GAMMA PHI BETA WAS
FOUNDED UPON A ROCK
Our four founders recognized that rocks are firm and enduring, just like our sisterhood. For decades, the Beta Alpha chapter of Gamma Phi Beta has offered its members a solid foundation, strength, sisterhood, and a wealth of opportunities. Whether we're raising money for Troy Camp, studying for finals, or exploring Los Angeles with our sisters, we try to live by our creed:
LOVE, LABOR, LEARNING, AND LOYALTY.
GAMMA PHI BETA HISTORY
During a time when women were discouraged from attending college, our four founders Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham came together to create a women's society dedicated to lifelong commitment, intellectual and personal growth, and service to humanity. Their collaboration resulted in the founding of Gamma Phi Beta on November 11th in 1874 at Syracuse University, New York.
Gamma Phi was the the first official "sorority" — those that came before us were "women's fraternities."The Beta Alpha chapter was installed at the University of Southern California on September 24, 1938.
Our sorority's mission statement is:
"To inspire the highest type of womanhood."
Our Flower
Our Badge
Our Symbol
Our Crest
Our Colors
The pink carnation was chosen because it is lasting and enduring, just like Gamma Phi Beta.
Our badge was designed by Tiffany & Co. and features a black crescent moon cradling the Greek letters Gamma, Phi, and Beta.
Our symbol is the waxing crescent moon, which represents the growth of our sorority.
In 1915, Gamma Phi Beta started a contest to choose its crest. The winning design, submitted by a UC Berkeley student, is still in use today.
Our official colors are brown and mode. They were chosen by the four founders to honor John J. Brown, a university professor who offered them great encouragement.