Epsilon Xi Chapter charter members, 1989.
Epsilon Xi Chapter (Rhodes)
Epsilon Xi Chapter was installed at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 28, 1989, with 15 women initiated as chartered members. Throughout their pledgeship, the new initiates had been involved in campus and colony activities while learning about Gamma Phi Beta. They participated in a Junior Panhellenic progressive dinner, Kappa Delta's All Sing, a Panhellenic/IFC retreat and a campus health fair and Alcohol Awareness Week.
Pledges' parents were honored at a tea and a brunch, and alumnae served as Slightly Older Sisters in addition to hosting an ice cream social. PACE programming focused on sisterhood, standards and scholarship. Socially, colony members enjoyed the Crescent Ball, Moonstruck Date Party and fraternity swaps. They also prepared for fall rush, at the end of which they pledged 23 women.
Under the direction of International Ritual Chairman Audrey Weldon Shafer (Missouri), Gamma Tau Chapter (St. Louis) conducted the Initiation service at the Special Studies Building on campus during the afternoon of October 28. That evening, Gamma Phi Betas, parents and guests gathered at The Racquet Club for the Installation banquet. After dinner, International Public Relations Chairman Cyndy Meisner Howes (Indiana State) introduced special guests attending the banquet.
Rhodes College Dean of Student Affairs Thomas C. Shandley and Director of Student Affairs and Panhellenic Advisor Laura Miller welcomed Gamma Phi Beta to campus. Collegiate chapter presidents from Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Delta and Alpha Omicron Pi joined in the celebration. Alumnae Vice President Sally Erikson Lewis (Bradley) presented a $1,000 Gamma Phi Beta Foundation donation to Dae Valley Camp in honor of the new chapter.
The chapter received several gifts in addition to a historic badge, which was worn by each succeeding president. From Gamma Tau Chapter, Epsilon Xi received a silver picture frame, and Memphis Alumnae Chapter President Nancy Tyner (Memphis) presented a silver tray. Other gifts were a Gamma Phi Beta banner from the province and an engraved silver tray from the Sorority. Each chapter advisor received a silver hand mirror from the chapter.
Epsilon Xi Chapter was closed on January 19, 1998.
Excerpt from the summer 1990 issue of The Crescent, pages 10-11.