TCU-PEDIA
The Texas Christian University Encyclopedia
The Texas Christian University Encyclopedia
In 2007, Texas Christian University had the opportunity to invite another sorority to join their Greek System. Linda Johnson, the president of Gamma Phi Beta international at the time, appealed to the University and succeeded in getting approval to establish a new Gamma Phi Beta chapter [5]. This sorority was originally founded in November 11, 1874 at Syracuse University in New York by Helen M. Dodge, Frances E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham [3].
Since being officially installed at the TCU campus on February 2nd of 2008 [2], the Gamma Phi Beta Zeta Chi chapter has embraced their mission of “Building Strong Girls” on a the local level by partnering with the Dallas/Fort Worth branch of the Girls on the Run organization. They’ve also hosted on-campus philanthropic events like “Moonball” and “Crescent Cakes” annually. In May 2016, TCU began renovating the Worth Hills area of campus, and by March of the following year, the Zeta Chi chapter moved out of their first home, Wiggins Hall where they had spent their first 9 years [2]. In August of 2017, 35 girls moved into the new Gamma Phi Beta house [3]. The new building includes unique details such as its pink doors and the Gamma Phi Beta crest embedded in the tile floor of the foyer. Gamma Phi Beta Zeta Chi recently celebrated their housing dedication and 10 year anniversary on Saturday, February 17, 2018 [3]. |
Gamma Phi Beta - Zeta Chi
ΓΦΒ
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WORTH HILLS
Between 1950 and 1954, President of TCU, Dr. Sadler, noticed a decline in enrollment numbers [4]. The University Administration and Board of Trustees believed this was due to the absence of Greek organizations on campus [4]. At the time, Texas Tech University and North Texas State enrollment numbers were rapidly climbing with the addition of |
OLD HOUSE
In 2008 Gamma Phi Beta moved into their home located in Mary Lipscomb Wiggins Hall. Previously, this building served as an all guys dorm [5]. This building had a small chapter room and kitchen that the sisters were able to use as they pleased [5]. It could house a total 32 girls, mainly on the upper floors and also included a miniature suite for the president and her roommate that was set up as a one-bedroom apartment [5]. Each recruitment class signed a pink crescent that lined the stairwell as a legacy for pledge classes to come [5]. Gamma Phi Beta has been on TCU’s campus for a short 10 years, and therefore only spent 9 years in Wiggins Hall before moving in May of 2017 [5]. NEW HOUSE Plans for renovation of the Texas Christian University Greek Housing at “Worth Hills” had been rumored since the Gamma Phis were first housed in the old Mary Lipscomb |
Before construction began, TCU assembled focus groups of chapter presidents from the different sororities and fraternities [5]. These groups headed the housing decisions by expressing what they most wanted in the new houses [5]. With the work of Dallas-based contractor The Beck Group and New York-based designer KSQ Design, the buildings house multiple chapters and mimic Greek architecture with round columns and wide porches [1]. Amenities provided in each facility include chapter meeting rooms, event spaces, full kitchens and dorm-style bedrooms [1]. In the Gamma Phi Beta House, which holds 35 women, the first floor serves as a chapter room and common area and also includes a full kitchen and a private conference room [5]. On the pink-painted back wall of this conference room, the original composite photo of the 100 charter members hangs [5]. The second and fourth floor consist mainly of bedrooms but also have study rooms, community bathrooms and a laundry room. The 3rd floor has 8 bedrooms specifically dedicated to the girls who hold positions on the Gamma Phi Beta executive board [5]. This floor includes a lounge area and a second full kitchen.
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The money raised allowed Maria to select upgrades such as crown molding, a tile backsplash in the kitchen, shelving around the TV, a unique foyer floor with the Gamma Phi Crest, and pink paint on the front door [5]. The interior details and decorating include some pieces from the former chapter room, new furniture, and smaller additions (such as canvas photos) chosen by Maria, Susanne, and the Gamma Phi girls [5].
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On Saturday, February 17, 2008, roughly 10 years after Zeta Chi’s establishment at TCU, a Housing Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at the chapter house [2]. The opening remarks were given by Mallory Curtice, a Zeta Chi alumna initiated in 2008, following the chapter’s first formal recruitment [2]. Curtice is currently the Affiliated Housing Corporation Board President [2]. In her speech, she thanked the groups whose donations made the house possible. These groups include the Woman from Greater Fort Worth Alumnae, Dallas Alumnae, Arlington Alumnae, the Gamma Phi Beta “Blue Mooners”, all Zeta Chi Sisters and Parent Groups [2]. These groups are also commemorated on the plaque within the house’s foyer [5]. At the conclusion of Curtice’s speech, the current Gamma Phi International President Annabel Jones and the Zeta Chi Chapter President Alana Finnerty cut a ribbon strung across the house’s front pillars to officially open the home [2].
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While the chapter was housed in Wiggins hall, each member of the newest recruitment class painted a personalized crescent moon which included their name and the year on the walls of the stairwell. This collection of crescents left a legacy to be known and appreciated by future sisters. A book that included images of some of these crescents and of the old house were also sold at the event.
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The Gamma Phi Beta chapter room was built as a large space to accompany many events. The main event that filters through this room are weekly chapter meetings. The furniture is cleared to the edges of the room and white chairs are lined in rows so that chapter can take place. Another major event that happens once a year is formal recruitment. The multiple rounds of recruitment are hosted within the house's usual chapter space [5]. The chapter room is also used for hosting family weekend brunch and smaller sisterhood events throughout the year.
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