about us
History

On March 22, 1964, a group of college educators began the Gamma Beta Phi Society. The society grew out of the high school Beta club organization. Dr. John Harris, Beta Club founder, served as Gamma Beta Phi's Executive Secretary. After its chartering, 62 chapters were formed over the next five years in twelve southern states. Over the years, The Gamma Beta Phi Society has emerged as a vibrant, energetic, and well respected organization. In recent years, there has been an average of 8,000 members inducted annually throughout the many chapters.

Nature & Objectives

We are a non-secret, non-profit, and co-educational honor and service organization for students in colleges and universities in the U.S. The name of the organization is derived from the initial letter of the three Greek words for education, life, and friendship, and signify that education and friendship constitute the basis of a full and happy life. Our motto is Progressus per Eruditionum, "Progress through education," and our watchwords are Scholarship, Service, and Character.

Our three major objectives are
  • Recognizing and encouraging individual excellence in education
  • Promoting the development of leadership ability and character in its members
  • Dissemination and improvement of education through appropriate service projects
Benefits of Membership
  • A membership certificate, membership card, two decals, and a copy of the national constitution
  • Publicity and recognition of achievement
  • Membership is completely transferable to any college or university where a chapter exists or can be formed.
  • Satisfaction of active participation in meaningful service projects
  • Camaraderie with other honor students during projects and social events
  • Opportunities to improve leadership abilities at state, local, and national levels
  • Encouragement to stand for and grow in the virtues and ideals championed by Gamma Beta Phi
  • Opportunity to participate in the state and national conventions
  • An enhanced resume
  • A diploma seal from our national headquarters
  • An invitation to join the alumni association
  • Honor cords to wear at graduation