Archives West Finding Aid

Phrateres was an international, democratic, social, and service organization that aimed to "uphold the standards and ideals of the University, to develop a friendly spirit among the women on the campus, and to fufill its motto, 'Famous for Friendliness.'" Phrateres was open to all women who chose membership in one of its sub-chapters and were in regular attendance at the University of Washington, passed a pledge test and earned activity points, and paid the pledge fee. The international organization of Phrateres was founded at the University of California at Los Angeles in 1924. The second chapter, Beta, was installed at the University of Washington on February 18, 1929. The Washington chapter was organized into sub-chapters and the All-Phrateres Cabinet (All-Phrateres officers) and Council (Cabinet, sub-chapter presidents, and chairs of standing committees). The Beta chapter of Phrateres dissolved in the 1970's, but the Phrateres Alumnae Association continues to meet and to award the May Dunn Ward Scholarship.