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About Alpha Phi
 
This is an Alpha Phi.
If we can know each other so well and yet be willing to accept each other's habits, quirks and idiosyncrasies, then this is acceptance. If we can enjoy each other's company, each other's moods in time of silence without having to utter a word and yet be comfortable, then this is understanding. If we are willing to back each and every sister in time of doubt, when all others are bringing her down, then this is faith. If we can share a tear in time of sorrow, happiness in times of joy and a comforting hand in time of depression, then this is true friendship, the essence of sisterhood. If we can carry part of another girl's burdens, without being crushed from the pressure, and be taken into another girl's confidence without spilling a word of her secret to someone else very close to us, then this is trust. If we can share all these things, love and respect for each girl, and a love for life, and being able to carry them through the world, then this is truly a sisterhood.
And then this is an Alpha Phi.
 
Whenever you need a friend, Alpha Phi will be there for you. It is an enrichment which unfolds throughout the years. We trust you will find a beginning of that enrichment here.
Whether it's helping a sister choose a dress for her first formal, staying up late studying in the dining hall, or the pride of implementing a successful philanthropic event, the memories of your college days will be just the beginning of a lifelong Alpha Phi journey.
As the premier developer of women, Alpha Phi is committed to helping its members reach their full potential. Your active participation in Alpha Phi will enhance your experience.
In turn, Alpha Phi will continue to give back to you throughout your life by:
- encouraging volunteerism to enhance your professional and personal skills during and following college;
- providing scholarships to our academic achievers;
- supporting our chapter leaders through Regional Conferences and training sessions - making them more effective leaders and future professionals; and
- offering emergency aid for individuals in financial crises.
May you discover, as we have, an extended, deeper meaning to sisterhood. Wherever you go, wherever you find an Alpha Phi, you will have a friend... that is the bond of Alpha Phi.
 
Phi Facts
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Flowers: Lily of the Valley and the Forget-Me-Not
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Symbol: Ivy
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Public Motto: "Union hand in hand"
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Colors: Silver and Bordeaux
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When Alph a Phi was founded they were called a "Fraternity" because the term "Sorority" had not yet been coined.
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Ten women at Ida Gilbert's home on September 18, 1872, initiated themselves into Alpha Phi.
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The pronunciation is Alpha "Fee" instead of "Fie," as this is grammatically correct since it follows Alpha, a vowel.
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Martha Foote Crow was the first National President of Alpha Phi.
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Alpha Phi was the first women's fraternity to occupy a chapter house, and in 1886 at Syracuse University, Alpha Chapter built the first sorority house in America.
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This house was sold in 1910, and in 1962, before it was torn down, the stained glass windows and other important memorabilia were presented to Alpha Phi by the University.
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The original cherry and birch stair railing of the original Alpha house was used to make Alpha Phi heirlooms. One hundred commemorative gavels were made from this wood.
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The Alpha Phi mascot, "Phi Bear", named after Ursa Major, the big dipper, was adopted in 1974.
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In 1902, Alpha Phi called the inter-sorority meeting which resulted in the founding of what is now the National Panhellenic Council.
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Alpha Phi was the first women's fraternity to use Greek letters as its emblem.
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Alpha Phi has donated over a million hours of volunteer service and raised and contributed over $2.25 million for heart projects since 1946.
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Alpha Phi is the only organization that has twice received the American Heart Association's highest award, The Heart and Torch Award.
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The Alpha Phi Foundation was established in 1957.
Famous Alpha Phis
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Kimberly Williams: TV and motion picture actress (Father of the Bride, Relativity).
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Eliza Orlins: One of the five remaining contestants on the current season of Survivor in Vanuatu (good luck, Eliza!)
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Jodie Sweetin: Stephanie Tanner on the 80s-90s sitcom, "Full House." Also appeared on "Party of Five.
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Maile Misajon: Singer, actress. In female pop group Eden’s Crush and on Popstars television series. Has appeared in several commercials. Albums include Popstars, featuring the group’s hit single "Get Over Yourself".
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Jeri Ryan: TV actress (Seven of Nine in Star Trek Voyager).
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Georgia Neese Gray: First woman treasurer of the United States, appointed by President Truman
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Eileen Hurney Stevens - Founded CHUCK (Committee to Halt Useless College Killings), to bring about awareness of hazing practices
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Lynn Robinson Woobey - member of the United States House of Representatives
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Becky Cook Cain - National president of the League of Women Voters
Founding Sisters
In September, 1872 , twenty young women entered Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, when the institution first opened its doors to women. 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 other's aspirations.
Among these earnest students in the entering month of August, 1872, were six freshmen, three sophomores, and a junior whose "brave hearts were filled with a noble purpose and whose eyes saw clearly into the future." These were the Founders of Alpha Phi. These were the Original Ten.
Clara Bradley Wheeler Baker Burdette
Hattie Florence Chidester Lukens
Martha Emily Foote Crow
Ida Arabella Gilbert DeLamanter Houghton
Jane Sara Higham
Kate Elizabeth Hogoboom Gilbert
Elizabeth Grace Hubbell Shults
Rena A. Michaels Atchison
Louise Viola Shepard Hancock
Clara Sittser Williams
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