Alpha Phi

Beta Gamma

University of Colorado

Mar 28th, 1924

Founding Date

The Beta Gamma chapter was established on March 28, 1924. Installation ceremonies for Beta Gamma were held at 1044 University Avenue, Boulder, Colorado from March 27-29. The Nebraska (Nu) chapter sent Ruth Small and Helen Palmer who managed details at the house. Place cards were ivy leaves with names written in white ink. Favors at the banquet included miniature scrolls tied with Silver and Bordeaux, upon which was printed Cora Stranahan Woodward’s toast to the Fraternity. Martha Hoag Clifford (Eta-Boston) acted as toastmistress, with Alpha Phi President Winifred Goodsmith Richardson Long (Beta-Northwestern) and Minnie Moulding Goodsmith (Beta-Northwestern), Mary Virginia Rice (Theta-Michigan), Anna Grace Wirt (Alpha-Syracuse) and Kathleen Lindley Evens (Gamma-DePauw) also speaking. Songs of the current members and earlier generations were shared, including “Ching-a-ling,” “Glory” and “Here We Are Again.” At the university reception, which was attended by President and Mrs. Norlin, Dean Bigelow and others, Mrs. Reeder of the University served as formal hostess. Mrs. Reeder, in particular, had been helpful in recommending members who might be interested in Alpha Phi and throughout the process of petitioning for a charter. Colorado area alumnae came out in force to welcome the new chapter.

VIEW DIGITAL MUSEUM

Chapter Information

• In the spring of 1936, Beta Gamma-Colorado celebrated the burning of its chapter house mortgage. In order to fund the project, the sisters established an Alpha Phi building association. The non-profit organization was able to host five hundred guests at the celebration with assistance provided by Alpha Phi fathers, husbands and alumnae.

• In order to support the war effort from home during World War II, Beta Gamma-Colorado sisters took defense courses like sharpshooting and map making.

• Susan Irvine Fitzgerald – International Executive Board

• Margaret Fucik – Foundation Board

• Edwynne Pendergrast Rosenbaum - Arizona House of Representatives

• Marjorie Hall Ross

• Nancy Sechrist Russell – International Executive Board

• Ruth Knight Vos – International President; NPC Delegate

• Mary Buchholz Winfrey – International Executive Board; NPC Delegate

• Marjorie Hall Ross - 1974 Ursa Major Award Winner

• Marguerite Sherman - 1974 Michaelanean Award Winner

• Mary Humphreys Wertz - 1974 Michaelanean Award Winner

• Carolyn Metzger Carder – 1976 Michaelanean Award Winner

• Verda Wilson Plietz - 1978 Michaelanean Award Winner