Centennial
Phi Beta Rho Sorority was organized in 1934 by a group of female students attending the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry (PSCO), later renamed to Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), who wanted to “promote a closer bond of social and intellectual fellowship between future female optometrists.” The sorority set both high ideals and scholastic standards as a foundation for success in social and professional life.
Taken at the Fitch Residence in 1938 (69th Street and Lawnton Ave)
Pictured in row one: C. Elsie Billmen (Wright), OD ’38 who was president at the time, standing next to Jean R. Harris (Lindauer), OD ‘38, vice president, and Florence Fitch, wife of PCO founder, Dr. Albert Fitch, is standing by the staircase to the right.
Members of the 1938 Phi Beta Rho Sorority were Jeannette Merril (secretary), OD ’40, Esther Bushwick (treasurer), OD ‘40, Muriel Mallin Block, OD ’38, Mary Cooper, OD ’ 42, Lillian Karp, OD ’42, Virginia W. Marlow, OD ’42, Sylvia Buschel, OD ’42, and Evelyn Harding, OD ’42.
