History
Founded at Syracuse University in 1872, Alpha Phi was the fourth Greek letter organization formed for women. It’s ten founders pioneered against a society that saw women only as daughters, wives and mothers. The fraternity sprung from the need for a social center, a place of conference, a sense of unity, and a circle of friends supporting one another in an educational climate of implied, if not open opposition. Today, with 148 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, Alpha Phi continues to provide a “tie which unites, a circle of friends” for women on college campuses and beyond around the world.
Why a "Fraternity?"
Our founders were the first female students at Syracuse University. Not satisfied to merely attend classes, they tried to join one of the college's all male fraternities but were turned away. Undeterred, they formed their own fraternity for women - one of only four such organizations in existence, the term "sorority" had not yet been coined. Hence, Alpha Phi is a fraternity rather than a sorority.
Mission and Purpose
Alpha Phi International Fraternity is a membership organization dedicated to promoting sisterhood, cultivating leadership, encouraging intellectual curiosity and advocating service.
“The objectives of our Fraternity are the promotion of growth in character; unity of feeling, sisterly affection, and social communion among our members. In all that we do, we try to obey God’s principles of justice and right. We have banded ourselves together to improve our minds and hearts, and we seek to aid each other through a constant watchcare always given in love. We believe ourselves to be sincere searchers for truth.
We seek the highest ideal of womanhood, and we try to gain this ideal by cultivating not only the power and passion for seeking intellectual development but, also, the spirit of love and charity. And we who are thus united are under a solemn pledge to lend a helping hand to one another.”
Constitution of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Incorporated, Article II
Symbols of Alpha Phi
Our symbols are outward signs of the high regard and love we have for each other and for Alpha Phi. We treat these symbols with the utmost respect by upholding the high ideals and standards, which bind all Alpha Phis throughout the world.
Ivy Leaf. The ivy leaf is one of our most recognizable public symbols, reflected in our new member pin and part of the Alpha Phi Crest. It symbolizes not only the intertwining of intellectual, philanthropic and social pursuits, but also the intertwining of our lives as we become friends and sisters in Alpha Phi.
New Member Badge. In 1898 the Fraternity adopted a special badge to honor her newest members. The badge they selected is in the shape of an ivy leaf, set in silver pewter. An ever-growing vine, the ivy symbolizes the growth of the Alpha Phi sisterhood.
Alpha Phi Badge. Our official badge is an unjeweled monogram of gold showing the symbol of Alpha superimposed upon the symbol of Phi. Inscribed in black on the symbol Phi are the letters a, o, e. The meaning of these letters is reserved for the initiation ceremony.
Crest. The Fraternity Crest is the Alpha Phi coat-of-arms,. The shield is bordeaux with a scroll and ivy leaf above it. Inscribed on the scroll is the public motto, “Union hand in hand.” A bar of silver crosses the shield from left to right; the upper half of the shield contains a Roman lamp in silver and the lower half, Ursa Major.
Colors. Silver and Bordeaux represent Alpha Phi’s rich and distinctive colors. Members wear them in the form of ribbons under their badge to acknowledge special occasions, the installation of a new chapter, the anniversary of their chapter’s installation or the celebration of Alpha Phi Founders’ Day, October 10.
Flowers and Mascot. The official flowers of Alpha Phi are the fragrant lily-of-the-valley and the blue and gold forget-me-not. The mascot of Alpha Phi, the “Phi Bear,” is named after Ursa Major, the Great Bear.
Alpha Phi Creed
I believe in my Fraternity.
I believe in the friendships formed in the springtime of my youth.
I believe in its high ideals which lift me up beyond myself.
I believe in its earnest drive for good scholarship, moral character, and genuine culture.
I believe in it as a shrine of international sisterhood wherein I may find love and loyalty, sympathy and understanding inspiration and opportunity.
I believe in it as a creator of good citizenship, helping me to do my work well, to live in harmony with others, and to serve my country and to trust in God.
I believe in my Fraternity. I believe in Alpha Phi.
- Annette Holt Hitchcock, Pi 1912
