Welcome to the Beta Alpha chapter of Gamma Phi Beta! Located at the beautiful University of Southern California, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our chapter, with sisters coming from all different backgrounds to be part of an amazing organization bound by the common core values of love, labor, learning, and loyalty. Each and every sister is wholeheartedly involved not only in Gamma Phi Beta but in many different campus organizations, resulting in our house's title of Most Involved on the Row. From philanthropies to Panhellenic, Beta Alphas are a prominent presence in every aspect of Greek life. We have also excelled in athletics, as our girls have been awarded the prestigious "Helen of Troy" Intramural Championship award for the last 4 years in a row. In addition to clubs and sports, the sisters of Beta Alpha take full advantage of the amazing academic environment that USC has to offer. Our freshman received the highest GPA of any sorority last year, with the help from our fabulous academic advisor, our “study buddies,” and our scholarship resources.
Although we are committed to education and involvement, the well-rounded Gamma Phi girls know how to have a good time! Our many social events make for extremely active semesters! Whether it is a sisterhood hike in Malibu, a movie night at the house, or a night out on the town, any time spent together is a great one.
As the president of the University of Southern California’s Gamma Phi Beta chapter, I encourage you to look through our website and get to know our sisterhood! The support and love of this chapter and each of its members continues to overwhelm me with pride. I hope you can gain insight into life as a Gamma Phi Beta and how it inspires us to be the best we can "G Phi Be!"
Sincerely Yours,
Tess Atkinson
In a society where women were discouraged from attending college because of their "insufficient brainpower" and "delicate health," four friends came together to form a women's organization. The term 'sorority' was coined specifically for Gamma Phi Beta in 1882 and has served as a pillar of true sisterhood for its members since that time. Now, more than 135 years later, we continue to celebrate the vision and dedication of our four founders – and all who have come since then – who have built Gamma Phi Beta Sorority into one of the largest and most well-respected sororities in the world. Gamma Phi Beta Sorority is a corporation organized to develop the highest type of womanhood through education, social life and service to country and humanity.
Colors: Brown and Mode
Flower: Carnation
Open Motto: Founded on a Rock
Symbol: Crescent Moon
Famous Gamma Phi Betas:
Kristin Chenoweth
Susan Howard
Heather McDonald
Kellie O’'Hara
Cloris Leachman
Involved Gamma Phi Betas:
Carol C. Fox
Lisa Barkett
Our Beta Alpha chapter, here at the beautiful University of Southern California, was established in 1938 and, ever since, has committed to educating young women in the four core values of love, labor, learning, and loyalty. Beta Alpha alumnae have continued to stay involved in the Gamma Phi Beta community, serving as regional coordinators and even International Presidents.
Our wonderful home, located at 737 W 28th Street, is always open to any Gamma Phi at any time! The early-20th century brick building houses about 60 of our sisters and sports such amenities as a sun-bathing deck, work out facility, two television rooms, and an expansive front lawn, perfect for laying out or a pick-up game of volleyball! In fitting with Gamma Phi’s emphasis on academics, we have a 24-hour quiet-zone Scholarship room for girls to concentrate on their studies. But, above all, the house is always packed with a friendly face! Sisters are welcome to enjoy any of the three delicious meals a day at the house, prepared by our two wonderful chefs. A highlight is definitely Friday Brunch bar, with personalized Omelette Bar! Our incredible home is truly that: a home away from home for each of our sisters, always warm and inviting!
In addition to our dedication to leadership and scholarship, Gamma Phis honor our commitment to philanthropy and community service, both within the USC community and across the country through our International philanthropy, Camping for Girls. Our philanthropic activities aim to provide experiences and resources that build spiritual, mental and social resiliency in girls. Gamma Phi Beta supports Camping for Girls because of its dedication to embracing diversity and commitment to local community involvement, womens issues, and environmental appreciation.
Our Beta Alpha chapter has embraced the local philosophy with our involvement in USCs Troy Camp. This organization works with children in the surrounding area to improve confidence and work as leaders and mentors through camping programs. Our philanthropic efforts throughout the year benefit this cause, as well as many others.
