WHAT's in a name

Some historical information about the name “GAMMA” and “GAMMA Rays” 

From a Press Release Announcing GAMMA’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

“The name GAMMA has an interesting history.  In the early years the founders thought the group’s name should be like a college fraternity and decided on the name of “GAMMA Alpha” after the name of the Greek letter “Y.”  But surprisingly there is no “Y” in the Greek alphabet.  The acronym GAMMA was chosen.  The letters stood for Gay Athletic Milwaukee Men’s Association.  When the group was incorporated in August 1980 the word “Men’s” in GAMMA became “Metro” since women also became a part of the group.  GAMMA is no longer referred to as an acronym with any special meaning.

From a Winter 1980-1981 Membership Flyer

“An invitation to a Memorial Day 1979 volleyball tournament in Chicago provided the impetus for formation of the competitive volley ball team called GAMMA RAYS.  It has traveled to Atlanta, Detroit, Denver, Columbus, Madison, and Minneapolis.  In 1980 GAMMA RAYS sent two teams to Chicago for the invitational tournament.”

From the April 1996 GAMMA Newsletter

“Get out your Jim Croce records and start singing, ‘cause WE GOT A NAME! At the March 12^th meeting, the Board was presented with a list of 16 potential names for the newsletter. The chosen one: GAMMA RAYS, which was first, submitted by member John S. Way to go, John! John wins a fabulous set of four genuine GAMMA crystal glasses! As it turns out, great minds really do think alike – Pat B. and Larry W. also sent in the same suggestion. And, although they don’t win a great prize like John does, we still appreciate their efforts. Thanks, guys! Now, for our next contest, the first 50 members to sponsor an event will get an even better prize…spiritual gratification."

Response from John S. on Why He Chose the Name (2008)

“I just started thinking of things I associated with the word GAMMA.  Gamma Rays was the first phrase that came to mind.  And since a newsletter sends out information…it is like the rays of the sun spreading good news.  That is what I thought of.”