Gamma Phi Beta Sorority was founded November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University by four women determined to succeed in a male dominated world. With the help of some of the Syracuse faculty Helen M. Dodge, Francis E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham started an organization that encourages women to seek their full potential as well as a society which creates everlasting friendships for women.

Colleges and universities admitted few women students in the 1870s. In fact, administrators and faculty members gave women a rather reluctant welcome. They argued women had inferior minds and could not master mathematics or the classics. In this controversy, Dr. E. O. Haven, Syracuse University chancellor maintained that women should receive the advantages of higher education. He enrolled his daughter, Frances, at Syracuse, which in 1874 had approximately 200 students and 10 faculty members.

Frances asked three friends to assist her in organizing a society. They sought the advice and help of Dr. Haven, their brothers, the faculty and members of two existing fraternities. The minutes of their first meeting on November 11, 1874 states: "Miss Dodge was appointed to draft a Constitution." Frances Haven and Helen Dodge agreed to ask Dr. Haven for a suitable name and motto. The Founders met again on November 16 for further decisions as recorded in the minutes: "The merits of the six mottos suggested by Chancellor Haven were discussed, and the motto of Gamma Phi Beta was unanimously accepted." They agreed on a badge design for which they had sought the help of Charles M. Cobb and Charles M. Moss, Frances' future husband. Helen's brother, a student, suggested the Hebrew word. The jeweler delivered the first badges on December 16, 1874.

Our founders believed in hard-work, dedication, and loyalty to each of our sisters. These values are what make the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority the great organization it is today. Gamma Phi has the honor of being the first organization to be called a "sorority," as well as the privilege to honor our successful alum, over 160 international chapters, and over 50,000 members in the organization.

Still today, we, the women of Alpha Chapter, continue the tradition of these four courageous women, who began one of the largest and most well-respected sororities in the world right here on this very campus.