Timeline
Did you know?
The term "sorority," meaning sisterhood, was coined for Gamma Phi Beta in 1882. Similar women's organizations had been known as female fraternities until then, and many are incorporated even today as fraternities. Gamma Phi Beta is a true sorority.
1874
Founded November 11 at Syracuse University
1875
First initiate, Clara Worden, initiated in March
1882
First extension effort, Beta Chapter, at the University of Michigan
1892
First alumnae chapter chartered (Chicago, Illinois)
1883
First Gamma Phi Beta Convention
1887
First songbook compiled by Beta Chapter
1896
Official seal adopted
1900
The Crescent magazine is published for the first time
1902
Gamma Phi Beta and six other sororities found the National Panhellenic Conference
1919
First Canadian chapter chartered, Alpha Alpha Chapter at the University of Toronto, making Gamma Phi Beta an international sorority
1921
First history of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority written by Lindsey Barbee
1940
50th Greek-letter chapter installed, Beta Beta Chapter at the University of Maryland
1943
Gamma Phi Betas sold $15 million in war bonds to finance hospital planes
1949
75th anniversary of Gamma Phi Beta
1958
Gamma Phi Beta Sorority incorporated
1959
The Gamma Phi Beta Foundation established
1971
100th Greek-letter chapter installed, Delta Delta Chapter at California State-Fullerton
1974
Centennial Convention held in Kansas City, MO
1979
International Headquarters moves to Englewood, CO, from Kenilworth, IL
1992
Sorority-owned International Headquarters dedicated in Centennial, CO
2002
Collaboration with Camp Fire USA started
2005
Gamma Phi Beta member Elizabeth A. Quick began a two-year term as Chair of the National Panhellenic Conference, an honor for Gamma Phi Beta that occurs only once every 52 years
2008
Girl Guides of Canada became an official recipient of our philanthropic support
Gamma Phi Beta backed the development of an award-winning anti-hazing DVD, RESPONSE_ABILITY
Gamma Phi Beta is a founding sponsor of the anti-hazing hotline, 888-NOT-HAZE
2010
74th Convention in Orlando, Florida