Crescent Classic
Our annual Crescent Classic handball tournament merges community service and contest, as all of the fraternities compete to win great prizes such as comedy club tickets, Lakers tickets, and other awesome gifts. Every Gamma Phi is a team captain for a different fraternity and it is a great way to get acquainted with the boys while also raising money for a great cause! The tournament takes place right on our spacious front lawn, with delicious food and drinks provided. By combining fun and service, Crescent Classic brings us together as a Greek system and helps benefit the community in the process!
French Toast Feast
Always a highly anticipated event, Gamma Phis French Toast Feast is a late-night breakfast festivity! On a busy night out, we set up an enormous grill on our front lawn and invite any passers-by to enjoy delicious French Toast and other breakfast foods until the early hours of the morning. The Gamma Phis are committed to doing as many fundraisers as we can each year and the Greek community looks forward to this fun-filled event!
Have a Heart
To make a difference in the community close to home, Gamma Phi also hosts our Have a Heart dinner in the spring. This event is especially meaningful to us because we as a chapter vote on a cause that directly impacts one of our sisters. The past few years, we have donated to the UCLA Brian Cancer Society and the Bonnie J. Adario Lung Cancer Foundation, realizing our abilitiy to make a difference within our sisterhood.
Fraternity Philanthropies
Whether its volleyball, soccer, or lazertag, Gamma Phis go all out to help support the other fundraisers to serve the greater community. Often placing within the top three teams, we know how important it is to have good showing and collaborate with the other chapters on their philanthropic efforts.
Perhaps the most gratifying part of being a Gamma Phi Beta at USC is the lifelong bond of sisterhood. Girls with different backgrounds and from all over the world feel so blessed to be able to come together under one roof. Sisterhood at Gamma Phi Beta shows us that we have friends who are always there to support us no matter what.
Crescent Sisters
After receiving a bid from Gamma Phi, each new member is given a Crescent Sister, who helps the new member become acquainted with Greek life and everything that it has to offer. Crescent Sisters are a great way for new members to get to know older girls in the house!
Bigs/Littles
Once the new members have gotten to know everyone better, each "Big Sis" is revealed after an exciting week of clues and surprises. Not only does each "Big Sis" serve as a resource for anything that the new member might need to know, but also as a friend to study with, go out with, or grab a meal with!
Presents
Throughout the year, we plan many Sisterhood Events, but one of the most anticipated events for our new members is Presents, which occurs during Parents' Weekend. The ceremony, held on our front lawn, is accompanied with a delicious brunch and a tour of our beautiful home for the parents. Presents is a wonderful opportunity for our new members to show their parents what it means to be a Gamma Phi and what they have been doing since their arrival at USC.
Sisterhood Retreat
Our biannual Sisterhood Retreat is one of the most exciting events for our entire house. This year, we went on a hike in Griffith Park and a scavenger hunt around Los Angeles. It's always fun to learn more about our sisters while having a great time!
Whether we're hiking to the Hollywood sign, following the USC football team to the Bay Area for the "Weekender," or having movie nights at our house, we all know that the bond of sisterhood is one of the most important and beloved aspects of being a Gamma Phi Beta.
Invites
Each year, Gamma Phi Beta hosts four invites where sisters can invite a date of their choice for a night of dressing up, dancing, and just having fun! Always at an off-campus venue, these nights offer great opportunities to let loose with your sisters while at one of the many amazing locations Los Angeles has to offer! Our Crescent Ball Formal in the Fall and Luau-themed Invite in the Spring are just two of these events that occur throughout the year.
Fall and Spring Invites
For the first Invite of each semester, we let the entire chapter vote on their favorite costume theme and the girls get to go all-out! Past theme highlights have included Tutus and Tattoos, Gamma Gatsby, Dynamic Duos, and Way Back When.
Crescent Ball
Our annual Winter formal is a special event that allows all of the Gamma Phis to conclude the semester with a classy celebration. This elegant evening is truly a night to remember!
Luau
In true Californian fashion, our beach-themed invite that celebrates the end of the year is also a farewell to our seniors. Usually held at a venue on the water, Luau is a time-honored tradition that is a highlight of the year!
