Gamma Phi Beta from the past has given A heritage that makes a fuller life. Gamma Phi Beta in the present bids Us strive for lasting values and ideals. Gamma Phi Beta in the days to come Will prove that fundamentals can endure. Therefore we shall embody in our lives The truths that make for finer womanhood. Once more we pledge a loyalty that means Adherence to all true and noble things; A learning that enriches all our days With magic gold that is forever ours; A labor that each hour will glorify The simple, common task, the common cause; A love that will be strong and great enough To encompass and to pity all the world. Love, Labor, Learning, Loyalty.
Eunice Adeline Curtis was born on December 22, 1854 in Moravia, New York. She graduated from Syracuse University in 1878 with a bachelorīs degree in music. She married Frank Curtis and they had one son, Edward. Adeline was the soprano soloist at St. Paulīs Episcopal Church in Syracuse for 33 years. She died January 14, 1923.
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International History of Gamma Phi Beta
In the late 1800s, the few women that were admitted to colleges and universities in the United States were admitted reluctantly and negatively, facing harsh opposition from their conservative friends, family and faculty. The few "appropriate" and "genteel" careers open to women included dressmaking, teaching music and china painting, and instructing elementary classes - all with low pay. It took a truly ambitious woman to succeed.
Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham were courageous women that could see beyond the limits of their time. They recognized the opportunity a womenīs society presented, and aimed to establish one that would promote literary culture and social improvement among its members.
On November 11, 1874 , the four founders met in Dr. J. J. Brown's study for the first official meeting of Gamma Phi Beta. As The University Herald, Syracuse Universityīs newspaper, reported the following spring, "A new ladiesī society made its appearance at the close of last term, and is to be known as Gamma Phi Beta . . . The ladies have started on the right principle, are select in the choice of members, and we see no reason why a prosperous future is not in store for Gamma Phi Beta."
The years that followed were full of growth. The society drafted a constitution, decided on rituals and expanded membership. The women took intellectual advancement seriously, taking time at every meeting to discuss current world issues and share new ideas. In those days, new members were initiated for the high price of $2.50, and tardy members were fined a nickel.
Eight years after their first meeting, two members of the Alpha chapter went to the University of Michigan to charter the Beta chapter. Upon their return to Syracuse , Professor Frank Smalley commented, "I presume that you young women are now members of a sorority."
Thus, Gamma Phi Beta became the first womenīs fraternity to be called a sorority. Gamma Phi Beta now has an international membership of over 130,000 members, with 117 collegiate chapters and over 200 alumnae groups worldwide.
In the late 1800s, the few women that were admitted to colleges and universities in the United States were admitted reluctantly and negatively, facing harsh opposition from their conservative friends, family and faculty. The few "appropriate" and "genteel" careers open to women included dressmaking, teaching music and china painting, and instructing elementary classes - all with low pay. It took a truly ambitious woman to succeed.
Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham were courageous women that could see beyond the limits of their time. They recognized the opportunity a womenīs society presented, and aimed to establish one that would promote literary culture and social improvement among its members.
On November 11, 1874 , the four founders met in Dr. J. J. Brown's study for the first official meeting of Gamma Phi Beta. As The University Herald, Syracuse Universityīs newspaper, reported the following spring, "A new ladiesī society made its appearance at the close of last term, and is to be known as Gamma Phi Beta . . . The ladies have started on the right principle, are select in the choice of members, and we see no reason why a prosperous future is not in store for Gamma Phi Beta."
The years that followed were full of growth. The society drafted a constitution, decided on rituals and expanded membership. The women took intellectual advancement seriously, taking time at every meeting to discuss current world issues and share new ideas. In those days, new members were initiated for the high price of $2.50, and tardy members were fined a nickel.
Eight years after their first meeting, two members of the Alpha chapter went to the University of Michigan to charter the Beta chapter. Upon their return to Syracuse , Professor Frank Smalley commented, "I presume that you young women are now members of a sorority."
Thus, Gamma Phi Beta became the first womenīs fraternity to be called a sorority. Gamma Phi Beta now has an international membership of over 130,000 members, with 117 collegiate chapters and over 200 alumnae groups worldwide.
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, Helenīs 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.
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.
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