Tag Archives: syracuse university

Gamma Phi Beta ~ ΓΦΒ

Open Motto: "Founded Upon a Rock."
Mascot: White Seal
Symbol: Crescent
Colors: Brown and Mode
Flower: Pink Carnation

Gamma Phi Beta was founded at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY -- November 11, 1874. During a time when it was looked down upon - or thought unnecessary - for women to receive a higher education, four women banded together to provide support for each other and others like them by forming a sorority. Gamma Phi Beta's four founding members were Helen M. Dodge, Francis E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham.

Dr. Erastus Haven - chancellor of Syracuse University at the time - enrolled his daughter into the school and maintained that women should have the opportunity to receive a higher education. Francis Haven was approached by the Alpha Phi Women's Fraternity (the only such organization at Syracuse at the time) but instead Haven decided to ask three friends if they would be interested in starting their own women's organization. They were delighted for the opportunity and with the help of Francis' father Dr. Haven, their brothers, two members from existing fraternities and college faculty they were able to form Gamma Phi Beta.

Gamma Phi Beta is part of the Syracuse Triad, which refers top the three sororities - or women's fraternities - founded at Syracuse University; Alpha Phi founded in 1972, Gamma Phi Beta founded in 1874 and Alpha Gamma Delta founded in 1907. All three of these sororities maintain a close bond.

There are currently 173 active chapters and 175+ alumnae chapters and 180,000 initiated members. The main goal of Gamma Phi Beta's philanthropic mission is to raise funds to support local camps. They have also partnered with Camp Fire USA and Girl Guides of Canada. According to the official Gamma Phi Beta website camping is very important to its members because:

"We strongly believe the experiences gained at camp play the same vital role in the lives of young girls today as they have in the past. Studies have shown a camping vacation benefits girls in ways that are remembered for a lifetime, and for that reason, it's a cause we resolutely support."

Alpha Phi ~ ΑΦ

Open Motto: “Union hand in hand.”
Mascot: Phi Bear
Symbol: Ivy Leaf
Colors: Bordeaux and Silver
Flower: Lily of the Valley and Forget Me Not

Alpha Phi is a women's fraternity that was founded at Syracuse University on September 18, 1872.  Alpha Phi was the third Greek-letter organization for women and was founded by Clara Bradley Wheeler Baker Brudette, Hattie Florence Chidester Lukens, Martha Emily Foote Crow, Ida Arabella Gilbert DeLamanter Houghton, Jane Sara Higham, Kate Elizabeth Hogoboom Gilbert, Elizabeth Grace Hubbell Shults, Rena A. Michaels Atchison, Louise Viola Shepard Hancock and Clara Sittser Williams.  These ten founders were pioneers when it came to higher education for women.

During this time in history it didn't seem necessary for women to attend colleges and universities but these women - and others like them - felt very differently. It wasn't an easy time and having the friendships and support of other women who were facing the same struggles made all the difference.

According to the Alpha Phi website their purpose is as follows:

The objectives of our Fraternity are the promotion of growth in character;
unity of feeling, sisterly affection, and social communion among our members.

In all that we do, we try to obey God's principles of justice and right. We have
banded ourselves together to improve our minds and hearts, and we seek to aid
each other through a constant watchcare always given in love.

We believe ourselves to be sincere searchers for truth.

We seek the highest ideal of womanhood, and we try to gain this
ideal by cultivating not only the power and passion for seeking
intellectual development but, also, the spirit of love and charity.

And we who are thus united are under a solemn pledge to lend
a helping hand to one another.

 ~ Constitution of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Incorporated, Article II

Alpha Phi are innovative thinkers and they are committed to empowering women. Through the Alpha Phi Foundation they officially adopted Cardiac Care and raise funds to support programs that focus on studying the symptoms of women's heart disease, its treatment and prevention.

 Alpha Gamma Delta ~ ΑΓΔ

Open Motto: “Inspire the woman. Impact the world.”
Mascot: Squirrel
Jewel: Pearl
Colors: Red, buff and green
Flower: Red and buff rose

Alpha Gamma Delta - an international women's fraternity - was found on May 30th, 1904 at Syracuse University. The 11 founding members gather at the home of Dr. Wellesley Perry Coddington - a professor at Syracuse - who assisted in the early development of Alpha Gamma Delta. The 11 founders were; Marguerite Shepard, Estelle Shepard Beswick, Georgia Alberta Dickover, Jennie Titus Smith Morris, Ethel Evelyn Brown Distin, Grace Mosher Harter, Edith MacConnel Hickok, Mary Louise Snider, Georgia Otis Chipman, Emily Helen Butterfield and Flora Knight Mayer.

 Currently Alpha Gamma Delta has 185 chapter and over 155,000 women have become sisters since this international women's fraternity was founded.  According to the official Alpha Gamma Delta website,  purpose of the Alpha Gamma sisters is:

"To gain understanding that wisdom may be vouchsafed to me.

To develop and prize health and vigor of body.

To cultivate acquaintance with many whom I meet.

To cherish friendships with but a chosen few and to study the perfecting of those friendships.

To welcome the opportunity of contributing to the world's work in the community where I am placed because of the joy of service thereby bestowed and the talent of leadership multiplied.

To honor my home, my country, my religious faith.

To hold truth inviolable, sincerity essential, kindness invaluable.

To covet beauty in environment, manner, word and thought.

To possess high ideals and to attain somewhat unto them.

This shall be my purpose that those who know me may esteem Alpha Gamma Delta for her attainments, revere her for her purposes and love her for her Womanhood."

The Alpha Gamma Delta's are also committed to impacting the world, so they are involved in many philanthropic activities. Their focus is on diabetes aware ness and education. Because diabetes affects its members, family members and acquaintances it is cause dear to their hearts. The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation have grants that support members and other individuals who are living with diabetes. The foundation also assists members in emergency situations and helps to enrich the community around them.