Homecoming
USC Homecoming is a week of fun-filled events, contests and celebrating being a Trojan! Each year, Gamma Phi pairs up with a fraternity to compete in float decorating, cheer together during the game, and have an exchange to top it all off! With tailgating on McCarthy quad, lawn decorating competitions, and cheering on the Trojans to victory, we get to bond with another house while showing our Trojan pride!
Exchanges
Gamma Phi also coordinates two exchanges each semester with many different fraternities. For these events, the social chairs of each house work together to plan everything from the venue to theme to the DJ. Exchanges allow us to meet and mingle with fraternity men as an entire house; not to mention, we get to spend time with our sisters in a fun atmosphere!
Monday Night Dinner
Every Monday, our members come to the chapter house for a delicious semi-formal dinner. It is a great way to start off the week by coming by the house and feeling included in not just Gamma Phi, but in the Greek system as a whole! An especially fun aspect is the deliveries system, where girls send and receive small gifts to and from various fraternity houses. Hand delivered by the fraternity pledge class, these gifts add a little excitement to Monday Night Dinner! Following the meal, we gather together for our Chapter rituals to remind ourselves of our dedication to our values and strengthen our bond as Gamma Phi Betas.
Parents Club
One amazing part of our chapter is our dedicated Gamma Phi Beta Parents organization that allows the parents to contribute and be involved in the activities of the chapter. From handmade gifts to help during Recruitment, it is wonderful to have a touch of parental connection present in our home away from home. One greatly anticipated activity is the annual holiday house decorating party, where parents work to fill the house with trees, garlands, and lights for some Holiday cheer right before Finals week.
Our Involvement
Beta Alpha Accomplishements
USC Involvement
True to our mission and vision, Gamma Phi Beta involvement extends beyond the Beta Alpha chapter to various organizations and clubs. We are scholars, athletes, dancers, journalists, artists, philanthropists--We are leaders within the Greek System, our university, and our community.
For the past four years Gamma Phi Beta has won the Campus Involvement Award from the USC Panhellenic council; demonstrating how Gamma Phi’s are some of the most talented and well rounded girls in the greek system.
In addition to the entire chapters recognition as most involved sorority in 2010, we also had two of our outstanding sisters awarded the high honor of being members of USC's exclusive Order of the Torch society. Furthermore, Blessing Waung was named 2010's Miss USC, the ultimate recognition for being an outstanding member and true leader in the Trojan family for the past several years!
Beta Alpha’ 2010 Accomplishments
Greek Awards
The Beta Alpha chapter of Gamma Phi Beta was greatly honored once again at the 2011 USC Greek Awards. This year, Gamma Phi was proud to take home 3 awards: the Diversity Programming Award, the James Dennis Membership Development Award, and the President's Cup for Chapter Excellence!
The Diversity Programming Award honored the diversity and strength of our sisterhood and recognized our ability to still come together as a unified chapter.
The Membership Development award honored our attention to individual membership within the chapter, helped by programs unique to Gamma Phi Beta such as PACE (Personal and Chapter Enrichment) that we engage in every other week after Monday Night Dinner.
Lastly and most importantly, we were thrilled to be awarded the President's Cup for Chapter Excellence for the 3rd time in the past five years! We are only eligible to win this award every other year, so we have won each time we have been eligible since 2007. This is an immense honor that recognizes our excellence as a chapter in every aspect of its organization over the past year. We are so proud of all our sisters and our Executive Board for working so tirelessly to help us win this amazing award.
