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Gamma Phi Beta History
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority was founded on November 11, 1874, at Syracuse University by four progressive women: Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham. These women founded the organization based on the four core values of Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty. The object of Gamma Phi Beta is to develop the highest type of womanhood through education, social life, and service to country and humanity. In March of 1875, Clara Worden became the first initiate of the Sorority. Later, in 1882, the Beta Chapter became the first extension effort at the University of Michigan. Also in 1882, members formed the first alumnae chapter in Chicago, Illinois. Other significant dates include 1902, the year Gamma Phi Beta and six other sororities founded the National Panhellenic Conference, as well as 1919, the year Gamma Phi Beta installed its first international chapter, Alpha Alpha at the University of Toronto. Gamma Phi Beta continues to be a successful and influential organization across the United States and Canada with over 160,000 members from 119 collegiate chapters and 171 alumnae groups.
Chapter History
The University of Denver is home to Theta chapter of Gamma Phi Beta. Theta began as the Alpha Iota sorority, but became the eighth chapter of Gamma Phi Beta when Lindsey Barbee, Grace Evans, Gertrude Holman, Edna Iliff, Louise Iliff, Lucia Pattison, Grace Mabel Sater, Florence Ethel Slocumb, Beulah Steele, Emma Arlene Stover, Julia Ethel Thomas, Mabel Walker, Edith Beatrice Wallace, Mary Wheeler, Lillian Winifred Willard, and Vassa Willard were all initiated into Gamma Phi Beta on December 28, 1897. Later, in 1913, Theta of Gamma Phi Beta became the first sorority in Colorado to establish a chapter house. In the early 1900s, theater performances helped the chapter raise money to support its philanthropic endeavors. Prominent Gamma Phi Betas from Theta chapter include Helen and Lindsey Barbee, Louise Wyatt, Grace Evans, and Edna and Louise Iliff. Another exciting fact about Theta is that International Headquarters is located only twenty minutes from the chapter house in Centennial, Colorado.
General Info
Open Motto: Founded Upon a Rock.
Mission Statement: Our mission is to foster a nurturing environment that provides women the opportunity to achieve their potential through life-long commitment to intellectual growth, individual worth and service to humanity.
Colors: Light and dark brown
Flower: Pink Carnation
Symbol: Crescent moon
Tagline: Connect. Impact. Shine.
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