History of Gamma Phi Beta
In a society where women were reluctantly accepted into the college environment due to their "inferior
minds, "delicate health," and "inability to master mathematics and the classics", four women from
Syracuse University came together to form a society they named Gamma Phi Beta. After initially
considering membership in other women's organization, Frances E. Haven, daughter of University chancellor
Dr. E. O. Haven, asked three of her friends to help her organize their own society. Gamma Phi Beta was
founded on November 11, 1874 by Frances E. Haven, Eunice Adeline Curtis, Helen M. Dodge, and Mary A.
Bingham and is one of the 10 oldest women's organizations in North America.
Dr. Frank Smalley, a professor at Syracuse University, is accredited with coining the current term for a women's organization such as Gamma Phi, making it the first "Sorority." Gamma Phi's colors are shades of light and dark brown in honor of Dr. J. J. Brown, another University professor, who permitted Gamma Phi members to hold meetings in his office during the Sorority's development stage.
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 Dodge 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.
Dr. Frank Smalley, a professor at Syracuse University, is accredited with coining the current term for a women's organization such as Gamma Phi, making it the first "Sorority." Gamma Phi's colors are shades of light and dark brown in honor of Dr. J. J. Brown, another University professor, who permitted Gamma Phi members to hold meetings in his office during the Sorority's development stage.
History of the 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, the only other chapter to be founded by one of the original founders. 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 Dodge 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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