International History |
Organizational Facts |
In the late 1800s, the few women that were admitted to colleges and universities in the United States were admitted reluctantly and negatively, facing harsh opposition from their conservative friends, family and faculty. The few "appropriate" careers open to women included dressmaking, teaching music, and instructing elementary classes. It took a truly ambitious woman to succeed. Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham were courageous women that could see beyond the limits of their time. They recognized the opportunity a women's society presented, and aimed to establish one that would promote literary culture and social improvement among its members. On November 11, 1874 , the four founders met in Dr. J. J. Brown's study at Syracuse University in New York for the first official meeting of Gamma Phi Beta. Eight years after their first meeting, two members of the Alpha chapter went to the University of Michigan to charter the Beta chapter. Upon their return to Syracuse , Professor Frank Smalley commented, "I presume that you young women are now members of a sorority." Thus, Gamma Phi Beta became the first women's fraternity to be called a sorority. While many other women's fraternal organizations are incorporated as "fraternities," Gamma Phi Beta remains a true Sorority. Connect with more than 180,000 unique women today and discover why our Sorority is a true lifetime experience.
Chapter HistoryThe Gamma Rho chapter was installed on May 14, 1966 and Re-Chartered in 1985.
The Gamma Rho Chapter won Chapter of the Year 2016 |
Core Values: Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty
Symbol: Crescent Moon Colors: Brown and Mode Flower: Pink Carnation Mission: To inspire the highest type of womanhood Founders: Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven. E. Adeline Curtis, Mary A. Bingham Open Motto: Founded On a Rock The term "sorority" was coined by Gamma Phi Beta. Our badge was designed by Tiffany & Co. |