Founding of Gamma Phi Beta at Syracuse University

Background. Syracuse University, founded in 1870, admitted women and Black students from its opening, when few American colleges did. This environment supported the formation of women's organizations, including Alpha Phi in 1872 and Gamma Phi Beta in 1874, the latter being the first to call itself a sorority.

Founding. The Gamma Phi Beta Society was established on November 11, 1874, at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. It was the first of the Greek organizations to call itself a sorority. The term 'sorority' was coined for Gamma Phi Beta by a Latin professor on the faculty in 1882, leading to the organization being known as Gamma Phi Beta Sorority from that year on.

Early Developments. The founders originally selected light blue as the official color but changed it in 1875 to brown and mode (dark and light brown). The society's first initiate, Clara Worden, joined in March 1875. The badge, designed by Tiffany & Co., features a black crescent moon cradling the Greek letters Gamma, Phi, and Beta.