History
In the mid-1800s, women were allowed admissions to co-educational institutions, but faced many challenges. There were segregated/off-limit classes and extracurriculars were often prohibited. Friends and students at Syracuse University: Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham wanted to create an environment for collegiate women. The group of women met informally on November 11, 1874 and classified the gathering as a “College Literary Society.”
Syracuse University has been home to four male and one female fraternity, all having Greek letters. A Latin professor suggested appropriate options for their new society. The founders choose Gamma Phi Beta.
Since the beginning, the sorority has created new initiatives to improve membership from 1874 to the 21st century, now having chartered over 190 collegiate chapters. Our Chapter, Gamma Phi Beta Epsilon Lambda Chapter was installed at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL on February 4th, 1989.
For a more detailed history: gammaphibeta.org
Chapter Name: Gamma Phi Beta, Epsilon Lambda
Chapter Nicknames: Gamma Phi, G-Phi, GPhiB
Four Core Values: Love, labor, learning and loyalty
Vision: To inspire the highest type of womanhood
Brand Identity: True & Constant
Mission: To build confident woman of character who celebrate sisterhood and make a difference in the world around us
Motto: Founded on a rock
“Since the rock is the firmest and most enduring substance, able to withstand the ravages of time, and offering the strongest protection, it seemed fitting that Gamma Phi Beta should be thus founded.”
-Founder, E. Adeline Curtis
Founding Date: November 11th, 1874
Chapter Installment: February 4th, 1989
Our Goal: Our sorority was founded on the ideals of scholarship, sisterhood, and service. Our chapter is a special place for all of our sisters, it’s a place that goes beyond just four years. “We promote lifelong commitment, intellectual and personal growth and service to humanity. We perpetuate our heritage as we commit to the growth of our sorority. We foster enduring friendships. We advocate for ethical behavior, respect, authenticity, accountability, and integrity. We aspire to excel in all that we do.” (Gamma Phi Beta Internationals)
Fun Facts:
Gamma Phi Beta is among one of the ten oldest women’s organizations in North America.
In the past, “fraternity” was used to reference both male and female organizations. Gamma Phi Beta is the first Greek-letter organization to identify themselves as a “sorority.”
As of 2024, the Epsilon Lambda chapter at The University of Alabama is the largest Gamma Phi Beta chapter.
Gamma Phi’s “Good to Know”
Information, Symbols, & Fun Facts
Pink Carnation: Chosen for the flowers beauty and lasting fragrance.
Crest: Made up with symbolic elements; Our Greek letters, the lamp, carnation flowers, a book and a crescent moon.
Badge: The badge is our monogram laid against a crescent moon.
Crescent Moon: Used to represent the growth of our sorority.
Colors: Brown & Mode.