Gamma Beta Phi Society

Gamma Beta Phi Information

The GAMMA BETA PHI Society is an honor and service organization for students in colleges and universities in the United States. It is non-secret, non-profit, and co-educational; and membership therein does not exclude a student from membership in any other organization.

Gamma is the initial letter of the Greek word meaning education; Beta is the initial letter of the word meaning life; Phi is the initial letter of the word for friendship. Thus the three letters designating the name of the organization signify that education and friendship constitute the basis of a full and happy life.
The motto of GAMMA BETA PHI is "Progress per Erudition"; its watchwords are "Scholarship," "Service," and "Character," and its colors are "Gold" and "Ebony."

ITS INSTITUTION

GAMMA BETA PHI was incorporated on March 22, 1964, by a group of college educators. It was chartered as an eleemosynary-educational organization under the laws of South Carolina on April 27, 1964. It was granted complete tax-exempt status by the U.S. Treasury on May 5, 1966. Dr. John Harris, founder of the BETA CLUB, served as GAMMA BETA PHI's Executive Secretary from 1964 to 1974. Dr. Aaron Todd, professor of chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University, led the organization from 1974 to 1985. In the spring of 1985, the National Senate elected Mr. W.R. McCauley to complete the remaining term of Dr. Aaron Todd's office when family health problems dictated that Dr. Todd relinquish his position as National Secretary-Treasurer. Mr. McCauley served the Society from 1985 to July 31, 1989, and Mrs. Mary Alice Parrish served the Society from August 1, 1989, to July 31, 1993. Mrs. Margaret C. McCauley was elected National Executive Director in the fall of 1984, and again in 1992, and continues in this leadership position. At the 1994 NEC Summer Meeting, Mr. Jim D. McNutt was hired as the National Business Manager. The Society's Headquarters Office is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

ITS OBJECTIVES

The objectives of THE GAMMA BETA PHI SOCIETY as stated in its Constitution are to recognize and encourage excellence in education, to promote the development of leadership ability and character in its members, and to foster, disseminate, and improve education through appropriate service projects. Each chapter implements these objectives by procedures consonant with the local situation and in cooperation with the faculty and administration.

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Students invited into membership in THE GAMMA BETA PHI SOCIETY must be committed to excellence in education, to good character, and to service. The student must be enrolled in a program leading to an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree, must have completed at least twelve credit hours of college work and have a scholastic ranking within the top 20% of his/her class. (At local option this may be raised as high as 10%.) Graduate students must have completed at least twelve credit hours of graduate work. Any additional qualifications for membership imposed by the local chapter must be approved by the National Senate.
The Constitution specifies that induction ceremonies will be dignified.

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Recognition and publicity are primary benefits of membership in any honor society. GAMMA BETA PHI is not just an honor society, and hence members enjoy, as well, the satisfaction of active participation in meaningful service projects and camaraderie with other honor students.
Tangible benefits of membership include a first-class certificate of membership, two decals, and a copy of the Constitution. Upon notification from the chapter, graduates in good standing in the chapter receive a small, beautiful seal to affix to their diploma. Copies of the GAMBET are sent to the chapters for distribution to the members at meetings.
Membership is completely transferable (without any further national fee) to any other college or university where a chapter exists. All members are invited to both State and National Conventions each year. We also have an active Alumni Association. Jewelry, t-shirts, pennants, etc., are available to all members at the wholesale, bulk cost, plus shipping costs.
GAMMA BETA PHI is a growing, active, first-class organization. We have built a national reputation, and you can be justly proud of membership.

GOVERNMENT

GAMMA BETA PHI is a self-governing organization. Each Chapter sends delegates to the annual State and National Conventions. The National Senate, made up of an Advisor and a student from each chapter, is the legal and controlling agency of the organization. Within the circumference of national policy, each chapter of the Society institutes its own local Bylaws governing matters of operational procedures, regulations, and membership qualifications.