Gammy Bug
 

Breathesgelatin asked for a pic of the Gammy (or gammie?) Bug in the Alabama thread, which is now locked. (Did I miss something there? I am really confused on why that thread got locked.) I was about to reply, but since I cannot, I am starting a new thread. Since it's purely related to Gamma Phi this seemed like the best forum. Sorry if it's not!!

So, without further blather from me, here is the pic I snagged from a book (if it's against any policy to repost, someone please tell me and I'll pull it):

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...100_0912-1.jpg

I had a plastic tumbler with the Gammy Bug on it - I always liked it!

hee hee! Thanks for directing me here pbear. Gammie Bug is so cute!! :)

That's so funny! I never knew there was a visual representation of the Gammie Bug! During I week (chapter tradition, so I'm sure it's not GPB ritual I'm disclosing), each NM had a sister that was their personal "Gammie Bug" and gave them presents/treats each day and left inspirational/happy signs all over the house for them.
And I think the Bama thread got closed because we stopped talking about Bama recruitment. It went off on the Gamma/Gammies tangent...
Thanks for finding and posting the picture!

I've never seen a Gammie Bug until today - our chapter always substituted a ladybug. It's so cute - bring it back!!!

If the Gammy Bug does come back, she (he? surely she) needs to be on more than a plastic tumbler. Really, even if it is Café' Press, we need to make sure we market our little Bug and that paraphernalia is available.

I actually really like the Gammy Bug. ;) I think she's adorable, and I love the historical aspect. I think it'd be great for her to come back, but I'd be curious to see some survey on what the current collegians think.

That sounds like such a fun program! I wonder when it started, if the name was originally at all related to the former mascot.

As I recall, the prevailing sentiment at this last Convention was that most sisters didn't want to bring the Gammie Bug back - at least, that was the sentiment in the area I was sitting.

It is kind of cute; but, I think it may be a little too "unique" for a mascot. (It's a walking pledge pin with antennae!!)

If we did decide to come up with an official mascot, I would want something that would be unique, but still able to be purchased for decorations, gifts, etc. For example, a honey bee or a polar bear is different, but you can still get craft items with them on it.

.....Kelly :)

the gammy bug is so cute. my chapter uses a lady bug, but it would be nice to start seeing that little bug more often.
thanks for posting that picture :)

You know, I feel dumb, but I didn't realize Gamma Phi didn't have a national mascot. Duh.

are those girls in the picture pledge pins also or are they holding them?

Yes that is the prevailing opinion.

So is the general consensus no gammy bug, but a different mascot, or no mascot at all?

The discussion was only about the gammy bug.

. . . and it sounds like it was squished.

What do you think - does Gamma Phi need a mascot, or is our symbol enough?

I'm not a Gamma Phi or anything, but why do y'all need a mascot?! It makes you different. Personally, I really like your crescent moon...is that not a symbol/mascot? AOII has done fine without a crest for 111 years and the panda is only unofficial anyway!

No, we don't NEED one - but I wondered how others felt about it. Would they LIKE one?

:DJust adding weight to the anti- side of the issue! I'll butt out now!

It's interesting because there seems (maybe_ to be a national move toward adopting official mascots. ASA just adopted an official mascot at their convention this summer - "Dot," a ladybug. She's really cute!

I actually didn't realize Gamma Phi didn't have a national mascot before this - but I did realize ASA didn't before they selected Dot. As an outsider, I think it's nice to have a mascot for reasons of branding (more important) and so that licensees can make fun plushies and stuff with your mascot (less important - clearly!). In my mind, though, Gamma Phi was always strongly associated with the crescent, so it almost serves as both as a symbol and mascot. Although I don't know if they make crescent plushies. LOL. But I'm sure for other things - coffee mugs and such - the crescent serves just fine in the first place.

I guess I'm rambling at this point, but my main thought is that it's good to have a solid national image/symbol that everyone recognizes - and it seems to me that maybe the crescent already does that for Gamma Phi. In cases like ASA, where there isn't as much of a nationally associated symbol/mascot, adopting a mascot is probably a good strategy...

Just my .02.

^^^ the unified mascot thing has been tossed around for some time, but you're right, it's the crescent moon that serves as our primary symbol associated with the Gamma Phi Beta brand. It's kind of cool that each chapter can adopt it's own "mascot" or no mascot at all..it gives each chapter an opportunity to express its individuality much like AOII chapters can choose their own motto.

The Gammy bug? well personally I think it's cute but it's time has passed. I sort of like the idea of adopting your campus mascot as your chapter mascot. That makes a meaningful tie to your university and campus involvement and school spirit have always been part of the Gamma Phi story.

As for me...I love the crescent moon, shining in the sky...