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| The History of Gamma Phi Beta |
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| Gamma Phi Beta was founded on November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York by Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven E. Adeline Curtis and Mary a Bingham. They were imaginative, courageous risk-takers who cooperated unselfishly as they worked to achieve the same ideals Gamma Phi Beta emphasizes today. After the installation of Beta chapter at the University of Michigan in 1882, Syracuse faculty member Dr. Frank Smalley coined the word sorority especially for the Gamma Phi Beta. It has been used ever since. |
| Helen Mary Dodge |
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| 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 the American Revolution and other organizations, Helen's chief interest was the mission work sponsored by her church. She married the Reverend JV Ferguson, who preceded her in death. Helen died October 21, 1937, leaving a substantial bequest to Syracuse University for scholarships for member of Gamma Phi Beta. |
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| Francis E. Haven |
| 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. 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. |
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| Eunice Adeline Curtis |
| 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. |
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| Mary Alice Bingham |
| 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, 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. |
| The Gamma Phi Beta Creed |
| 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. |
| The Gamma Phi Beta Open Motto |
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| Founded Upon a Rock. |
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| The Gamma Phi Beta Coat of Arms |
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| Only initiated members may use the coat-of-arms on jewelry, stationery, or other personal items. The coat-of-arms was designed in 1915 by Gertrude Comfort Morrow (California-Berkeley). |
| The Gamma Phi Beta Badge |
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| The badge is the symbol of an initiated member and may be worn only after initiation. Each member much purchase a badge at the time of initiation unless special permission is granted to wear an alumna relative's badge. The International Council badge is a replica of the original badges designed for the Founders; the crescent is white instead of black and it is one inch in diameter. The monogram of the International President 's badge is set with diamonds; other International Council members wear badges set with pearls. When leaving office, each International Council member passes the badge of her office to her successor and receives a permanent one, engraved with her name and office, for personal use. |
| Gamma Phi Beta Colors |
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| The Sorority changed its colors, originally light and dark blue, to light and dark brown in 1875 to honor Dr. J.J. Brown, whose study was used for the Friday afternoon meetings of Gamma Phi Beta. |
| The Gamma Phi Beta Flower |
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| In 1888 the carnation became the Sorority flower; pink was designated its official color in 1950. |
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