The Gamma Chi Chi Sorority was organized in 1926.  It was the first sorority on the campus and its membership the first year was limited to Morrow Hall girls.  The following year the members were chosen from the ranks of the student body.

The charter members from Morrow Hall were Margaret Mays Schroeder, Mildred Thrash Tallman, Kathryn Miller Reynolds, Vice President; Ruth Turner Potter, President; Mary Thomas, Secretary-Treasurer; Conra Dawson Winters and Mable Martin Brookover.

It was organized with the ideals of maintaining a high scholastic standing and to take an active part in all school activities.

Miss Blanche Price was the first adviser and the sponsors were Miss Mary B. Price, Miss Anne Barry, Mrs. Louise Heim-Wallman, Miss Anne Holbert, Mrs. Mary Eleanor Talbott-Wilson, and Miss Louise Leonard.

In 1928 the girls offered their help in assisting with registration each semester.  This continued until the 1960s.

Traditional events which were held each year were the Tallow Tea for faculty members and officers of campus organizations, the Winter Formal, the Founder's Day Banquet, the Minstrel, the Mother Daughter Banquet, Spring Formal and the Farewell Banquet.

In 1950 the Gammas donated and maintained a trophy case in the main hall of the College for the benefit of the entire student body.  Also in 1950 the Gammas forfeited the Minstrel and joined with the Alpha Delta Chi Sorority, the TBI Fraternity and Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and presented a show known as the COLLEGE FOLLIES. (Tag Show)

In 1965 the Gamma Chi Chi Sorority at the college felt it was to their advantage to go National and they affiliated with the Phi Mu Sorority.

Gamma Song

Dear Old Gamma Chi Chi

How we love your dear name

We may come and go

But still you will reign

Always loyal and true to you,

Forever we'll be

We pledge our ever-lasting

Faith to you Gamma Chi Chi

    .....Betty Morgan Facemire

 

History of local Gamma Chi Chi Gamma Chi Chi, the oldest sorority at Fairmont State, was formed by six women in 1926.  This year marked its 91st anniversary.

Researched by Carol Ballah Amos and presented in abridged form on March 20, 2017 for Founder's Day meeting at Muriale's Restaurant in Fairmont WV

Gamma Chi Chi Advisors:  Blanche Price, Louise Wallman, Anne Barry, Margaret Ellen   Copeland.

Sponsors:  Mary B. Price, Louise Leonard, Betty Crawford Evans, Mary Eleanor Wilson, Anne    Holbert, Anne Barry, Emma Cranwell.

Charter Members:  Ruth Turner Potter, President; Kathryn Miller Reynolds, Vice President; Mary Thomas, Secretary-Treasurer; Margaret Mays Schroeder, Mabel Martin Brookover, Mildred Thrash Tallman.

The 1928 Mound listed the first girls’ social organization on the campus of Fairmont State Teachers’ College with the motto of “Constructive Service”.  “Green and white being our colors, we adopted the smart looking uniforms you have seen us sporting.  Any girl wearing this uniform can be singled out for “Constructive Service.”  With 18 active members, 14 pledges, and 7 inactive members, the Gammas quickly established a presence on campus.

The Gamma was organized in the early part of 1927 with six charter members.  The first year, membership was open only to Morrow Hall girls and that year eight girls were pledged.  Last year membership was open to all girls in the school.  Before being recognized by the student body and being allowed one member on the student council, it was necessary that the girls should put over some worthwhile project.  At that time, the National Red Cross campaign was on.  The Gamma Chi Chi took charge of the campaign in this school and put over the project very successfully.  This work gained their recognition as the first girls’ organization on the campus.  In the past two years, the girls have taken an active part in all scholastic affairs, as well as entertainments.  The initial purpose of the organization is to promote unity of action among its members and all other organizations of the school; to maintain a wholesome spirit of loyalty among the students; and to aid any organization the might call upon it for service.  1929 Mound

GCC, the first on the campus, was organized in November, 1926 with six charter members. One of the arms of the organization has been to take part in all school activities, and for the past two years its members have assisted with registration.  This aid has been greatly appreciated by the faculty and has become a tradition with the sorority.  Outstanding on the calendar of the sorority this year was their minstrel, which they gave both in student body meeting and as a night performance.  1930 Mound

