Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Gamma Chapter started in a manner similar to that of Alpha Chapter, from the encouragement of two members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. In May 1969, Jerry Scott and John Scott invited ladies at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. to a meeting at which Sorors Marie Clifton and Ione Gibson presented the history, goals, ideals and interest of the sorority.
Historical Journey
A membership intake process began during the summer of 1969. The result was 10 women became the charter members of Phi Gamma Chapter on Sept. 15, 1969 at the home of Soror Ione Gibson.
The charter members are: Thomisa Allen, Eleanor Bentley Eaton, Janice McCrae, Joyce Melton Fair, Beryllin Pride Gamby, Mary D. Jarriel, Lenora White, Denise Childers, Geraldine Shepard and Enid Childers
On Nov. 2, 1969, Soror Ione Gibson and other members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. visited Michigan State University. This was the day when the sorority was welcomed on campus at a reception held at the student union by the Panhellenic Council.
Phi Gamma Chapter is the oldest undergraduate chapter in Michigan. In 2019, we celebrated our 50th charter day. We continue to uphold Zeta’s principles as we grow in numbers. We strive to emphasize the importance of education and community service.
Community Involvement
Our goal as a chapter on this campus is to meet the needs of our local and global community. At the time of this writing, we served the Greater Lansing area through Advent House Ministries, annual baby showers for expectant mothers in need and our first annual centennial clothing drive. Since 2019, we have raised over 200 cases of water for Flint, Mich., which has been grappling with unsafe drinking water for the last six years.
State Recognition
This history was assembled during the Sorority's centennial year in 2020. We are so proud that Phi Gamma's Immediate Past Basileus Micah Reed, the second soror in the photo at right (upswept hair), was the 2018-2019 Michigan State Organization Undergraduate Member-At-Large. An additional honor was having our graduate advisor, Angela Philmore, of Theta Rho Zeta Chapter in Lansing, serve as the 13th Michigan State Director, from 2018-2020.
Note: This is part of the Michigan State Organization’s online series "The MSO Great History Countdown! Our Centennial Journey to State Meeting" to leave a lasting gift to the state in honor of Zeta’s 100th anniversary. Histories from every graduate and undergraduate chapter in Michigan is being published in the month of September 2020 in the days leading up to the centennial state meeting. The project was approved under State Director Lynese Thomas’ administration, and overseen by MSO Epistoleus Earlene McMichael in partnership with MSO Historian Trudy Hale and Great Lakes Region Historian Norma Dartis.
