About Gamma Phi Beta
Our History
Our Mission
We build confident women of character who celebrate sisterhood and make a difference in the world around us.
Our Vision
To inspire the highest type of womanhood.
Our Motto
Founded on a rock.
"Since the rock is the firmest and most enduring substance, able to withstand the ravages of time, and offering the strongest protection, it seemed fitting that Gamma Phi Beta should be thus founded." – Founder E. Adeline Curtis (Syracuse, 1874)
Our Symbols
The pink carnation, chosen for its lasting beauty and fragrance, symbolizes the enduring bonds of our sisterhood.
The crescent moon represents growth, reflecting both our members’ personal development and Gamma Phi Beta’s continuous presence through the years.
Fun Facts
Gamma Phi Beta is among one of the ten oldest women’s organizations in North America.
In the past, “fraternity” was used to reference both male and female organizations. Gamma Phi Beta is the first Greek-letter organization to identify themselves as a “sorority.”
The Eta Chapter was the first chapter of Gamma Phi Beta installed west of the Mississippi River.
Chapter Name
Gamma Phi Beta, Eta Chapter
Chapter Nicknames
Gamma Phi, GPhi
Organization Founding
November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University
Eta Chapter Installation Date
April 25, 1894
Our Values
Love
Love in Gamma Phi Beta means self-worth and respect for others. Sisters demonstrate this value by encouraging themselves and others to be authentic. Our sisterhood is built through mutual understanding and a commitment to loving each other
Labor
Labor in Gamma Phi Beta represents our commitment to service and philanthropy. Through our philanthropic focus of Building Strong Girls and our partnership with Girls on the Run, sisters demonstrate this value by serving others and their community.
Learning
Learning in Gamma Phi Beta means intellectual growth. From studying together and striving to be life-long learners, sisters demonstrate this value as they succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Loyalty
Loyalty in Gamma Phi Beta signifies a lifelong commitment and dedication to out sisterhood. Through college and afterwards, Gamma Phi Beta sisters will be your True and Constant friends.
Our Philanthropy
Gamma Phi Beta is the proud National Partner of Girls on the Run International, a nonprofit organization that allows our membership to actively live our philanthropic focus of Building Strong Girls through hands-on service and charitable giving.
Girls on the Run’s Mission
We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running.
Girls on the Run’s Vision
We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.
FAQs
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Gamma Phi Beta has chapters at colleges and universities across North America. The Eta Chapter is our local chapter here at UC Berkeley, founded in 1894 as the eighth chapter in the organization. Today, there are over 130 Gamma Phi Beta chapters across the country.
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You can explore our international organization’s website at www.gammaphibeta.org for history, values, and more ways to connect.
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Yes! The Eta Chapter has a chapter house located near the UC Berkeley campus, providing members with a space to live, study, and connect while enjoying the full sorority experience. For more information, visit https://www.calgammaphi.org/our-home.