Gamma Phi Beta is one of the ten oldest women's organizations in the United States.  Four women, Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, Eunice Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham founded Gamma Phi Beta on November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University.  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 women started an organization that encourages women to seek their full potential as well as everylasting friendships.  Our founders believed in hard work, dedication, and loyalty to each of our sisters.

After its installment, Dr. Frank Smalley, a professor at the university, 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 120 collegiate chapters and 156 alumnae groups.

• The word "sorority" was coined for Gamma Phi Beta.  First women's society to ever be called a sorority.
• Gamma Phi Beta is one of the ten oldest women's organizations in America.
• Our badge was designed by Tiffany & Co. and has won awards for "Prettiest Badge."
• Sorority colors are brown & mode.
• Sorority flower is the pink carnation.
• Sorority symbol is the crescent moon.
• Gamma Phi Beta's open motto is "Founded Upon A Rock."

Gamma Phi Beta Creed, adopted in 1948:

 

 Gamma Phi Beta from the past has given
A heritage that makes a fuller life.
Gamma Phi Beta in the present bids
Us strive for lasting values and ideals.
Gamma Phi Beta in the days to come
Will prove that fundamentals can endure.
Therefore we shall embody in our lives
The truths that make for finer womanhood.
Once more we pledge a loyalty that means
Adherence to all true and noble things;
A learning that enriches all our days
With magic gold that is forever ours;
A labor that each hour will glorify
The simple, common task, the common cause;
A love that will be strong and great enough
To encompass and to pity all the world.
Love, Labor, Learning, Loyalty.

Our Founders:

Helen M. Dodge
Helen was born on September 26, 1850 in Verona, New York. She was a member of the second freshman class at Syracuse University, took the classical course and graduated in 1876. A talented musician and member of the Daughters of the Revolution and other organizations, Helen's chief interest was the missing work sponsored by her church. She married the Reverend J.V. Ferguson, who preceded her in death. Helen died October 21, 1937, leaving a substantial bequest to Syracuse University for scholarships for members of Gamma Phi Beta.

Francis E. Haven
Francis was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on May 27, 1854, while her father was teaching at the University of Michigan. When he became president of Northwestern University, Frances entered with the first group of women students. After he was named chancellor of Syracuse University, she transferred there and graduated in 1877. Her diploma, signed by her father, is displayed in Gamma Phi Beta International Headquarters. Frances married Charles M. Moss in 1878 and moved with him to the University of Illinois where she was instrumental in establishing Omicron Chapter. She died June 16, 1937.

E. Adeline Curtis
Adeline was born on December 22, 1854 in Moravia, New York. She graduated from Syracuse University in 1878 with a bachelor's degree in music. She married Frank Curtis and they had one son, Edward. Adeline was a soprano soloist at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Syracuse for 33 years. She died January 14, 1923.

Mary A. Bingham
Mary was born in Watertown, New York on August 30, 1856. She graduated from Syracuse University in 1878 with a degree in art. In 1883, she married M. E. Willoughby, who died in 1913. They had two children, a son Francis and a daughter Ernestine. Mary Willoughby and Helen Ferguson were the only Founders who were able to continue their close association after their college years, as both lived in Utica, New York. Mary died on January 14, 1916.

 

"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."
- Eunice Adeline Curtis, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, 1912