History Of Gamma Phi Beta

The Gamma Phi Beta sorority, one of the ten oldest womens organizations in the United States

, was founded in November of 1874 by four inventive and bold students who sought for a change in culture at the male dominated Syracuse University in New York. Seeking to do something that was by no means an easy or lighthearted task, Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, Eunice Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham establish a group on campus exclusively for women that would eventually embody the ideals and virtues that are still alive and strong in the fraternity today.

The 1870s was not an ideal time to be a woman seeking an education. Ludicrous assumptions were still being accepted as socially and scientifically accurate, such as the claim that womens minds were inferior to those of their male counterparts. Those that did manage to make it onto a college campus were regularly met with unfriendly responses. At times, those reactions were even hostile. To say that Syracuse Chancellor Dr. Erastus Otis Haven was taking a risk when he enrolled his daughter Frances into the University would be an understatement. Refusing to be swayed by the status quo, Dr. Haven saw potential in Frances steadfast and unwavering character, and saw an opportunity to prove to the world that women deserved the same right that men have for a higher education.

Frances was given an opportunity to join an existing fraternity for women, which in itself would have been a big move. However, Frances did not see eye to eye with the goals and principles that they stood for. Frances wanted more, an organization that stood for the highest standard for womanhood. Her goals were lofty, but she was a visionary. She soon found three other dreamers to join her cause Helen, Eunice and Mary were more than willing to make their newly founded group official.

It was this group that inspired Dr. Framl Smally of Syracuse to coin the term sorority in 1882, a word that we use with regularity to this day. By that point, Gamma Phi Beta had grown to double its size, opening up a chapter at the University of Michigan that same year. The sisters started working more for society than ever before, serving in multiple philanthropic events and fundraisers that promoted newer organizations seeking to better humanity, as well as womens rights and movements. Today, Gamma Phi Beta boasts an international membership of over 160,000 members; Gamma Phi Beta International Sorority has 119 collegiate chapters and 171 alumnae groups. Their vision remains strong, and with the help of a membership with ideals and goals in line with their four revolutionary founding mothers, they continue to grow and change the perspectives of everyone they come in contact with.

by: Jennifer Badger

POST COMMENT

Nikon D 90 Slr And Its Key Features Prada Knockoff Handbags Microfiber Cleaning Products Are Highly Effective Why Are Paper Bags Replacing Wrapping Paper? Find Out Unusual Wedding Presents What Type Of Shopping Should Be Done Online? Why Should Companies Use Paper Bags To Help Promote Their Brand? What Are Customized Work Shirts? The Classic Look Of Denim Jackets Drill Site For D.i.y. Enthusiasts Look Where Santa Is Heading 3 Dangers Of Parabens In Cosmetic Products How To Have A Sport Bobble Head Gift Idea Collection