Beta Phi Sigma
| Beta Phi Sigma | |
|---|---|
| ΒΦΣ | |
 | |
| Founded | December 15, 1888 Buffalo School of Pharmacy |
| Type | Professional |
| Emphasis | Pharmacy |
| Colors | Blue White |
| Publication | The Adelphos |
| Chartered | Buffalo, NY |
| Chapters | 11 |
| Headquarters | Buffalo, New York USA |
Beta Phi Sigma (ΒΦΣ) refers to a Pharmacy Fraternity in the United States. Beta Phi Sigma stands for Buffalo Pharmacy School. The fraternity was founded in the office of Dr. Henry G. Bentz on the night of December 15, 1888.[1] Originally organized by the graduating classes of 1889, Beta Phi Sigma grew from one chapter, Alpha, at the University at Buffalo to eleven chapters before World War II. The induction of so many males into the military decimated the ranks of Pharmacy students so that by the end of World War II Beta Phi Sigma ceased to exist.[2] Beta Phi Sigma was the first Greek-letter fraternity at the University at Buffalo and the first Greek-letter Pharmaceutical fraternity in the United States.[3]
The first chapter, Alpha, was reorganized at the University at Buffalo Pharmacy School. This chapter grew until 1973 when again because of the influx of women to the profession, and small number of men pledging the fraternity Beta Phi Sigma was dissolved.
There is still an alumni chapter that holds a reunion every 10 years, the first being held in 1997.
Former Chapters[]
| Chapter | Greek Letter | Founded | Chapter School | Chapter City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | Α | 1889 | Buffalo School of Pharmacy | Buffalo, NY |
| Beta | Β | 1900-1914 (discontinued) | Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Gamma | Γ | 1911 | Philadelphia College of Pharmacy | Philadelphia, PA |
| Delta | Δ | 1919 | Tulane University | New Orleans, LA |
| Epsilon | Ε | 1923 | Iowa State University | Iowa City, IA |
| Zeta | Ζ | 1923 | Kansas State University | Lawrence, KS |
| Eta | Η | 1923 | Texas State University | Galveston, TX |
| Theta | Θ | 1923 | Baylor University | Dallas, TX |
| Iota | Ι | 1923 | Atlanta College of Pharmacy | Atlanta, GA |
| Kappa | Κ | 1924 | Wisconsin State University | Madison, WI |
| Lambda | Λ | August 11, 1924[4] | Loyola University | New Orleans, LA |
Song[]
Found in the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Apothecary archives, Beta Phi Sigma had the following song, set in B-flat major:
Join hands again and sing for Beta Phi
and pledge anew our vows so firm and high.
To stand for the right and to shun the wrong
forever in our hearts a song.
So now to thee oh Beta Phi we bring
our love and our most humble off-ring.
As we answer the call we'll be true one and all
to the vows we made to thee oh Beta Phi.
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b Bentz, Henry G. (March 1916). "History of the Beta Phi Sigma Fraternity". The Adelphos. UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science Apothecary Collection. 1 (1): 5–6.
- ^ "The First Greeks at University at Buffalo". Archived from the original on 2012-07-22.
- ^ "Beta Phi Sigma Dance" (PDF). Buffalo Courier. Buffalo. 1922-04-25. p. 3. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
- ^ New Orleans College of Pharmacy Bulletin
- ^ "Grand Council of Beta Phi Sigma to Meet Here Two Days" (PDF). Buffalo Courier-Express. Buffalo. 1926-11-14. p. 5. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
- Professional pharmaceutical fraternities and sororities in the United States
- Student organizations established in 1889
- 1889 establishments in New York (state)