In this controversy, Dr. E. O. Haven, Syracuse University chancellor, maintained that women should receive the advantages of higher education. He enrolled his daughter, Frances, at Syracuse.
Frances asked three of her friends to assist her in organizing a society for women. They sought the advice and help of Dr. Haven, their brothers, and the faculty members of the two existing fraternities. Their first meeting was held on November 11, 1874.
After the installation of the Beta chapter at the University of Michigan in 1882, Syracuse faculty member Dr. Frank Smalley coined the word “sorority” especially for Gamma Phi Beta. It has been used ever since.
Gamma Phi Beta was founded on November 11,1874 at Syracuse University, by Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham. They were imaginative, courageous risk takers who cooperated unselfishly as they worked to achieve the same ideals Gamma Phi Beta emphasizes today.
Colleges and universities admitted few women students in the 1870’s. Administrators and faculty members were reluctant to welcome women, arguing that women had inferior minds.
Our History