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Symbols
| National Colors: | Brown and Mode |
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| Local Colors: | Pink and Gray |
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| Flowers: | Pink Carnation - for its strength and longevity |
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| Symbol: | Crescent Moon - which stands for strong and constant love |
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| Badge: | Our badge was designed by Tiffany & CO., and was voted most beautiful badge! |
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| Coat of Arms: |
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| Open Motto: | Founded Upon a Rock | |
| Jewel: | Pearl |
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| Creed: | Love, Labor, Learning & Loyalty | |
| Objective: | To promote the highest type of womanhood |
International History
In a society where women were discouraged from entering college due to their "insufficient brain power" and "delicate health," four women from Syracuse University came together to form a society they named Gamma Phi Beta. Now 125 years later we celebrate the vision and dedication of those women and all that have come since then, who have built Gamma Phi Beta into one of the largest and most well-respected sororities in the world.
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.
Our Founders
Helen Mary Dodge was born 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 America Revolution and
other organizations, Helen's chief interest was the mission 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 scholarship for members of Gamma Phi Beta.
Frances E. Haven 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 the 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.
Eunice Adeline Curtis 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 the soprano soloist at St. Paul's Episcopal
Church in Syracuse for 33 years. She died January 14, 1923.
Mary Alice Bingham 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 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.
Local HistoryGamma Phi Beta began at Alma College in 1984. We were installed as the Epsilon Beta Chapter of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority on September 22, 1984. We were originally founded as Alpha Theta before we became a National Sorority and are the oldest sorority on Alma College's Campus. The goal of the Alpha Theta sorority was to "develop a group of gracious and mature women to take an active part in the academic, service, and social life of Alma College and to cultivate a friendly and cooperative spirit." Today, we still hold true to many of our Alpha Theta traditions, including our semi-formal Tavern each fall that benefits our philanthropy.
