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About Alpha PhiHistory
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.
For more information about Alpha Phi, visit our international website, www.alphaphi.org! |