History
Alpha Phi was founded in 1872 at Syracuse University by ten of the first nineteen women admitted to the newly opened university. It was the fourth Greek letter organization founded for women. The objectives of the Fraternity are, “the promotion of growth in character; unity of feeling, sisterly affection, and social communion among members.”
-Constitution of Alpha Phi International Fraternity
With well over 150 chapters, Alpha Phi is now one of the oldest and largest women’s fraternities in North America.
The Fraternity Crest
Adopted by Convention delegates in 1922 and displays Alpha Phi’s colors, Silver and Bordeaux. Inscribed on the scroll is the public motto, Union Hand in Hand. The upper half of the shield contains a Roman lamp in silver and the lower half the constellation, Ursa Major. The meaning of the symbols depicted on the crest is a significant part of the ritual witnessed at initiation. The use of the Fraternity crest is reserved for jewelry, sportswear and other Fraternity equipment befitting the dignity and honor of Alpha Phi’s heritage.
Mascot - Alpha Phi Bear
The mascot of Alpha Phi, the “Phi Bear,” is named after Ursa Major, the Great Bear, and was adopted in 1974.
Alpha Phi Firsts & Facts
| 1875 |
Alpha Phi invited Frances E. Willard (a women’s suffrage leader) to become the first alumna initiate. |
| 1886 |
Alpha Phi became the first women’s fraternity in
America to build and occupy their own chapter house |
| 1888 |
The Alpha Phi Quarterly, an award-winning
magazine, was established and has been published
continuously to the present day. |
| 1894 |
Alpha Phi became the first women’s fraternity to
use “traveling delegates,” now known as Educational
Leadership Consultants. |
| 1902 |
Alpha Phi called the inter-sorority meeting that
resulted in the formation of the association now
known as the National Panhellenic Conference, which included Pi Beta
Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delta Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, and Delta Delta Delta. This was the first intergroup organization on college campuses. |
| 1905 |
Frances E. Willard was recognized by the U.S.
Congress who placed a statue of her in Statuary Hall
in the rotunda of the U.S. Capital, the first woman
to be so recognized. |
| 1906 |
Alpha Phi became an “International” fraternity
when Xi chapter was chartered at the University of
Toronto. |
| 1940 |
Frances E. Willard was portrayed on a U.S.
postage stamp. |
| 1957 |
First women’s fraternity to
establish a Foundation. |
| 1986 |
Alpha Phi introduced RESPOND: A Forum for
Supportive Action, an anti-victimization education
program dealing with alcohol abuse, acquaintance
rape, eating disorders, suicide, hazing, and
harassment. |
| 1988 |
Alpha Phi introduced risk management education
to collegians. |
| 1990 |
Alpha Phi introduced a peer education program
for AIDS education. |
| 1995 |
First NPC international/national
member to have a site on the World Wide Web. |
- Alpha
Phi is the fourth oldest national women’s sorority.
- Alpha
Phi is a member of the Syracuse Triad along with Gamma Phi
Beta and Alpha Gamma Delta.
- Alpha
Phi Headquarters is located in Evanston, Illinois along with
the headquarters for Sigma Chi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon
fraternities.
- Alpha
Phi maintains a secret motto, A.O.E. which is revealed to
new members upon initiation.
The Gamma
Pi chapter of Alpha Phi International Fraternity at Arizona
State University is a membership organization dedicated to
promoting sisterhood, cultivating leadership, encouraging
intellectual curiosity and advocating service. Alpha Phi
develops character for a lifetime.
| Crest |
Mascot |
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| Alpha Phi Flowers:
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| Lily-of-the-Valley |
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| Forget-Me-Not |
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