Minnesota State University
Mankato
About Us
MNSU chapter founded: Gamma Pi, 1966
Flower: Pink carnation
Symbol: Crescent Moon
Colors: Brown and Mode
Motto: Founded on a Rock
Core Values: Love, Labor, Learning & Loyalty
Founded: November 11th, 1874, Syracuse University
Philanthropy: Building Strong Girls
Current Chapter Size: 40
Letter from our Chapter President
On behalf of the Gamma Pi Chapter, we’re so excited to welcome you and thank you for taking the time to learn more about Gamma Phi Beta at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Since 1966, the Gamma Pi Chapter has been a proud part of the Mankato community, sharing over 50 years of academic excellence, lifelong friendships, leadership development, and the true meaning of sisterhood. Gamma Phi Beta is a home away from home for hundreds of women both current students and alum. More than just a place of comfort and connection, our chapter offers meaningful opportunities for academic and personal growth that last a lifetime.
As Gamma Phi Beta women, we strive to uphold the highest ideals of womanhood, just as our founders envisioned in 1874. We prioritize academic excellence, personal growth, and the individual worth of every member. Through our partnership with Girls on the Run, we empower members to support and inspire strong girls, both mentally and physically. Above all, we remain loyal to each other and to the core values that define us as Gamma Phi Beta women.
Throughout our time in Gamma Phi Beta, we have given back to the community, grown as leaders within the Greek system, and formed lifelong friendships. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support, love, and guidance of our sisters.
I’m truly honored to represent such a dedicated, genuine, and inspiring group of women as Chapter President. From the moment I met the incredible members of the Gamma Pi Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta, I was overwhelmed by the love, support, and sense of belonging they offered. I was welcomed with open arms as my most authentic self into a sisterhood that has truly become my home away from home.
What sets us apart is the lifelong bonds of friendship and sisterhood that carry us through every stage of life. We’ve worked hard to build a space where every sister feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive both on and off campus.
Potential members, Alumnae, and fellow sisters, I invite you to explore the website and discover what this sisterhood means to each of us. I hope you find just as much joy in this organization as we do. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Gamma Phi Beta is always here for you.
In IIKE,
Sydney Trautman
Chapter President
Letter from our Membership Vice President
Dear Potential New Members,
My name is Lanie Wittwer, and I am honored to serve as our chapter’s Membership Vice President. I am also a nursing student and a transfer student, which means my journey to Gamma Phi Beta looked a little different than I once imagined — and honestly, that’s one of the reasons this sisterhood means so much to me.
When I transferred to my university, I was excited but also nervous. I was stepping into a new environment where it felt like everyone already had their people, their routines, and their sense of belonging. I knew I wanted more than just familiar faces in class — I wanted connection, support, and friendships that went deeper than surface-level interactions. I wanted to feel like I truly belonged somewhere.
Gamma Phi Beta gave me exactly that.
Through this chapter, I found a community that welcomed me wholeheartedly, supported me through the challenges of nursing school, and celebrated me in every season — both the big wins and the quiet, difficult moments. I found friendships rooted in kindness, authenticity, and genuine care — the kind of friendships I had yearned for my whole life. These women have become my support system, my cheerleaders, and my home away from home.
Greek life is so much more than letters and traditions. It is about growth, service, leadership, and showing up for one another. It is about finding women who inspire you to be your best self while loving you exactly as you are. Gamma Phi Beta has taught me the power of belonging and the beauty of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, even before you fully believe in yourself.
As you go through this process, I hope you remember that there is no “right” version of a PNM. Whether you are confident or quiet, a leader or still discovering your voice, there is space for you here. I hope that you find a place that feels like home — a place where you are supported, valued, and encouraged to grow.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our sisterhood. I cannot wait to meet you and walk alongside you during this journey.
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In IIKE,
Lanie Wittwer
Membership Vice President
Delanie.Wittwer@mnsu.edu
Philanthropy
At Convention 2012, Gamma Phi Beta announced its newest philanthropic partner – Girls on the Run. A volunteer-led program, Girls on the Run weaves training for a 5K run with fun, experience-based lessons that improve self-awareness, build a collection of positive experiences and inspire life-changing confidence through accomplishment. The organization’s programming inspires self-respect and healthy lifestyles in girls, and their core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development.
Philanthropic Mission: To provide experiences and resources that build spiritual, mental and social resiliency in girls.
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Philanthropic Vision: We envision a community in which every girl and woman has the resiliency necessary to advance her own life and the lives of others.
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Philanthropic Focus: Building Strong Girls
As our creed suggests, Gamma Phi Beta has a long history of outstanding philanthropic and community service. Although not founded as a philanthropic organization, giving back to the community is an important part of our chapter. As an organization committed to women, we envision a community in which every girl and woman has the resiliency necessary to advance her own life and the lives of others. Our philanthropic activities aim to provide experiences and resources that build spiritual, mental and social resiliency. In addition to our local and international philanthropies, we spend many hours volunteering at numerous organizations within the Mankato community.
