Alpha Phi

Alpha Phi was founded at Syracuse University by ten of the first nineteen women admitted to the newly opened university.

Our founders were women with brave hearts that were filled with a noble purpose and with eyes that saw clearly into the future. These were the Original Ten, the Founders of Alpha Phi. Pursuing their studies in a thoroughly male-dominated environment, these women had a pressing need for friends who could sympathize with each other's problems and support each others' aspirations. On September 18, 1872, these ten women initiated themselves into Alpha Phi.

For more information about Alpha Phi, please selection from the options above. When you're finished, we invite you to visit Alpha Phi International's website to learn more about our remarkable sorority.  

The Alpha Phi Badge
The official badge of Alpha Phi is an un-jeweled 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.

New Member Pin
When women join Alpha Phi, they are given our beautiful new member pin. The pin is fashioned in the shape of an ivy leaf and is set in pewter. New members wear this pin until initiation, after which, they will receive the official Alpha Phi badge. The ivy leaf represents the way our lives intertwine with one another's as we become friends and sisters in Alpha Phi.

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.

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.

Colors
Silver and Bordeaux are Alpha Phi's rich and distinct colors.

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

Red Dress Pin
National Wear Red Day is a day when Americans nationwide wear red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness. In honor of National Wear Red Day, we ask all Alpha Phis wear their Alpha Phi red dress pins with pride and wear red for Alpha Phi.