Alpha Phi - Gamma Xi

The History of Alpha Phi International

 

Our Founders

Brave hearts filled with a noble purpose whose eyes saw clearly into the future

At a time when society looked upon women only as daughters, wives, and mothers—and therefore not in need of higher education—our ten founders were pioneers of the coeducational system. Attending school with the handicap of implied, if not open, opposition, our founders sought support from each other.

 

There was a need for a social center, a place of conference, a tie which should unite, a circle of friends who could sympathize with one another in their perplexities. They formed Alpha Phi in 1872 at Syracuse University.

 

Today, Alpha Phi continues to provide a "tie which unites, a circle of friends" for women young and old all around the world. From hand to hand and heart to heart, we are all grateful and proud of the legacy left to us by our founders.

 

Symbols of Alpha Phi

The symbols of Alpha Phi are outward signs of the high regard and love we have for each other and for Alpha Phi. Treat these symbols with respect by upholding the high ideals and standards which bind Alpha Phis throughout the world.

 

The Alpha Phi Badge

The official badge of Alpha Phi 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. You may also wear a jeweled version of the badge set with white stones. The badge may be worn as a pin, upon a bracelet or mounted as a ring.

 

Alpha Phi was the first women’s organization to use Greek letters as an emblem. Originally there was no standard badge. Until 1906 when the current badge was adopted, each member went to the jeweler of her choice to have her pin designed. Most chose similar designs using the “lazy Phi,” a Phi symbol turned on its side. You can see many of these unique pins in the Ruth Himmelman Wright Heritage Hall at the Executive Office in Evanston, Illinois.

 

The Fraternity Crest

The Fraternity Crest is the Alpha Phi coat-of-arms, adopted by Convention delegates in 1922. 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. 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.

 

 

 

 

Fraternity Colors

Alpha Phi’s original colors were blue and gold. In 1879, noting that a fraternity had colors too similar to hers, Alpha Phi adopted the more distinctive colors of silver and Bordeaux. Members wear their colors in the form of a ribbon of silver/gray and Bordeaux, under their badge to acknowledge special occasions, the installation of a new chapter, the anniversary of their chapter’s installation or the cel ebration of Alpha Phi Founders’ Day, October 10.

 

 Fra ternity Flowers

The f lowers of Alpha Phi are the fragrant lily of the valley and the blue and gold forget-me-not.
  

 

 

 

Fraternity symbol

The symbol of Alpha Phi is the ivy leaf with the new member badg e taking its form.

 

 

 

Fraternity constellation

The Fraternity constellation is Ursa Major, the Great Bear. This symbol can be seen on the Alpha Phi crest and is displayed on the ceiling of the Alpha Phi Executive Office in Evanston, Illinois.

 

 

 

Alpha Phi Bear

The mascot of Alpha Phi, the “Phi Bear,” is named after Ursa Major, the Great Bear, and was adopted in 1974.