Chapter History

The Rho Gamma chapter of Phi Mu at Ball State went through many stages before reaching national sorority status. It started when a group of motivated young women were in the Sigma Chi Little Sisters program. Since the program was started in 1963, the women became almost independent of the fraternity. The women performed many fundraisers, philanthropies and held officer elections. The 22 solid members of the organization decided it was time to move on. 

A motion was made during a meeting of the Little Sisters to seek local sorority status. Many of the members expressed a strong desire to stay together as sisters. One of the first big steps was voting on a name. Lambda Phi Gamma, which stands for the Life Long Friendships Growing, was chosen. Officers were elected by members. The president and vice president wrote a constitution, chapter bylaws and a budget. Members of Lambda Phi Gamma sent letters to every other sorority on campus explain to them that the members were seeking local sorority status. Members also made presentations to these sororities asking for their support. The big day came on April 18, 1989, when Lambda Phi Gamma came before Panhellenic Council for a vote. The motion was passed. 

As Lambda Phi Gamma, the sorority held a rush in September 1989. Sixteen new members were taken. The new members went through a pledge program and learned the chapter’s local history. All members participated in fundraisers for the sorority and philanthropies such as the PAL Club of Muncie and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, while contributing to the various national organizations in hopes of gaining national sorority status. 

They reached out to national organizations and many of them responded, and after review of the information, the sisters narrowed the choices to three national affiliations. These three organizations came to Ball State to make presentations to the members and to learn of the organizations involvement on campus. Many questions were answered and decisions make before the sisters of Lambda Phi Gamma voted and selected Phi Mu Fraternity. They sent their decisions to Phi Mu national and received acceptance into the organization. After becoming members and learning more about what Phi Mu had to offer, they then knew that their hard work had been worth it. 

The 34 Founding Mothers encouraged more girls to join this wonderful organization and began to build a lifelong bond. Today, Phi Mu is a strong and respected part of the Ball State Greek System. This chapter has flourished since its local founding in December of 1989.