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 Early History of Phi Gamma Nu
-- Sylvia Pekar Arnold, Honorary Founder; Written in 1948
Phi Gamma Nu Fraternity may be viewed as a huge tapestry. Now, after a quarter of a century, looking at its beauty, we see woven into it the work of not one individual or the work of a few individuals but rather it is a composite tapestry on which many are working. Each chapter weaving its own pattern. The founders planned the background but the chapters have enriched it with their own contributions. We have chapters from the east to the west, we have members of different religious faiths, different political beliefs and yet each pattern reflects the ideals of Phi Gamma Nu. Just as shells picked at the seashore, they may be different in shape and size and yet in each there is the same sound of the ocean wave.
At a time such as this, we should think of those who have helped us when the background was taking shape. So let us go to the beginning. The opening scene can be the office of E. Coulter Davies, Assistant Dean of the School of Commerce, at Northwestern University . The founders of Phi Gamma Nu had petitioned the Faculty for permission to organize a Fraternity. I was waiting for the decision. Dean Davies smiled and gave me the following letter:
Phi Gamma Nu was a recognized Fraternity. It took a while to realize that. Dean Davies then generously offered to help us. Needless to say, we took him literally, not only did we ask for his help many time, but also the help of Mrs. Davies, who later became one of our Honorary members.
Northwestern University was growing and needed another campus. There was a drive for funds. Each Fraternity was asked to form a team. I was appointed captain of the Phi Gamma Nu team. This was an opportunity for us to prove to the student body that we were deserving of the recognition granted us by the Faculty. It was exciting. I can still see Helen Vogel Purcell sitting at the piano during the rallies playing "Go You Northwestern." I am sure Helen will never forget that song. The drive was over, Phi Gamma Nu won. Our strength for service was proven.
All this time the tapestry was being woven. The background was taking a more definite form. The idea of a National Fraternity was being born. New threads were needed. It was imperative that we establish a permanent background, one which would inspire the members who followed in our footsteps. Mr. Ogilive with his experience in Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity was able to give us many suggestions. He helped us formulate a national policy and helped us define our purpose.
Our tapestry was ready for our first patternBeta chapter at Boston University . How fortunate for Phi Gamma Nu, Mrs. Lord, wife of Dean Lord of Boston University , was in Chicago attending a convention. She became our Honorary member and then, when she returned to Boston , installed Beta Chapter.
Another pattern was starting. Gamma, at the University of Denver. I shall never forget that daymy first installation of a chapter of Phi Gamma Nu.
On the way home form Denver , I stopped at Iowa City where I met Helen Moody and Frances Schrampfer. I wonder if they ever think of that luncheon we had. New threadsthe beginning of another pattern. Soon I returned to install Delta chapter at the University of Iowa.
How rapidly the tapestry was growing another pattern, Epsilon chapter at Temple University . This time, Isabel Marcotte Stollsdorf and I had the privilege of installing the chapter. I remember Isabel remarking that the Epsilon members were just like our Alpha members. Yes, that was true. However, it was true of the members in all the chapters of Phi Gamma Nu. Our members were leaders in their schools, they were enthusiastic workers who accepted their responsibilities conscientiously. Each group was weaving its own pattern and yet each pattern, because the basic idea was the same, seemed intertwined with the others.
To assure the continued existence and growth of our Fraternity, we needed a national constitution and by-laws. Here again, we were fortunate. I recall many afternoons spent in the Chicago office of Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity asking "Gig" Wright questions. His vast knowledge of fraternity problems, his willingness to let us share the results of the experience, I am sure, prevented Phi Gamma Nu from making many mistakes.
Now was the time to view the tapestry as a whole. The First Grand Chapter Congress, the time to make suggestions, offer constructive criticism, the time to become acquainted with our new members in Phi Gamma Nu and the time to develop sincere and lasting friendships. Isabel Marcotte Stollsdorf was the chairman until the election of the First Supreme Council. The results of that elections was as follows: Sylvia Pekar Arnold was Grand President; Audrey Whitaker was Grand Vice President; Frances Schrampfer was Grand Secretary; Marjorie Smith was Grand Auditor; and Helen Vogel Purcell was Grand Justice. What a privilege and honor it was for me to be the presiding officer of that Council.
The delegates and officers left the convention inspired. There was so much accomplished during the next two years, our central organization was strengthened, the magazine was published, a system of keeping our national accounts was installed, a membership file was started, plans for Life Membership in the Fraternity were worked out, etc. All this in addition to installing three active chapters and one Alumni Chapter.
During a conference with Dean Davies, he told me that Miss Leslie, Secretary of the School of Commerce, and Mr. A. Ogilvie, the Faculty Student Advisor, would be glad to help us with our problems. We certainly did not overlook that suggestion. Miss Leslie was and still is an inspiration to all of us. We are proud to have her as an Honorary Member.
The first chapter installed after the convention was Zeta at Detroit University. Helen Vogel Purcell and I had the pleasure of installing that large group of typical Phi Gamma Nu members.
Eta chapter at DePaul University was installed next. Helen and I had the help of Alpha members with that installation.
The last chapter I installed wasTheta at the University of Wyoming. There were about ten students from Denver to assist Audrey Whitaker and me during the installation. The ceremony was beautiful, as are all of our ceremonies, and the trip back to Denver in Orda's car somehow made it perfect.
The memories are coming back in a throng. I wish I were not set a limit on the words I am to write. I'd like to tell about the charter members of the chapters which it was my privilege to installtell you of the work of each one individually. They were such a wonderful group of members, enthusiastic, forgetting self in their desire to see our Fraternity carry out its ideals, realizing that each one reflected on all the others.
Today as we look over the tapestry we can be justly proud of Phi Gamma Nu. Our past history should be a source of gratification to all of us. We have weathered a depression and a world war. Our tapestry reflects the splendid character of leadership which directed our organization and the perseverance, the devotion and loyalty of every member.
To me was given for a brief time, the opportunity of serving Phi Gamma Nu. To each one of you is given that same opportunity. May you accept it as a glorious privilege and a profound duty.
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