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National History

Phi Mu was founded in 1852 at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia by Mary Ann (Dupont) Lines, Mary Elizabeth (Myrick) Daniel and Martha Bibb (Hardaway) Redding. It began as the Philomathean Society, a literary society, and is the second oldest secret society for women around the nation. The Philomathean Society became Phi Mu Fraternity in 1904.

Phi Mu is a women's organization which provides personal and academic development, service to others, commitment to excellence and lifelong friendships through a shared tradition. Phi Mu promotes vibrant living encouraging members to achieve their personal best.

In 1986, Phi Mu became the first sorority to introduce a new concept of chapter programming: chapters would have one business meeting and three program meetings per month called "Chapter Developments."

In 1996, Phi Mu became the first sorority to establish an endowed fund within the newly created National Panhellenic Conference Foundation. The fund was for an academic excellence program. 

In 1999, Phi Mu became the first sorority to establish a National Philanthropy Day, a day dedicated to hands-on philanthropic events which takes place the third Monday in October. 

In 2011, Phi Mu introduced National Ritual Celebration Week, a week to raise awareness of the importance of ritual and allow collegiate and alumnae members to reflect personally on our ritual and embrace the ritual of other interfraternal organizations. Phi Mu invited all interfraternal Greek organizations and campuses with a fraternity/sorority community to participate in National Ritual Celebration Week.  

Epsilon Iota

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