GCC has been honored by the selection of the student body of one of its members for May Queen for the past two years.  It has the largest active membership this year in its history with 34 members and 4 pledges.  1931 Mound

Continued with assisting with registration and again the largest membership with 33 members and 3 pledges.  1932 Mound

Continues to maintain a high scholastic standing and to take an active part in all school activities as well as assist the faculty in registration.  28 members and 9 pledges.  1933 Mound

“Organized on February 27, 1926 and have a membership of 175 including alumnae and actives.  Traditional events which are held each year are:  Fall Tea for the faculty and sorority members, Winter Formal, Founder’s Day Banquet, Minstrel, Mother-Daughter Banquet, Spring Formal and Farewell Banquet.  1935 Mound

Started in 1928 to assist with registration.  1936 Mound

Object is to try to further school spirit and to promote the general welfare of the school and the community.  With the theme, “Life With Father,” the Gammas original float won honors in the Dad’s Day parade.  The nineteenth annual minstrel “Beaus and Errors” was presented in the college auditorium.  The Tallow Tea was held in the home of Mrs. John Thomas Evans, a sponsor of the organization.  Climaxing the first semester’s activities was the Christmas formal in the Fairmont Hotel ballroom.  During the year the members took part in intra-mural sports events.  After rushing at the beginning of the second semester, 12 pledges were chosen.  Other activities during the latter part of the school year were:  the annual Founders’ Day dinner, a prep party, and the Mother’s Day dinner.  Closing the social events was the spring formal, a dinner dance, given at the Fairmont Field Club.  1948 Mound

 

Carried out its motive to promote the general welfare of the school by completing several projects.  A trophy case was placed in the main hall, and new drapes were placed in the Big Nickel.  Among the activities of the Gamma’s were:  the traditional Tallow Tea, in the home of Mrs. John Thomas Evans, the Christmas Formal, the twentieth annual minstrel, “Shennanigans of ’49,” an informal dance the second semester, the annual Founders’ Day Banquet, the Mother’s Day and Farewell Banquets, the annual Spring Dinner Dance, informal and formal rush parties, March of Dimes Dance.  Prep party at the home of Jackie Donaldson, and the Man Hunt Dance.  The Gamma’s won honors in several fields, such as placing second in the Dady’s Day parade with a float using the theme of “Orchids to Dad,” and taking first place in the First Annual Pi Kappa Sigma Song Fest.  Perhaps their greatest honor was winning the Scholastic Cup for the highest scholastic average during the first semester.  1949 Mound

The oldest sorority at the “College in the Clouds.”  It was founded February 27, 1927, and has been active ever since.  This year they started their activities by holding their Christmas formal at the Turban room in conjunction with the Tau Beta Iota fraternity.  Some of the other annual highlights of the organization included their Founder’s Day Banquet, Mother’s Day Banquet, Tallow Tea, honoring the faculty and staff of the college, and their spring formal.  Maintaining the trophy case in the main hall.  This year in place of their annual minstrel, the members participated with the Alpha Delta Chi sorority, and the Tau Beta Iota and the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternities in presenting a show.  1950 Mound

Won the trophy for entering the best float in the Dad’s Day Parade and held a spring formal dinner-dance.  1951 Mound

Annual activities include the Founder’s Day banquet, Mother’s Day banquet, the Tallow Tea, and the spring formal, as well as maintaining a trophy case in the main hall.  1953 Mound

Started its round of activities by taking part in the Dad’s Day Parade, and winning second place in the float contest.  In November, they gave their annual Tallow Tea.  Participated in the TAG show, “Jests for Fun.”  Joined the other organizations for the Christmas formal.  Built the Christmas float for the Businessmen’s Association Christmas parade.  On February 1 the sorority held their Founder’s Day Banquet, and on May 9 their Mother-Daughter and Farewell Banquet was held.  The sorority helped at the Fairmont General Hospital every Saturday, and with each registration at the college.  Climaxed their activities with their Spring Formal at the country club.  1954 Mound

