Here at the University of Washington, the Lambda Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta was founded in May of 1903. Since then, our chapter has continued to build confident women of character who celebrate sisterhood and make a difference in the world around us. For over 100 years, the Lambda Chapter strives to uphold our commitment towards achieving academic excellence while taking advantage of work, extracurricular activities and leadership on the University of Washington campus and in the Seattle community.
During a time when women were discouraged from attending college, four bold and courageous friends came together to form a women's society. The Gamma Phi Beta sorority was established in 1874 at Syracuse University by Francis E. Haven, Mary A. Bingham, E. Adeline Curtis, and Helen M. Dodge. Little did they know that Gamma Phi Beta would become the first "sorority" ever. Thanks to their efforts, Gamma Phi Beta has an international membership of over 224,000 members on 114 college campuses and 156 alumnae groups in both the United States and Canada.
The vision of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority is to inspire the highest type of womanhood as we build confident women of character who celebrate sisterhood and make a difference in the world around us. We promote lifelong commitment, intellectual and personal growth, and service to humanity. As active members and leaders in our communities, we advocate ethical behavior, respect, authenticity, accountability, and integrity as we aspire to excel in all that we do.
Gamma Phi Beta was founded on a rock, fostering lifelong friendships and continually upholding core values of Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty. Its members work towards our organization's mission of inspiring the highest type of Womanhood. We are constantly encouraging our members to set high standards for themselves personally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually, while providing a sisterhood to help them along the way.
Core Values: Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty
Founded: Syracuse, New York 1874
Symbol: Crescent Moon
Colors: Brown and Mode
Flower: Pink Carnation
Jewel: Pearl
Open Motto: "Founded on a rock"