History of Gamma Phi Beta Wichita Alumnae Chapter
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In a society where women were discouraged from entering college due to their "insufficient brainpower" and "delicate health," four women from Syracuse University came together to form a society they named Gamma Phi Beta. Now, over 130 years later, we celebrate the vision and dedication of those women and all that have come since then, who have built Gamma Phi Beta into one of the largest and most well-respected sororities in the world.
Founders
Helen Mary Dodge was born 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 Daughters of the American 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 the 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.
Timeline
1874 Founded November 11 at Syracuse University
1875 First initiate, Clara Worden, initiated in March
1882 First extension effort, Beta Chapter installed at the University of Michigan
1882 First alumnae chapter chartered, Chicago, Illinois
1902 Gamma Phi Beta and six other sororities found the National Panhellenic Conference
1919 First Canadian chapter, 25th Greek-letter chapter, Alpha Alpha at the University of Toronto
1940 50th Greek-letter chapter, Beta Beta at the University of Maryland
1960 75th Greek-letter chapter, Gamma Gamma at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
1971 100th Greek-letter chapter, Delta Delta at California State-Fullerton installed
1972 First Crescent Circle
1986 125th Greek-letter chapter, Epsilon Epsilon, Union College
1995 150th Greek-letter chapter, Zeta Zeta, Coastal Carolina
Government Timeline
1874 First Constitution written
1893 First Executive Board
1911 First Council
1915 First Grand Council
1924 Province system established
1927 First business office opened at Zeta Chapter, Goucher College
1958 Gamma Phi Beta incorporated
1974 Gamma Phi Beta Celebrates 100th Anniversary
1982 PACE Model established
1984 SisterLink Service established
1990 First International Council
1991 International Headquarters building dedicated
1999 Gamma Phi Beta Celebrates 125th Anniversary
History of Gamma Phi Beta Wichita Alumnae Chapter
More info to come!
If you have a history fact please send it to gammaphialum@gmail.com! Thanks!