In 1885, the Agonian Society was formed by 17 women as a literary organization the Geneseo Normal School, under the direction of school president William Milne.

      The society’s purpose was to study great works of literature and writers of the time, as well as to provide a social outlet for its members.  On October 8, 1892, the Agonian Society of the Geneseo Normal School united with societies of Oneonta and Fredonia to form a fraternity at what was called the First Annual Convention of the Agonian Fraternity. Geneseo became the Alpha Chapter of the Agonian Fraternity. Julia Wells, from Baldwinsville, NY, was named the first president of the Geneseo chapter.

     The Agonian Sorority at Potsdam is an outgrowth of the Calliopean Literary Society founded in 1882.  In 1921, Eunice (Brownie) Badger was initiated to the Calliopean Literary Society and served as Faculty Advisor for 62 years.  In 1926, the members of the Calliopean Society became the Zeta Gamma Upsilon local Sorority with Audra Cavanaugh Rogers as President.

     On December 8, 1928, the members became the Gamma Chapter of the Agonian Sorority. In 1946 the Sorority incorporated as a State Sorority, and the house at 11 Pierrepont was purchased. In January 1955, the chapters disbanded, so it is presently known as the Agonian Sorority, a local sorority. Fall 1972 marked the initiation of the first Clarkson members. The Agonian Alumnae Association was formed in 1976 by Sue Wajda.