Gamma Phi Society - 1833 - Colgate University

As Colgate University celebrates its 200th Anniversary, it's a good time to recognize the institution's historical contribution to fraternity and sorority life throughout the state of New York.

Many student organizations originated at Colgate, which was first called the Hamilton Literary & Theological Institution and dates back to 1817.

Greek Life at Colgate begins with Gamma Phi, one of the first college literary societies founded at the University. The Gamma Phi Society was initially established sometime prior to 1833 (an exact founding date is unknown.)

Gamma Phi then merged into the Adelphian Society in 1840. Some members later transferred to the University of Rochester and became founders of the Delphic Society. The society at Rochester is a predecessor organization to the Delphic Society at SUNY Geneseo which eventually became the Delphic Fraternity.