1994-1995
(Top Row): Joanna Steed, Jody Portnoff, Katy Burch, Shannon Stafford, Beth Delameter, Christina Hermoyian (Middle Row): Suzanne Bostick, Meg Caine, Jennifer McClain, Amber Weber, Cam Guy, Chelle Buchanan, Jennifer Webb (Bottom Row): Lindsey Fain, Carla Collins, Beth Haggerty, Liz Chatham, Shani Vickery
AN UNPOPULAR UNION
Midway through Fall Quarter in 1995 a group of friends were brought together to discuss the possibility of starting a new sorority. Initially, a group of up to 40 women met in the basement of Appleby Center to discuss interest in forming a new sorority. At that time, there were four fraternities (Alpha Xi, Kappa Tau Omega, Phi Chi and Zeta Pi) and only three sororities (Alpha Iota, Phi Delta and Sigma Beta Sigma), despite a higher enrollment of women on campus. It was an unorganized meeting that included comments good, bad and other about the other organizations on campus. Some remarks were made by those who would go on to other sororities. Other remarks were made by those who would not join any Greek organization. In the end, only nine would continue on the path to joining this new sorority. Unfortunately, any negative comments made in that basement that night would be attributed to Gamma Psi. It was the meeting heard around campus. Elsewhere, two women found themselves in discord with the pledge activities of another sorority. They made the hard decision to de-pledge. Both groups sought advisement from the same resident director and the two groups were united with the same goals. They felt a fourth sorority would widen the Greek spectrum on campus. This idea was supported by select fraternity and sorority members and non-Greek students. However, tempers began to flair from most of the Greek population. Some of the sororities had low membership and were concerned about adding additional competition. Others were concerned about the loss of tradition in the Greek community. As a result, the Inter-Greek Council (IGC) amended Article 6, Section 2 of their constitution, whereas the group could not immediately apply for IGC recognition.
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Undeterred by the stance from IGC, the newly formed Gamma Psi was anxious to establish itself. As a result, the Society of Gamma Psi was introduced to campus as a Greek-lettered, social, academic, service organization. The eleven founding colony members were officially chartered on January 23, 1995, promoting Virtue, Compassion and Fellowship in this new sisterhood. The new society was not well-received by all. There were incidents of hostility, threats and vandalism, including slashed tires to members.The hostility emboldened Gamma Psi and fostered unity, strength and perseverance among the sisters. Despite the negativity, the sisters made a choice to take the high road and start laying the foundation for reconciliation. Gamma Psi was here to stay and the goals for the future were now even higher.
Founding Colony Members - Winter 1995 Charter
Beth Delameter- Delometer, Sporin #7
*Beth Haggerty- Izbeth, Dr.Scholls #13- Vice President
*Carla Collins- BCWI, Loft #42- Secretary
Christina Hermoyian- Grit, Linus #19
Joanna Steed- Hypo, LAV #47
Jody Portnoff- Porno, Nike #36
*Katy Burch- Tu-Tu, M-Gasm #62- Assistant Educator
*Lindsey Fain- T-Bar, Shadow #17- Activities Director
*Liz Chatham- Fievel, Gaynor #22- President
*Shani Vickery- G.G., Shakes #11 - Treasurer
Shannon Stafford- Stamp, Contraband #32
*There were 8 original founders that begin formation of Gamma Psi in Fall Quarter of 1994 and 11 who were part of the official colony. April Saye and Mandi Triplett were original founders that were no longer attending YHC when the charter was made official on January 23, 1995.
Spring Quarter 1995 Inducted Sisters
Cam Guy- Puddles #02 (Shannon Stafford)
Amber Weber- Belcher #08 (Jody Portnoff)
Jennifer Webb- Grammar #12 (Shani Vickery)
Chelle Buchanan- Penelope #16 (Beth Haggerty, Shannon Stafford)
Jennifer McClain- Cleaver #24 (Lindsey Fain)
Suzanne Bostick- G-Queen #31 (Carla Collins)
Meg Caine- NJB #72 (Liz Chatham)
(Big Sisters are in parenthesis)
1995 Honorable Supporter –Hal Misseri –Phi Chi Fraternity
There was only a partial school year left after chartering and Gamma Psi made the most of it by planting seeds of rich tradition internally, while strategizing a positive impact on the YHC campus. With a revamp on the ’80s and Grease, Gamma Psi took 2nd Place in the campus Lip Sync contest. Service projects for the year included painting speed bumps on campus, The Big Project and participating in the alumni telethon.
Gamma Psi promotes leadership and involvement. 1994-1995 members were active members and leaders across campus and in the community. Our members were also bestowed special honors. Here are just a few examples of our accolades and involvement:
Deans List
Dorcas Society (Sigma Delta Chi)
Student Government Association
Sky Club
Quantrek
Pi Sigma Omega
