Gamma Phi Beta. Theta Chapter (University of Denver)
Biography
University of Denver chpater founded 1897. The University of Denver is home to Theta chapter of Gamma Phi Beta. Theta began as the Alpha Iota sorority, but became the eighth chapter of Gamma Phi Beta when Lindsey Barbee, Grace Evans, Gertrude Holman, Edna Iliff, Louise Iliff, Lucia Pattison, Grace Mabel Sater, Florence Ethel Slocumb, Beulah Steele, Emma Arlene Stover, Julia Ethel Thomas, Mabel Walker, Edith Beatrice Wallace, Mary Wheeler, Lillian Winifred Willard, and Vassa Willard were all initiated into Gamma Phi Beta on December 28, 1897. Later, in 1913, Theta of Gamma Phi Beta became the first sorority in Colorado to establish a chapter house. In the early 1900s, theater performances helped the chapter raise money to support its philanthropic endeavors. Prominent Gamma Phi Betas from Theta chapter include Helen and Lindsey Barbee, Louise Wyatt, Grace Evans, and Edna and Louise Iliff. The International Headquarters is located only twenty minutes from the chapter house in Centennial, Colorado.
Biography
Gamma Phi Beta (Theta chapter) sorority established at DU in 1897.
Sources
“Sorority History Varied and Colorful,” The Denver Clarion, vol. 46, issue 1, September 10, 1941, pg. 3.
Found in 9 Collections and/or Records:
Box 1: Gamma Phi Beta Records, 1897-1991
In this series, box contains one matted chapter photo from 1900, one framed chapter photo from 1904 and a folder of assorted memorabilia items including photo postcards (1910 and undated), two play programs put on Gamma Phi Beta ("The Fifteenth of January," 1910 and "The Dream That Came True," 1912), and a handwritten chapter roll for 1907.
Box 1: Gamma Phi Beta Records, 1897-1991
In this series, box contains folder of press clippings about Gamma Phi Beta.
Box 1: Gamma Phi Beta Records, 1897 - 1991
In this series, box contains several chapter photos with members identified (1900 and 1904), a hand-written chapter roll (1907) and a several undated but more recent officer lists. Box also contains a 1989 scholarship booklet put together by member Connie Haag to help pledges with their college studies.
Gamma Phi Beta (Theta Chapter) Records
This collection contains the records of the Theta chapter of Gamma Phi Beta sorority at the University of Denver, established in 1897 and still active as of 2023.
The Denver Clarion, vol. 32, issue 9, 1955 October 25
Class Elections begin Friday, October 28, 1955 – Class candidates begin campaigns. Paul Whittlesey of Sigma Chi presents the Beanie Queen Trophy to Carolyn Alkire of Gamma Phi Beta, at the Sigma Chi Rodeo. Delta Gamma Sorority wins Sigma Chi Rodeo. Watch for the bald iggle. Van Dijk to visit campus on October 27, 1955. Sixty-five guys to grow beards. Men’s inter-dormitory council elects new officers to serve during the 1955-1956 school year.
The Denver Clarion, vol. 32, issue 43, 1956 April 13
Campus Scene Buzzing – What People are Saying on Campus. Al Galante and his violin is leading the old Dick Jurgen’s band and will play for the 1956 May Days Dance. 1956 May Day Schedule is announced by Committee. Alpha Kappa Psi and Gamma Phi Beta rehearsal for the May Days Twilight Sing. The Clarion Cutie – Anne Pennington (Clarion Cutie #18).
The Denver Clarion, vol. 36, issue 18, 1959 November 17
University Hikes Tuition, Housing Fees; Rates to Be Effective Next Fall Quarter – First Increase in Four Years Necessary to Raise Salaries, Meet Higher Operating Cost. Phi Kappa Sigma Takes 1959 Over-all Trophy; Gamma Phi and Beta Win Runners-up Titles.
The Denver Clarion, vol. 36, issue 49, 1960 May 3
A.U.S.A. Elections Today – Student to Select 1960-61 DU Student Body Offers. May Days to Open May 5. Mayfair to Open Thursday Evening in DU Field House. Senior Honoraries to Tap Students at Twilight Sing. Lambda Chi Alpha Push Cart Races to be Held May 6. Gamma Phi Places First in Annual Speech Tournament. May 7, Date for May Days Prom.
The Denver Clarion, vol. 37, issue 53, 1961 May 9
Re-Elections Today – UP Students Will Vote for Six Senators. Gamma Phi Beta – Phi Kappa Sigma Win Overall May Days Trophy. Chapel Services Schedule Student Choral Readings. Phi Delta Kappa Presents Moore Key for Research. DU Speech Team Vies for Honors in Annual Contest.