Then and Now

Reflection is crucial for personal and organizational growth, particularly as Gamma Phi Beta nears its 150th anniversary this November! This milestone prompts us to consider our journey and the changes that have shaped us. Let's compare our 125th anniversary celebration in 1999 with the upcoming events for our 150th this year.

WHAT CELEBRATORY ACTIVITIES TOOK PLACE?

125th: A special 125-year anniversary celebration was hosted in New York City and Syracuse, New York, in November to coincide with Founders Day. For the Syracuse gathering, sisters enjoyed a luncheon, ritual and a tour of Alpha Chapter’s facility. The Sorority also announced the construction of Sisterhood Plaza at International Headquarters.

150th: Coast-to-Coast events taking place across North America (including Convention 2024 in Chicago, Illinois!), a limited-series podcast, various 150th initiatives, like Party in a Box and a Traveling Exhibit, all culminating in our final event in Syracuse, New York, for Founders Day!

HOW WAS THE ANNIVERSARY HONORED IN THE CRESCENT?

125th: Each issue of The Crescent in 1999 was themed by one of our Core Values and accompanied by a series of Sorority history articles.

150th: The cover stories in the winter, spring and summer issues of The Crescent in 2024 focused on big bucket items within the Sorority, like the Founders, One Gamma Phi Beta and Convention. The fall 2024 issue will celebrate 150 years of True and Constant sisterhood by sharing 150 member stories.

WHAT COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS WERE CREATED AND SOLD?

125th: A woven Afghan, a keepsake box, t-shirts, a specially commissioned porcelain box, an oval magnet, stationary and an enamel pin, all adorned with the 125th logo.

150th: Clothing, accessories, a puzzle, tumblers, stickers, graduation stole and a tote, all adorned with the 150th logo or significant symbols and phrases within the Sorority.

“Through the years, I have collected lapel pins from Conventions. The pin from Convention 2000 was made to honor the 125th anniversary, and it is one of my favorite pins to date. I look forward to adding the 81st Convention lapel pin, honoring the 150th, to my collection of mementos as I continue my sisterhood with Gamma Phi Beta.” —Vicki Carlson Read (Arizona), 2000-04 International President

“From 1874 to today, we have personified what it means to be True and Constant. True and Constant to each other and our organization. That commitment is worth honoring, and we do it by participating in our sacred rituals, nurturing connections and honoring our points of pride. It is especially worth celebrating as we approach something as momentous and rare as our 150th anniversary. Our 150th Celebration will be one that launches Gamma Phi Beta successfully into her next 150 years.” —Krista Spanninger Davis (Bowling Green), 150th Celebration Committee Chair, 2012-16 International President