Alpha Phi was the first American college sorority.
It was founded at Syracuse University in 1872, where Alpha
Chapter still exists. At its formation the sisterhood
numbered ten women. One of these was Martha Foote Crowe,who
later became Alpha Phi's first president. "Pursuing
their studies in a thoroughly male-dominated environment,
these women had a pressing needfor friends who could
sympathize with each other's problems and supporteach
other's aspirations."(The Ivy Leaf)
In addition, Alpha Phi organized the first interfraternity
association, known today as the National Panhellenic Conference,
in 1902 when they calledthe first successful inter-sorority meeting
with Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Delta
Gamma, Gamma Phi Beta, and Delta Delta Delta.
Alpha Phi is now an international fraternity having over
140 chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Alpha Phi
has a membership of over 100,000 women and approximately 4,500 women
pledge Alpha Phi every year. The internationalpresident is Virginia
Burson Struble. Our district (one of eleven) containssixteen chapters
and we are under the guidance of Liz Laporte.
Objective/Aim of Sorority
At all times, it is our aim to consciously endeavor to promote the
highest ideals of womanhood. In our effort to become more
effective and contributing members of society, weshall strive
for growth of character, intellectual development and excellenceof
scholarship, as well as to perfect our leadership capabilities.
In all that we do, we shall encourage unity of feeling, sisterly
affection,and social communion. We shall employ the principles of
justice and rightand give and receive mutual criticism in a spirit
of love.
As we search for truth and individual growth, we shall be
mindful of our personal conduct. Our attitudes, beliefs and actions
must in no way reflect a damaging influence on the image of our
Chapter or Fraternity, or our sisters individually. We shall
endeavor to represent the best in culture and refinement. We shall
abide by the Constitution, Standing Rules and Collegiate Chapter
Operations Manual of Alpha Phi International Fraternity.
Specifically,we wish to instill and preserve individual integrity
and excellence of personalstandards befitting an Alpha Phi.
(Taken from Collegiate Chapter Operations Manual)
Cornell Chapter History Delta Chapter's history begins witha visit by two Syracuse
Alpha Phis in early 1889 for the purpose of beginning a chapter at
Cornell. These visitors pledged four Cornell women who then pledged
five more. In February 1889, Alpha initiated these nine women in a
ceremony held at the Ithaca Hotel.
Delta Chapter has been located in a number of places during
its years ofexistence. First housed in Sage College, the chapter
moved there in 1898. A house unit was tried from 1907-8 at 214 Eddy
Street but failed as the sisters felt they lost interest in
University affairs. The chapter remained in Sage College until 1917
when a shortage of housing forced University officials to request
that organized groups find their own houses.
Delta rented Alpha Zeta's house at 214 Thurston Ave. for the
year 1917-8. 1918-1921 were spent at 114 Kelvin Place. In 1921,
this house was sold necessitating a move. 411 Thurston, a house
built by Amy Cooper Wurster(Alpha '91) was purchased and has remained
the chapter house ever since. The original house, pictures of
which may be seen in old Cornellians, wasenlarged twice. Once in 1937,
when the side wings were added and again in 1961, when the new wing was
built.
Philanthropy : Since 1946, Alpha Phi has focused on heartdisease and cardiac
care as a philanthropic priority. Today, research into the diagnosis
and treatment of women's heart disease in a special interestof the
Alpha Phi Foundation. Gender differences in diagnosing and
treating cardiac health problems are becoming widely recognized, and
donors can make a difference for thousands of women through gifts to
the Alpha Phi Foundation. The Foundation funds educational
programming in the areas of alcohol and AIDS awareness, women's
health and safety, and other WatchCare programs developed for Alpha
Phi collegiate chapters. The Foundation also funds the educational
training sessions at Convention and Leadership Conferences that help
officers develop the skills necessary to assume strong leadership
roles within their chapters, as well as in the future. Participants
in Convention and Leadership Conferences learn new insights into
building effective teams and improving relationships, which they, in
turn, use to enhance their chapters. The Foundation also supports
women in all stages of their education. Undergraduate and graduate
scholarships are awarded to Alpha Phi collegians and alumnae every
year. Nontraditional educational scholarships are alsoavailable to
Alpha Phi women who need additional course work for certification,
career advancement or to reenter the work force.
Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs
5th floor of Willard Straight Hall
607-255-2310 greeks@cornell.edu
www.dos.cornell.edu/fsa
