The UCLA Gamma Phi Beta Experience: 7 Reasons Why Alpha Iota Chapter Is Dominating Greek Life In 2025

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The Alpha Iota Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta at UCLA is one of the most dynamic and enduring sororities on the West Coast, consistently setting a high bar for excellence in academics, leadership, and philanthropy. As of late 2025, the chapter continues its nearly century-long tradition of building strong women and fostering lifelong sisterhood within the highly competitive University of California, Los Angeles Greek system. Their commitment to their core values—Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty—is evident in their vibrant campus presence, their successful recruitment efforts, and their impactful philanthropic work throughout the Los Angeles community.

The chapter, officially installed on June 26, 1924, has cemented its place in UCLA history, operating out of its iconic chapter house located on Hilgard Avenue. In the current 2024-2025 academic year, the Alpha Iota sisters are particularly recognized for their strong social media presence and highly successful signature events, which draw widespread participation from the entire UCLA Panhellenic Association and the broader campus community.

The Alpha Iota Chapter Profile & Notable Figures

The Gamma Phi Beta Alpha Iota Chapter at UCLA has a rich history, dating back to its founding as the local sorority Alpha Sigma Pi before receiving its national charter. The chapter is a central pillar of the UCLA Greek life community, known for its dedication to academic achievement and community service. Below is a snapshot of the chapter’s key details and some of its most influential members and founders.

  • Chapter Name: Alpha Iota Chapter
  • University: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • Founding Date: June 26, 1924
  • Chapter House Location: 616 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
  • National Philanthropy: Building Strong Girls (supporting Girls on the Run)
  • Current Chapter President (Entity): Charlotte Murray (as of current chapter website information)

Pioneering Alpha Iota Founders and Alumnae

While a full, publicly accessible list of modern celebrity alumnae is often private, the chapter’s history is marked by influential women who have shaped both the sorority and the university. The chapter’s installation was a major event in 1924, led by national figures and involving numerous collegiate members.

  • Grace Underhill: A key figure in the installation of the Alpha Iota Chapter, she was instrumental in establishing the foundation of the UCLA sisterhood.
  • Ruth Palmer Shepherd (Northwestern, 1907): She served as one of the installing officers for the Alpha Iota Chapter, bringing the national vision of Gamma Phi Beta to the Los Angeles campus.
  • June Roth: An alumna noted in the Gamma Phi Beta archives for receiving a Business School Leadership Award, highlighting the chapter’s emphasis on professional and academic excellence.
  • Marguerite Higgins (National Entity): A highly decorated national Gamma Phi Beta alumna, Higgins was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and war correspondent, representing the high achievement potential fostered by the sisterhood.

Philanthropy and Impact: Building Strong Girls in Los Angeles

The core mission of Gamma Phi Beta is "Building Strong Girls," and the Alpha Iota Chapter translates this mission into tangible action through a variety of high-profile, campus-wide events. This focus on empowering young women through their partnership with Girls on the Run has become a defining characteristic of the chapter’s identity in the 2024-2025 academic cycle.

The Success of Moonball and Signature Events

The chapter’s signature philanthropic event, Moonball, is a major highlight of the UCLA Greek calendar. This event typically takes the form of a kickball, volleyball, or basketball tournament, drawing participation and fundraising from fraternities, other sororities, and independent students.

Nationally, Moonball events are incredibly successful, with the organization reporting a high volume of events and significant funds raised between late 2023 and early 2024, proving the event’s continued relevance and success. The Alpha Iota sisters are known for their enthusiastic execution of this event, making it a fun and competitive way to give back.

In addition to Moonball, the Alpha Iota Chapter hosts other creative fundraising initiatives, including "Pie-A-Gphi" and various partnerships, such as a collaboration with Tory Burch. These secondary events ensure that philanthropy remains a year-round priority, not just a single-event focus, which significantly boosts their standing within the UCLA Panhellenic community.

Academic Excellence and Modern Sorority Life at UCLA

The Gamma Phi Beta experience at UCLA is a balance of social engagement, rigorous academics, and personal development. The chapter is committed to maintaining a high standard of scholarship, a requirement that is closely monitored by the university’s Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL). The Alpha Iota sisters consistently strive to meet and exceed the academic benchmarks set for the entire Greek community.

The chapter house, located prominently on 616 Hilgard Avenue, serves as the center of this experience, providing a supportive environment for study groups, leadership meetings, and sisterhood events. Living in the house is a core part of the experience, fostering close bonds and a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom.

The "Popping Off" Social Media and Reputation in 2025

In the modern era of Greek life, a sorority’s digital presence is just as important as its physical one. For the 2024-2025 recruitment cycles, the Alpha Iota Chapter has gained significant recognition for its strong and appealing social media strategy. Contemporary campus commentary notes that the chapter's social media has been "popping off," successfully showcasing the vibrant, engaging, and diverse sisterhood.

This strong digital outreach is crucial for attracting high-quality new members who embody the sorority's values of Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty. The chapter is successfully navigating the intersection of tradition and modernity, maintaining its historical significance while appealing to the next generation of UCLA students.

Leadership and Campus Involvement

Gamma Phi Beta encourages its members to take on leadership roles not only within the chapter but across the entire UCLA campus. Sisters are frequently involved in various student organizations, academic honor societies, and campus-wide events, such as the acclaimed UCLA Spring Sing. This broad involvement ensures that the Alpha Iota Chapter remains a highly visible and influential entity within the larger university ecosystem.

Through their dedicated efforts in philanthropy with Girls on the Run, their commitment to academic success, and their strong, modern presence on campus, the Alpha Iota Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta solidifies its position as a premier sorority at UCLA, continuing its mission to empower women for nearly a century.

The UCLA Gamma Phi Beta Experience: 7 Reasons Why Alpha Iota Chapter is Dominating Greek Life in 2025
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