are Light and dark brown. The Founders first selected light blue, but after only a few months, they agreed to change in honor of one of their mentors, Dr. John J. Brown. Brown allowed the women to utilize his study at Syracuse University for meetings. At Convention 1887, the decision was affirmed.
The pink carnation was named our official flower at Convention 1888. In 1950, members affirmed the color. Carnations have been revered for more than 2,000 years as one of the most long lasting flowers. Many varieties produce a clove-like scent, and the aroma is said to be both uplifting and motivating.
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Founder Mary A. Bingham contributed the idea of a crescent as part of the badge design. The waxing crescent is a symbol of our ever-growing sisterhood. "We . . . must show growth in knowledge, wisdom, power, womanliness year by year or we are not living up to our chosen symbol." - Sara Preston Finley (Minnesota-Twin Cities, 1912)
Our crest, or shield, was envisioned by Gertrude Comfort Morrow (California-Berkeley), the winner of a Sorority-wide design contest in 1915. At Convention 1927, delegates affirmed that the crest could only be worn by initiated members who were able to understand and appreciate the deals within.
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