Alpha Phi International Women's Fraternity

Alpha Phi International Women's Fraternity, often referred to as Alpha Phi (ΑΦ), is an international social sorority with roots dating back to October 10, 1872, when it was founded at Syracuse University in New York. It was the first women's fraternity established in the northeast and the fourth Greek-letter organization for women overall.

Founding and Mission

Alpha Phi was initiated by a group of women who sought to create a supportive community for female students, as they were denied admission to men's fraternities at the time. The organization's mission revolves around its pillars: Sisterhood, Generosity, Innovation, and Character. These values guide the fraternity in fostering a community where members support each other personally and academically.

Symbols and Traditions

Alpha Phi is distinguished by several symbols:

• Colors: Bordeaux and silver.
• Flowers: Lily of the Valley and Forget-me-not.
• Jewel: Ruby.
• Mascot: Phi Bear.
• Symbol: Ivy leaf.

The fraternity's motto is "Union hand in hand," emphasizing unity and mutual support among its members. The Alpha Phi badge features a monogram of the Greek letters Alpha (Α) and Phi (Φ), and it may be customized with pearls or diamonds.

Philanthropy

Alpha Phi has a strong philanthropic focus, particularly in the area of women's heart health. In 1946, the fraternity adopted Cardiac Care as its primary philanthropic goal, which has since been the focus of the Alpha Phi Foundation. Established in 1956, the Foundation supports leadership training, awards scholarships, and invests in heart health initiatives. A notable program is the "Heart to Heart Grant," which provides funding for research related to heart disease in women.

Chapters and Membership

As of the latest updates, Alpha Phi has over 175 active chapters across North America and more than 270,000 initiated members. The fraternity has an extensive network of both collegiate and alumnae chapters, contributing to its vibrant membership and community outreach.

Publication

The fraternity publishes the Alpha Phi Quarterly, which serves as a platform for sharing news, achievements, and stories among its members.

Leadership and Impact

Throughout its history, Alpha Phi has emphasized academic excellence and community service, fostering a culture of leadership and support among its members. By engaging in various philanthropic activities and promoting sisterhood, Alpha Phi continues to play a significant role in the lives of women worldwide.

[1] https://campus.murraystate.edu/org/alpha_phi_alpha/alphahistory.htm [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Phi [3] https://apa1906.net/our-history/ [4] https://alphaphi.historyit.com [5] https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/102097434