Social life begins with Dad’s Day and concludes their annual Tallow Tea, the Tag Show, Founder’s Day Banquet, Mother-Daughter and Farewell Banquet.  Spring Formal.  Other activities include registration, hospital aides, and maintenance of the trophy case in the main hall.  1955 Mound

Activities for the year are:  float entry in the Dad’s Day celebration, Tallow Tea, Tag Show, Pan-Hellenic Christmas dance, Founder’s Day Banquet, song fest sponsoring of Falconites, the Mother-Daughter and Farewell Banquet, and other informal parties and get-togethers.  Climax of the year is the spring formal.  Registration, hospital aides, and continue to maintain the trophy case.  1956 Mound

Float for Homecoming, Tallow Tea, Pan-Hellenic Christmas Dance, Founders’ Day Banquet, Song Fest, Mother-Daughter Banquet, and climaxing the year’s activities is the annual spring formal dance at the Fairmont Field Club.  1962 Mound

First place in the women’s division of Song Fest, and being represented by a Prom Queen and princess, a Homecoming Queen, two members selected to Who’s Who, the Tau Beta Iota Sweetheart and four princesses, and one of West Virginia’s five Centennial finalists.  Annually the Gammas hold the Tallow Tea, Founder’s Day Banquet, Mother Daughter Banquet, spring formal and spring camp.  The Gammas also assist with registration and volunteer as hospital aides.  1963 Mound

Gammas Have 82nd Celebration:

    The August reunion was a wonderful celebration with Gammas traveling to Fairmont from nine different states.  Please note that on the back of this newsletter is the newspaper article about the Convention that was written by sister Norma Goode White.  A special "Thank You" to Norma, along with the many others that work so diligently for Gammas.  The Reunion was held at Muriale's Restaurant due to a fire that destroyed the Fairmont Field Club.  This summers reunion was a great success!

Gammas Gather:

    The Gamma Alumni continues to meet on the third Monday of the month in the following months:  (1) September 15, Women's Club; (2)November 17, Say-Boy's Restaurant; (3) February 16, Poky Dot; (4) April 20, F.S.U. Alumni Center; (5) June 15, to be hosted by Lucille Martin (place T.B.A).  The August Convention will be Saturday, August 1, 2009 at Muriale's Restaurant.

    The September meeting was a Tailgate Party with the new Director of Alumni Affairs, Mrs. Devanna Corley speaking about many of the up-coming events to be held at FSU.  There were 24 Gammas present for the meeting and it turned out to be a very enthusiastic crowd.

    The November meeting had 23 sisters in attendance and it was held at Sy-Boy's Restaurant.  President Shirley Champ Stanton presided over the meeting and Nancy Bickerstaff was the speaker that introduced the group to "Operation Image", an organization dedicated to focusing on the Friendly City of Fairmont.  Gammas that would like to "gather" at our next event, (February 16, Poiy Dot Restaurant - Founder's Day) please call to make a reservation (304-363-8441) if you are not already on a calling list.  We would love to have you attend "Founder's Day".

Gammas Graciously Give:

    We continue to celebrate our scholarship endowment and are proud to announce that our fund now stands at $26,828.  As I was reading over an old 2005 newsletter, our total at that time was just $18,000.  This is very impressive, thanks to all of our Sisters!  Our chapter also donates, from dues collected, to give annually to the Gamma Chi Chi Scholarship Endowment in memory of Louise Leonard.  Please continue to designate any money contributed to FSU to be credited to the Gamma Chi Chi Scholarship Endowment.  Thank You, Thank You, Gammas!

Newsy Note:

    The Phi Mus will be holding their Reunion the first Saturday in August 2009 so that Gammas/Phi Mus can attend both. 

