Facts:

Founded: November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY.

Founders: Helen M. Dodge, Francis E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham.

Objective: To promote the highest type of womanhood through education, social life, and service to country and humanity.

Creed: Love, Labor, Learning, Loyalty.

Open Motto: "Founded Upon a Rock."

International Colors: Brown and Mode  Local Colors: Pink and White

 

Badge:

 

Official Flower: The pink carnation.
Symbol: The crescent moon.
Local Mascot: The Penguin.
Philanthropies: Camp Fire USA (International) and American Diabetes Association (Local)

More Interesting Facts:

In 1882, Dr. Frank Smalley coined the word "sorority" for Gamma Phi Beta, making it the first women's society to be known by that name.

Gamma Phi Beta was one of seven national sororities to organize the National Panhellenic Conference. Gamma Phi Beta is one of the ten oldest women’s organizations in America.

Gamma Phi Beta currently has 112 active collegiate chapters.

Gamma Phi Beta has over 120,000 members worldwide.

History: 

The Founders of Gamma Phi Beta: 

Helen Mary Dodge was born on 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 Daughter of the 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 scholarships 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 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 a 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, 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.