Other Greek Awards:
-Overall Scholarship Award
-Outstanding Freshman Scholarship Award
-Panhellnic Interfraternal Spirit Award
-Campus Involvement Award
-Helen of Troy Award -awarded for the fifth year in a row
-Continued Alumni Leadership Award -awarded to Dr. Rossir of USC Rossier School of Education, and USC Gamma Phi Beta Alum
-Oustanding Parent Leadership Award -awarded to Patty Schned
-Outstanding Chapter Advisement -awarded to our chapter advisor, Marianna Kolonelos-Wright
-"Seniors Who Made a Difference" -Blessing Waung -Emily Carsch -Samantha Foley
-Certificate for Outstanding Fund-Raising
-Certificate for Outstanding New Member Programming
-Certificate for Outstanding Membership Development
USC
-3rd Place - Songfest (partner: Kappa Sigma)
-1st Place (lawn decorations) - USC vs. Stanford Homecoming (partner: Alpha Tao Omega)
Fraternity Philanthropy Awards
-2010: 2nd Place Sigma Nu Hockey
-2009: Zeta Beta Tau "Jungle Ball"
Tau Kappa Epsilon "Gladiators"
-2008: Kappa Sigma "Rodeo Days
-Beta Theta Pi "Beta Beach"
-Theta Chi 'Wet and Wild"
Scholarship Spring 2010
-71 girls earned a 3.5 or higher!
-121 girls earned a 3.0 or higher
Gamma Phis are Involved In...
Athletics
-Triathlon Team
-USC Cheer and Stunt Team
-USC Club Soccer
-USC Club Volleyball
-USC Competition Cheerleading
-USC Marathon Team
-USC Womens Varsity Track Team
-USC Womens Varsity Crew Team
Academics
-Alpha Lambda Delta
-Associated Trustee & Presidential Scholars
-Baccalaureate/MD Program
-Order of Omega
-USC Helenes
-Alpha Epsilon Delta
-Pre-Med Fraternity
- Rho Lambda
-Los Angeles Community Impact
Philanthropic Organizations/Awareness
-American Medical Student Association
-Global Medical Brigade
-Swim with Mike
-Joint Educational Project (JEP)
-Women and Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE)
-Best Buddies
-Annenberg Ambassadors
-Annenberg School for Communication Association (ASCA)
-Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS)
-Association for Integrated Marketing
-Fashion Industry Association
-Latino Business Student Association (LBSA)
-Marshall Student Ambassadors
-USC Troy Camp
-The Daily Trojan
-Trojan Vision (USC TV8)
-Undergraduate Student Government
-USC Orientation Advisor
-USC Tour Guide
-USC Entrepreneur Club
Beliefs and Values
-Campus Crusade for Christ
-Greek Life
-Jewish Student Leadership
-USC Catholic Center
Performing Arts
-Break Through Hip Hop Team
-Troy Tones
-USC Repertory Dance Company
Welcome to Gamma Phi Beta!
The fall semester is fast approaching and we cannot wait to see many new faces. Recruitment is a wonderful time for us. It allows us to bond as a house and to meet the wonderful girls that are interested in becoming Greek. Greek life is such a prevalent aspect of life at the University of Southern California and we encourage you to participate in the exciting and rewarding experience of recruitment. We can't wait to welcome you into our house this Fall 2011! Thank you for visiting our site and we hope it gives you more of an understanding of our amazing sisterhood here at USC!
The 2011 Vice President of Membership is Jordan Tse, and the Head of Recruitment is Sara Chronert.
For more information and to register for recruitment, please visit: http://uscpanhellenic.com/home
Please send recommendation letters to:
Jan Moore
Gamma Phi Beta
2526 Allanjay Place
Glendale, CA 91208
Beta Alpha Alumnae
Alumnae News
Carnation Chatter
The Beta Alpha chapter of Gamma Phi Beta is so grateful for all of our alumnae support. We are so lucky to have strong alumnae chapters in the Southern California area and many dedicated alumnae throughout the country that are able provide the sisterhood with mentorship, wisdom, and support.
We are in the process of planning many exciting alumnae events for next semester! Alumnae, get ready for football tailgates, holiday parties, and afternoon luncheons and feel free to stop by anytime to visit the house or join us for Monday Night Dinner.
Please email our Alumnae Relations Chairs BetaAlphaAlumRelations_gmail.com if you would be interested in attending or planning any events.
