Alpha Phi History
Founded in 1872 by ten forward-thinking women at Syracuse University, Alpha Phi International is now one of the oldest and largest women's fraternities in the world.
In 1956, Alpha Phi became one of the first women’s fraternities to establish a Foundation.
Alpha Phi is pronounced Alpha “fee” (long “e”) not “fie,” because “Alpha” is a vowel and “Phi” is pronounced “fee” when it follows a vowel.
Alpha Phi Theta Iota Chapter at James Madison University was founded in 1990.
Fraternity Fun Facts
Symbol: Ivy Leaf
Colors: Silver & Bordeaux
Flowers: Lily of the Valley
and Forget-Me-Not
Constellation: Ursa Major
Mascot: Phi Bear
MISSION
Our new mission statement is: Alpha Phi is a loyal sisterhood of women courageously pursuing limitless excellence.
IDEALS
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A sisterhood that lasts a lifetime
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Striving for Innovation
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Practicing Generosity at every turn
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High expectations for character
PURPOSE
The objectives of our Fraternity are the promotion of growth in character; unity of feeling, sisterly affection, and social communion among our members.
In all that we do, we try to obey God’s principles of justice and right. We have banded ourselves together to improve our minds and hearts, and we seek to aid each other through a constant watchcare always given in love.
We believe ourselves to be sincere searchers for truth.
We seek the highest ideal of womanhood, and we try to gain this ideal by cultivating not only the power and passion for seeking intellectual development but, also, the spirit of love and charity. And we who are thus united are under a solemn pledge to lend a helping hand to one another.
‐ Constitution of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Incorporated, Article II