[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 85 (Monday, June 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GAMMA PHI BETA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JENNIFER DUNN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2002

  Ms. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to acknowledge the important work 
that is performed by our nation's oldest sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, as 
it celebrates 128 years of service. It was my pleasure to serve in this 
leadership institution that prepares young women for service to the 
community.
  The Gamma Phi Beta mission is simple, yet effective: ``To foster a 
nurturing environment that provides women the opportunity to achieve 
their potential through life-long commitment to intellectual growth, 
individual worth and service to humanity.'' My involvement with this 
sorority provided all three of these objectives and I was lucky to have 
such a valuable experience.
  When Gamma Phi Beta was founded in 1874, very few women were 
attending the handful of our nation's universities that would accept 
them. Four bold women at Syracuse University in New York formed the 
first Greek organization for women, which now boasts a membership of 
over 120,000 women worldwide. In fact, the term ``sorority'' was coined 
in reference to this chapter. Gamma Phi Beta is known as one of the ten 
oldest women's organizations in America. Gamma Phi Beta has been a 
vital force in lifting women from roles of subservience in our nation's 
educational system to positions of leadership. Their commitment to 
helping young women strive for excellence in all aspects of life has 
helped generations of American women reach their full potential.
  I am proud to be a lifelong member of such an important group of 
women and I congratulate all members of Gamma Phi Beta as they host 
their 2002 biennial convention, ``History in the Making,'' in 
Washington, D.C. I commend the work of Gamma Phi Beta for celebrating 
the role of women worldwide and I wish them the best of luck as the 
organization continues to promote community service, leadership and 
self-reliance for all women.

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