History

     Gamma Phi Beta is one of the ten oldest women's organizations in the United States. Four women, Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, Eunice Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham founded Gamma Phi Beta on November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University. These young women enlisted the help of Dr. E.O. Haven, Frances' father and Syracuse University's chancellor, as they fought to establish a group solely for women on the male dominated Syracuse campus. These four women started an organization that encourages women to seek their full potential as well as everlasting friendships. Our founders believed in hard work, dedication, and loyalty to each of our sisters.
     After its installment, Dr. Frank Smalley, a professor at the university, coined the word "sorority" especially for Gamma Phi Beta. Organizations created following the footsteps of Gamma Phi Beta have been called sororities ever since. Thanks to the efforts of Helen M. Dodge, Francis E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, and Mary A. Bingham, Gamma Phi Beta now has an international membership of over 200,000 members, with 128 collegiate chapters and 156 alumnae groups.

Symbols

     International Colors: Brown, Mode and Pink
     Bridgewater's Chapter Colors: Pink and Blue

The colors of brown and mode are in honor of Dr. J.J. Brown at Syracuse University, whose study was used for the very first Gamma Phi Beta chapter meetings.

      Objective: To promote the highest type of womanhood through education, social life, and service.

      Creed: Love, Labor, Learning, Loyalty

      Motto: "Founded Upon a Rock"