Do You Have a Favorite Founder?

[sigmagirl2000]

Originally Posted by clemsongirl

My favorite founder is Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald, not only because she was the driving force behind the creation of the Adelphean Society but because she also is from the town directly south of my hometown in Rhode Island. The area and many things within it are named Tuckertown after her family. I didn't put the connection together until my mom explained it to me, but I think it brings me that much closer to my sorority since I've been in and around that area my whole life.

Here's the local fire department in that area:

That is SO cool!

[AOIILisa]

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

I have a favorite, probably the favorite of most AOIIs, Stella George Stern Perry. Stella gave AOII its heart. She wrote our ritual and served as the first Chapter President, first Grand President and Historian for life. She was personality plus. Almost all of the quotes we use from our founders come from her, and she was prolific.

I think many AOIIs understand that the only reason we have AOII is because of Stella. Stella was a jewish woman from New Orleans, LA. She was the only woman from the South in her class at Barnard and was apparently the life of the party. The founders were great friends, but only three were offered bids to another sorority on campus. Stella was not. The others turned down their bids and together decided to form their own fraternity to continue their friendships throughout their lifetimes. They were dear friends until their deaths. AOII gives out the Stella Perry Award yearly to the best collegiate president.

She went on to write many novels, mostly for children. I own about 10 of them, 2 signed by Stella. They are completely unreadable. LOL.

I agree, all our founders were outstanding, but Stella was the true "face" of AOII.

[misscherrypie]

I've always admired and respected what I've heard and read about Bettie Locke Hamilton.

Although she wasn't a founder, Lynn Terry is my absolute favorite 'notable' in Beta Sigma Phi History. She wrote quite a bit of our ritual and she was such a tireless force for and within the organization.

[pshsx1]

My favorite founder is definitely William Lazell Phillips (Uncle Billy).



He virtually dedicated his entire life to the Fraternity and Greek Life as a whole from the day he joined until the day he died. And then, he left his estate to SigEp. I have to think that when it comes to people who helped ensure the success of the entire American college fraternity system, he's one of the many giants.

His extensive work history from our website:

Editor of the Journal, 1904-1912, 1919-1921;
National Interfraternity Conference, founder, 1909;
Business manager of the Journal, 1904-1911, 1919-1942;
Member, Ritual Committee, 1907;
Editor of membership directories, 1915 and 1921;
Trustee of the Endowment Fund 1925-1939, 1944-1949;
Trustee of the national Headquarters, 1927-1942;
Trustee of the Student Loan Fund, 1930-1940;
Grand Secretary, 1908-1942;
Grand Secretary Emeritus, 1942-1956;
Grand Vice President, 1943;
Grand President, 1944;
Vice Chairman, 1929-1930;
Member, War Committee, 1942;
A founder and Chairman of College Fraternity Secretaries Association 1939-1940.

[ColdInCanada11]

My favourite founder is Georgia Alberta Dickover. While I admire all of our eleven founders, I am endlessly fascinated with our ritual and I know that she played an instrumental role in developing it. She also taught history and English, so the historian in me loves her as well!

[StealthMode]

I have two! I share a love of language with Soror Madree Penn White and the pursuit of a doctorate degree with Soror Eliza Pearl Shippen.

[jenidallas]

I love Mary A Bingham - she embodies so much that I aspire to.

“To receive graciously the fidelity and friendly counsel of the sisterhood, and to give the best of ourselves and talents, loyally and faithfully to Gamma Phi Beta, is the fulfillment of our pledge…” -Mary Bingham Willoughby, 1912

“The World Traveler,” Mary "Minnie" Alice Bingham Willoughby graduated from Syracuse with a degree in fine arts. In addition to numerous endeavors to Europe,Mary led an active life and loved outdoor activities like hiking, boating and swimming. In the winter she enjoyed ice skating, sleigh riding (with her own pony!) or reading indoors for hours on end.

Following graduation, Mary married Edward Willoughby and they resided in Utica, New York, with their two children, a girl and a boy. Mary and Helen Dodge remained very close throughout their lifetimes, and while all four Founders wrote to one another frequently, Mary and Helen are the only Founders to have such frequent face-to-face interactions, as they both lived in Utica.

It was Mary who envisioned a crescent for the badge and secured a rented room for Alpha Chapter’s first meetings. Mary also was the first to celebrate the earliest versions of Founders Day. The most coveted Sorority award is the Mary A. Bingham Award, presented each Convention to the chapter demonstrating excellence in all areas of collegiate chapter life.