Anniversary Celebrations

1897

After 25 years, the Alpha chapter launched an anniversary celebration in the spring to mark the occasion and also establish the Leroy Monroe Vernon Scholarship at Syracuse University in honor of Vernon who was the first dean of Syracuse University’s Collge of Fine Arts. All members were invited and 87, including Founders Kate Hogoboom Gilbert, Clara Sitttser Williams and Jane Higham, gathered for the four-day event. Festivities included theatrical and musical performances, a reception for 300 guests and a banquet. Throughout, letters and telegrams of congratulations arrived at the chapter house, each with well wishes for the anniversary. Attendees reflected on their history and Founder Martha Foote Crow wrote an essay, “A Story of the Founding of Alpha Phi,” which was read in her absence.

1922

In honor of 50 years of Alpha Phi, the Alpha House underwent renovations. The Endowment Fund reached $50,000 by the time festivities were held, and Martha Foote Crowe donated her engagement ring to Alpha Phi with the goal of helping launch a foundation with educational and altruistic goals. The weeklong plans included Convention, parties and plenty of celebration. Founders Louise Shepard Hancock, Clara Sittser Williams, Clara Bradley Burdette and Jane Higham attended for the dramatic celebration of our founding.

1947

After 75 years, Alpha Phis were full of a renewed optimism as the anniversary of their founding was coming after the end of World War II. This year, the headquarters moved to Detroit and the first peacetime philanthropy was established for Alpha Phi with a focus on cardiac aid. Three hundred members attended the September celebration in Syracuse with a formal banquet, speeches, a reading of Alpha Phi’s first meeting minutes and special guests.

1972

Our centennial celebration was held in Arlington, Virginia, with seven past International Presidents in attendance. Dorothy Coddington Robertson (Alpha-Syracuse), granddaughter of Dr. W.P. Coddington, Alpha Phi’s earliest mentor, and Annette Holt Hitchcock (Pi-North Dakota), author of the Alpha Phi Creed, were both present. The American Heart Association, presented a plaque in honor of Alpha Phi’s contributions. Celebration of heritage was key, and the opening banquet honored a century of fashion with 50 gowns from 1872 to 1972. The Michaelanean Award was presented for the first time.