History of Gamma Phi Beta

In the 1870's, Dr. E. O. Haven, Chancellor of Syracuse University, enrolled his daughter at a time when very few women were welcomed at colleges and universities. Dr. Haven believed that his daughter and other young women deserved to have the advantages of studying higher education.

During her time at Syracuse University, Dr. Haven's daughter asked three friends to assist her in organizing a society for women students. Gamma Phi Beta was founded by Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham.

On November 11, 1874, the four founders met in Dr. J. J. Brown’s study for the first official meeting of Gamma Phi Beta. The University Herald, Syracuse University’s 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."