Founded: November 11, 1874 Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Founders: Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, Mary A. Bingham
Object: To promote the highest type of womanhood.
Official Flower: Pink Carnation
Official Colors: Brown and Mode
Creed: Love, Labor, Learning and Loyalty
Open Motto: Founded Upon a Rock
Symbol: The crescent moon
National Philanthropy: Campfire USA and Girl Guides of Canada
Local Philanthropy: Camp Good Days and Special Times
Syracuse University was founded in 1871, and in 1872 the University began to admit women. In that year, nineteen women were enrolled. Three of the nineteen women went on to form the women's fraternity, Alpha Phi, to create an organization for the small number of women at the University.
In 1874, Syracuse University asked Dr. Erastus O. Haven to serve as the University's chancellor. Chancellor Haven believed very much so in the education of women, and thus, brought his daughter, Frances, with him to Syracuse.
After enrolling in the University, Frances was shortly thereafter extended an invitation to join Alpha Phi, but declined. Frances soon met a group of women who shared the same ideals and goals. These women decided to form their own organization, later to be known as Gamma Phi Beta.
The Four Founders -- Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham -- held their first meeting on November 11, 1874. The minutes of the meeting stated that “Miss Dodge was appointed to draft a Constitution,” and also that Helen Dodge and Frances Haven asked Dr. Haven for a suitable motto and name.
In the following meeting on November 16, the name Gamma Phi Beta was voted upon, and the vote was unanimous.
The badge was later designed with the help of Charles M. Cobb and Charles M. Moss, which would bear the Hebrew word and the three letters. Later, the badge would be voted “Most Beautiful Sorority Badge” by Tiffany & Co.
The Beta chapter of Gamma Phi Beta was installed at the University of Michigan in 1882, at which point Syracuse faculty member, Dr. Frank Smalley, coined the term “sorority” specifically for the organization.
Gamma Phi Beta currently has 171 active collegiate chapters in both the United States and Canada, as has initiated over 170,000 members.