History
During the early
1800's, the opportunities for women in higher education were limited.
The first college to invite women to enroll was Oberlin College in 1833.
By the 1860's and 1870's, although the movement had gained momentum,
there was still a great deal of animosity over the inclusion of women.
It was in August
of 1872 that Syracuse University opened its doors, and classrooms, to
women. Although women were now admitted to Syracuse, there were still
many problems women must face. Feeling that their postion in higher
education was by no means secure, the need for solidarity and union
arose.
In early September
of 1872, Martha Foote, Kate Hogoboom and Clara Sittser gathered to discuss
these very problems. Witnessing the solidarity of the fraternities on
campus, it was decided that the women on campus needed a similar society.
After inviting the rest of the female student body, and further meetings,
it was decided that they would in fact form their own society.
The first official
chapter meeting was held on September 18, 1872. Rena Michaels was elected
president, and plans for weekly meetings were made. Literary programs
and debates were included in the original agenda of the society. On
September 30, 1872, ten women gathered and founded Alpha Phi.
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.
Honor Badges
Today, special honor badges, replicas of the lazy Phi pin, are worn
by international officers, and Educational Leadership Consultants. They
are also worn by presidents of collegiate chapters while they serve
as president.
 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.
Fifty-Year
Pin
The first fifty-year pins, silver circles with red stones, were presented
at the 42nd Convention in 1958 to several alumnae who had given significant
service to the Fraternity for fifty years or more. These pins are replicas
of the pins presented to the six living founders at the Fraternity’s
Fiftieth Anniversary Convention in 1922.
 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 celebration
of Alpha Phi Founders’ Day, October 10.
 Fraternity
Flowers
The flowers of Alpha Phi are the fragrant lily-of-the-valley and the
blue and gold forget-me-not. The ivy leaf is also a symbol, the new
member badge taking its form.
Alpha Phi
Bear
The mascot of Alpha Phi, the “Phi Bear,” is named after
Ursa Major, the Great Bear, and was adopted in 1974.
|
