Phi Mu
Fraternities and Sororities
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Who is Phi Mu?
To lend to those less fortunate a helping hand.
To think of God as a protector and guide of us all.
To keep forever sacred the memory of those we have loved and lost.
To be to others what we would they would be to us.
To keep our lives gentle, merciful and just,
Thus being true to the womanhood of love.
Being steadfast in every duty small or large.
Believing that our given word is binding.
Striving to esteem the inner man above culture, wealth or pedigree.
Being honorable, courteous, tender,
Thus being true to the womanhood of honor.
To give freely of our sympathies.
To reverence God as our Maker, striving to serve Him in all things.
To minister to the needy and unfortunate.
To practice day by day love, honor, truth.
Thus keeping true to the meaning, spirit and reality of Phi Mu.
In an era when educating women was not universally accepted, young ladies from the finest families came to Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, to pursue an education equal to that offered to men in the 1830s. Three of those young students joined hands and hearts in 1852 to found the Philomathean Society. They sought to improve their minds and, in the process, found delight in the close bonds of friendship. In 1904 the Philomathean Society established itself as a national fraternity for women and called themselves Phi Mu Fraternity. The Philomatheans quickly found kindred souls at other campuses where they chartered additional chapters.
Today Phi Mu Fraternity has grown to over 150,000 initiated members and has exceeded far beyond the Founders’ fondest expectations.
How we are known
Our Founders: Mary Ann Dupont (Lines), Mary Elizabeth Myrick (Daniel), Martha Bibb Hardaway (Redding.)
Our Letters: Phi Mu
Our Badge: The Phi Mu Badge is a uniquely shaped shield of gold overlaid with a black shield bearing the two bonds, three stars, hand clasping a heart and the Greek letters “Phi Mu.” Sarah Amelia Bardwell (Wright) designed the first badge in 1852. The first Phi Mu badge was created from a $20 gold piece that was given to Mary Ann Dupont (Lines) by her father when she left home to attend Wesleyan.
Our Phi Pin: The Phi Pin (or Provisional/New Member pin) is a black and gold shield with the Greek Letter “Phi.”
Our Symbol: The quatrefoil is Phi Mu’s symbol. The quatrefoil is a very unique shape and can be traced back to early European design.
Our Coat of Arms: Designed in 1904 by Annie Laurie Mallory (Parker), Alpha, and assisted by Louise Monning (Elliott),Alpha.
Our Colors: Rose and White. This choice can be dated back to the early days of the Philomathean Society and were most likely chosen by the charter members.
Our Flower: The Rose Carnation. While the rose carnation in the language of flowers means “friendship,” Lillian Estes (Davis), Grand Historian 1907-1908 wrote that “pink carnations are, and always have been, the emblematic flower.”
Our Open Motto: “Les Soeurs Fideles,” or, "The Faithful Sisters"
Our Mascot: Lions have always been a part of our history and are also shown on our Coat of Arms. Our mascot, which we affectionately call “Sir Fidel,” is a name adapted from our open motto, Les Soeurs Fideles. Sir Fidel was created in 1973.
Our Creed: Phi Mu’s Creed was submitted by Sisters of Mu chapter and was adopted at the 1916 Convention. The Creed is credited to Grace Lumpkin, Mu.
Our National Conventions: National Conventions are held on even years each biennium. Conventions are always a way for Sisters to re-connect, a chance practice our traditions and Ritual, and the time when National Council is elected.
Our Leadership Conferences: Phi Mu believes in enriching and educating the lives of her members, and Leadership Conferences offer just the right balance of both! Each year, six new locations host weekend Leadership Conferences across the United States that focus on leadership development and chapter operations.
Our Headquarters: The Phi Mu National Headquarters located in Peachtree City, Georgia is home to both Phi Mu Fraternity and Phi Mu Foundation. The 31,672 square foot National Headquarters houses a Leadership Training Center, library, conference rooms and office space. The National Headquarters also contains a museum, along with numerous Phi Mu artifacts and memorabilia spanning throughout our 160 year history.