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 womens 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. Browns study for the first official meeting of Gamma Phi Beta. As The University Herald, Syracuse Universitys newspaper, reported the following spring, "A new ladies 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 womens fraternity to be called a sorority.

As Gamma Phi Beta and other sororities grew in membership and popularity, they faced unique challenges. The changing status of women was threatening to many, and womens groups were targets of abuse and criticism. A series of harsh articles appearing in Century magazine in 1912 attacked fraternal chapters and threatened membership. Around the same time, a bill was introduced to the Ohio State Legislature that proposed to remove all Greek-letter societies from state supported institutions. The bill was defeated. Sororities across the country celebrated their success, and proved to the world that they were here to stay.

Today, Gamma Phi Beta continues to grow across the country and internationally. The legacy that our Four Founder's left behind continues to encourage Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty among it's members. Read more about our four founder's below.

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 bachelors 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.