On November 11, 1874, four women at Syracuse University came together to form a society they named Gamma Phi Beta. Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham were courageous risk takers who sought to create a society for women in a man’s world. Though at the time women’s societies were given the same name as their male counterparts (fraternities), Dr. Frank Smalley coined the word “sorority” especially for Gamma Phi Beta.
Now, over 130 years later, we celebrate the vision and dedication of those women and all that have come since then, who have built Gamma Phi Beta into an international organization with over 150,000 members amongst 300 collegiate and alumnae chapters.
Gamma Phi Beta is proud to be a part of the strong Greek system at Chico State. We take pride in our community and campus leadership and are known for intramural and academic excellence. We strengthen friendships through participation in philanthropic events, sisterhood events, functions and date parties. Our sisterhood encourages individual growth and diversity. Gamma Phi Beta lets “you be you!”
Epsilon Kappa Chapter Facts
International Founded: November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University
Chapter Chartered: November 10, 1988
Creed: Love, Labor, Learning Loyalty
Open Motto: “Founded Upon a Rock”
Symbol: Crescent Moon
Flower: Pink Carnation
Badge: Designed by Tiffany & Co. and voted" Most Beautiful" Badge
International Colors: Brown and Mode
Local Colors: Pink and Blue
International Jewel: Pearl
Magazine: The Crescent
Nicknames: Gamma Phi, G-Phi-B, G Phi