Phi Beta Fraternity began as a local club at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, on May 5, 1912.

[1] Phi Beta organized its first residence, renting a house at 1928 Sherman Avenue in Evanston, Illinois.

In 1915, Phi Beta petitioned the women's social fraternity Alpha Delta Pi for a charter.

Because most of Phi Beta's members were enrolled in professional two- or three-year coursework, as opposed to traditional four-year programs, that petition was denied.

[3] Phi Beta is also affiliated with the Fraternity Communication Association (FCA) and the National Interfraternity Music Council (NIMC).

Symbolically, the rose and ribbon reflect the fraternity's colors, but are also intended to represent "joy, friendship, and new beginnings.

[7] Phi Beta has completed several national projects including: enlarging by hand sheet music for the visually impaired, service in USO shows, aiding music programs in Mexico, and most notably its continued work with The MacDowell (artists' residency and workshop) in Peterborough, New Hampshire.

[1] Pi Sigma also built a practice studio at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan in 1934.