Notable Beta Alpha Alumnae
Linda Lyon Malony - current Gamma Phi Beta International president
L'Cena Rice – past president of the USC Alumni Association, past Gamma Phi Beta International President (two terms)
Carol Fox - Past president of USC Town and Gown, past president of USC Rossier School of Education Alumni Association, current president of the USC Alumni Association
Lisa Barkett - President elect of the USC Alumni Association
Heather McDonald - writer and producer of Chelsea Lately, cowriter of White Chicks, TV actress, writer for US Weeklys Fashion Police
Elizabeth Pitcairn - Famous concert violinist, whom plays the famous violin which the Academy Award winning film, The Red Violin was based.
BETA ALPHA SISTERS TO THE RESCUE!
In June, 2010, I sent a letter to all known Beta Alpha alumnae requesting financial assistance and donations to update our aging electrical system and refurbish our cherished chapter house. Theresponse was overwhelming! Fifty-six sisters reached into their hearts and checkbooks to help us reach our goals. Twenty-four of those sisters donated $1,000 or more and their names have been memorialized on a plaque which is displayed at the house.
As a result of our sisters generosity, we were able to replace all carpeting throughout the house and purchase decorative items to transform the house into a home. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Janice Maxson and her husband, Peter, our home now boasts stunning art work. Former chapter president Alcy Grimes and husband, Michael, softened the lines of our livingrooms, TV rooms and foyer with their donation of beautiful live trees and plants. And ourchapter presidents bedroom and bathroom is decorated in a timeless Cape Cod style for all future presidents to enjoy.
On Sunday, March 6, 2011, some of the donors enjoyed coffee, dessert and a tour of the house.
They also enjoyed the video used in last years recruitment showcasing our current terrific collegiate members. Tess Atkinson, our chapter president, welcomed our donors and updated them on the amazing scholastic and leadership accomplishments of the current sisters.
In alphabetical order, the donors to the 2010 Beta Alpha Building Campaign Fund were:
Dee J. Atkinson, Carolyn E. Auburn, Sheryl Barnum*, Judith Cannavo-McKeever *, Darlene A.
Kelly-Cederstrand, Patricia Chamberlain*, Kathryn E. Chapmann, Raquel J. Cook, Alison E.
Corby*, Colleen M. Cramsie, Susan Grupe de Polo, Lisa S. Denlea, Paula Bonadelle DeYoung*,
Meredith L. Ditlow, Shirley D. Flanagan, Bonnie K. Fuscoe, Nancy K. Galdi*, Kirsten Andersen
Greer, Rilla C. Griffin*, Alcy Grimes (Mr. Plant)*, Wendy W. Harder, Patti B. Healy*, Kathie Mullikin Johnson, Janis L. Jones, Sharon Klass, Mary A. Lae, Janice R. Lang, Susan B. Lawson, Delphine Lee*, Dolores T. Legge, Sarah H. Lewis*, Kristin N. Lucas, Katherine Thorne Maiberger, Rosalie Mandala*, Janice Maxson (Peter's Custom Picture Framing Gallery)*, Irene L. McCarley, Kimberly D. Miller*, Lynn G. Miller*, Laura Monaghan, Janet R. Poteete, Joanne Gladden Reese, L'Cena Rice*, Jeanne P. Richter, Victoria M. Russell, Susan M. Sleep*, Elizabeth Spencer-Smith, Kelly Loy Springer, Joyce Canavan Stewart*, Susan Benjamin Stone, Sandra Delahooke Stothers, Deborah A. Thomsen, Dorothy Ann Tubbesing*, Elizabeth Ann Tulloch*, Devonne M. Villafuerte*, Sharon K. Nugent-Wallace*, Janis F. Zaharis*, Christine A. Zeppos, South Orange County Alumnae of Gamma Phi Beta (In Honor of Irene Bergum Donoghue)*, Teddi Tindall [* Indicates a donation of $1,000 or more.]
To all of you, we are forever grateful!
Judith Cannavo-McKeever
President, House Corporation Board
The Carnation Chatter is a quarterly newsletter published by the chapter. It contains updates, notifications, and fun stories that allow sisters of every age to stay connected from around the world.
Carnation Chatter.pdf
Jetsetters
Pinnings
Invites/Exchanges
Fight On
Out On the Town
Philanthropy
Sisterhood