2006 Officers

President Lucille Martin

Vice-president Betty Facemire

Recording Secretary Nancy Corrothers

Corresponding Secretary Bobbi Mohrman

Treasurer Nancy Jones

Louise Leonard Memorial

2005 - 2006

Gamma Sister  Christine Wallace Palmer

DECEASED FAMILY MEMBERS

James Bartley  Son of Eleanor Stanley Bartley

Lawrence Brown  Husband of Ruth Winifred Tederick Brown

Catherine Pitrolo Diaz  Mother of Marie Pitrolo Diamond

Lloyd Earle "Bud" Greene  Husband of Bevelyn Fluharty Greene

Mary Gail Koen  Sister of Charlotte Koen (Deceased)

Henry Ramsey  Husband of Marian Halter Ramsey

Charlotte Ann Smith  Daughter of Virginia Hardesty Smith

 

 Gamma Chi Chi Reunion 80th Celebration on Saturday, August 5, 2006

Welcome  President Lucille Martin

Invocation  Laura Viglianco-Boyce

Luncheon

Introduction of Program  Suzanne Snyder

Annual Report  Recording Secretary  Nancy Corrothers

Introduction of Scholarship Recipient-Kristen Grandstaff by Lois Laughlin

Gammas by the Decade  Corresponding Secretary  Bobbi Mohrman

Introduction of Past Presidents  Lucille Martin

Louise Leonard Memorial  Norma White, Estaline Charlton

Announcements/Comments  Lucille Martin

Door Prizes

Gamma Song  Betty Facemire

 

Fairmont State Local Becomes Beta Chi Chapter

     The old joined with the old as Gamma Chi Chi local sorority at Fairmont State College, Fairmont, W. Va., became Beta Chi Chapter of Phi Mu on April 23, 1966.

    Before singing their first place version of "This Could Be the Start of Something" Gamma Chi Chi announced its colonization at the annual Greek Song Fest on March 18, 1966.

    Charter members are:  Leslie Armstrong, Roberta Atha, Carol Ballah, Bobbi Bane, Carole Bilotta, Judy Briscoe, Susan Clelland, Carolyn Cowger, Patty Dean, Suzanne DeBlasio, Mary Jo Ellis, Carolyn Fredrick, Beverly Fulayter, Gilda Gaskins, Marty Harden, Sonya Hughes, Brenda Jones, Diane Kisner, Marilyn Leeson, Barbara McDowell, Pat Mahalick, Phyllis Monell, Nancy Painter, Nancy Pollock, Mary Jo Pulice, Pam Romine, Anne Ryan, Brenda Sachetti, Rosalie Sauro, Mary Ann Sellers, Paulette Tennant, Sharon Weaver, Dianne Webner, and Donna Wood.

    Rebecca Watson Peterson, National Collegiate Vice-President, conducted the initiation service assisted by Kitty Williams, Field Secretary, and delegates of Beta Rho Chapter at Davis and Elkins.

    At the installation banquet at the Town House, Mrs. Hazel Billups served as toastmistress and introduced special guests Dean of College Paul Yost and Mrs. Yost, President of the College E. K. Feaster and Mrs. Feaster, Dean of Women Roxy Dillon, Dean of Men George Turley, Faculty Adviser Margaret Copeland, and Mr. and Mrs. Perry Morgan, Jr., representing Gamma Chi Chi alumnae.

    Letters of congratulations were read.  President Feaster gave the main address.  Mrs. Peterson presented the chapter with a silver punch bowl, gift of Pi District.

    Before becoming Beta Chi Chapter, Gamma Chi Chi was the oldest sorority at Fairmont State having been formed by six women in 1926.  This year marked its 40th anniversary.

    Phi Mu joins four other national sororities on campus--Alpha Xi Delta, Delta Zeta, Sigma Kappa, and Sigma Sigma Sigma.

    Fairmont State College is a coeducational institution located in the center of the coal industry of northern West Virginia.  Under the West Virginia Board of Education, FSC offers curricula for the preparation of elementary and high school teachers and curricula leading to degrees in the liberal arts and sciences.  In addition to the courses terminating with the granting of degrees, FSC offers two-year curricula in several areas and two and three years of pre-professional training in a number of fields.

    Founded a a private teacher training school in 1865, Fairmont became a state supported school and will celebrate its centennial year beginning in January of 1967.

    With an enrollment expected to reach 2,500 this fall, Fairmont State College is growing.  The campus consists of over 70 areas.  An Applied and Fine Arts Building has just been completed and a new cafeteria is under construction.  Both will be in use this fall.

 

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