Phi Beta and Phi Chapter History!

Phi Beta Fraternity

Phi Beta began in 1912 with three women at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Our three founders were Josephine Mack, Elsie Schultz and Gladys Burnside. These three women had a vision for a fraternity that united speech and music and that would strive to promote these arts through service.

In 1915, the fraternity was incorporated by the state of Illinois. The ideals of Phi Beta were evident on other college campuses, and in 1917 the Fraternity initiated its Beta chapter at the Chicago Conservatory. Soon there were chapters forming across the country.

In the beginning, the fraternity was exclusive to women studying one of the above mentioned arts. Over time, the fraternity has grown to embrace, love and foster the growth of all arts. In the years 1974-1975, each chapter voted on the matter of allowing both men and women admission to the fraternity. As a result of the vote, today Phi Beta consists of members of all races, ages, and genders.

Phi Chapter History

Phi Chapter was brought to Capital University's campus on March 29, 1932, by a woman named Maude Oches. Along with 13 other charter members, the chapter became the first national Greek letter organization on Capital's campus. The chapter experienced much growth in its early years, in part due to Capital's Conservatory of Music. Along with other chapters, Phi embraced members of all genders and races.

Phi has continued to grow, with many strong members, becoming one of the largest and most respected organizations at Capital. Our chapter has won awards from the university for our participation in greek events, specifically our service to the community. We have also been recognized by the national organization with the Gavel and Dionysus Awards, the highest awards any collegiate chapter of Phi Beta can receive. We were even featured in the Chapter Spotlight of phibeta.com! Today, Phi chapter allows anyone with a love and appreciation for the arts, a little bit of talent, and a whole lot of energy to join us in our efforts to continually promote the arts.

For fun, fast facts about Phi Chapter, visit our Facts Page!

Phi Chapter Pages

Phi Chapter Welcome
Phi Chapter Membership
Phi Beta Alumni
Phi Chapter Photo Albums
Phi Beta and Phi Chapter Links