Phi Mu | Mu Chapter | History

On January 4, 1852, Mary Ann DuPont (Lines), Mary Elizabeth Myrick (Daniel) and Martha Bibb Hardaway (Redding) founded an organization called the Philomathean Society at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia. Wesleyan was the first institution to grant college degrees to women in the United States.

Phi Mu is the second oldest secret society for women in the world. Phi Mu is an organization of women, which provides personal and academic development, service to others, commitment to excellence, and lifelong friendship through a shared tradition.

Our Founders


Mary Ann DuPont (Lines)
Mary Elizabeth Myrick (Daniel)		 Martha Bibb Hardaway Redding
Martha Bibb Hardaway (Redding)

 

Colors

Flower
Rose Carnation

Mascot
"Sir Fidel" the Lion

Rose & White Rose Carnation

Unofficial Mascot
Ladybug

Symbol
Quatrefoil

Badge

Ladybug

Ladybugs are ancient symbols of good luck.

The first badge was made of a $20 gold piece given to Mary DuPont by her father when she left for college. It currently resides in the Phi Mu National Archives.

Fraternity Magazine
"Aglaia"

Philanthropy
Childrens Miracle Network

Mu Chapter Facts

Aglaia

Aglaia was the youngest and most beautiful of the Three Graces in Greek Mythology. Her name means "Brightness" or "Brilliance"
This image of Aglaia is a detail from Botticelli's "Three Graces"
From Phi Mu's earliest beginnings, literary pursuits were a most important endeavor and chapters collected libraries for study outside of class. Even today, the National Headquarters keeps a library of books authored by Phi Mus just inside the front door.

Childrens Miracle Network

Learn more about CMN here.
  • Founded at Brenau October 1910
  • Second oldest Phi Mu chapter in continuous operation. The chapter has never been closed since its founding.
  • Two Phi Mu National Presidents were Mu chapter alumnae
  • The Creed of Phi Mu is attributed to a Mu Chapter alumna (Grace Lumpkin)
  • "Sir Fidel" was designed and named by Mu Chapter alumnae.

 

The Creed of 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.

To walk in the way of honor, guarding the purity of our thoughts and deeds.
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 serve in the light of truth avoiding egotism, narrowness, and scorn.
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.