150th Anniversary Celebration

The road to October 10, 2022 started back in 1872 when our Founders first gathered as Alpha Phis, and so it was fitting that Alpha Phi extended our milestone anniversary celebration to two years. In 2020, as the world was reeling from the global Covid-19 pandemic, Alpha Phi began the preparations and virtual festivities for the 150th anniversary of our Founding.

Led by the Executive Office, Alpha Phi staff and past Director of Marketing and Communications Dakotah Lindsay (Beta Pi-USC), the plans were aimed at honoring our past, celebrating our present and looking forward to Alpha Phi’s future.

Celebrating the Present

Leadership Conference – Collegians and alumnae gathered at conferences in the North, South, East and West Quadrants to receive empowering training and celebrate Alpha Phi’s 150th birthday.

150th Merchandise – From the beautiful lily of the valley glass water pitcher, to the original Alpha House ornament, to endless totes, apparel, jewelry and décor that showcase Alpha Phi’s 150th brand, there were many ways to celebrate our Alpha Phi pride.

Commemorative issue of the Quarterly – This issue of our magazine reflects on key moments in our history and celebrates the legacy Alpha Phis continue to embody today.

73rd Biennial Convention – Held in Scottsdale, Arizona at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn Resort and Spa, over 500 members gathered to connect, support one another, conduct Fraternity and Foundation business and celebrate sisterhood.

150+ years young in our pursuit of limitless excellence

175 active collegiate chapters strong

270,000+ initiated members linked together from generation to generation

The strength of our Fraternity comes from each Alpha Phi; our collegiate chapters and alumnae communities; our Founders’ vision; sisterhood that transcends boundaries to unite the past, present and future; developing leaders who aim to make the world a better place and the power of mutual care.

Throughout the years, each chapter, whether active or closed, has been honored with tremendous members who have helped weave the tapestry of our Fraternity.

Honoring the Past

Founders’ Day 2020 Virtual Kick-Off – Members from across the globe joined us to launch the 150th celebration and enjoyed an inspiring message from Past International Presidents Nancy DeVoe (Gamma-DePauw) and Jacqueline Schools (Eta Lambda-George Mason), as well as all living past International Presidents including Renee Smith Zimmerman Zainer (Beta Epsilon-Arizona), who also serves as Fraternity Executive Director.

Founders’ Day 2021 Virtual Gathering – Celebrating from near and far, members took a virtual road trip back in time to understand how the relationships between Alpha Phis helped spur the growth and expansion from chapter to chapter.

Chapter History Sites – Chapters have begun preserving their memorabilia and photos with chapter-specific digital museums.

Living History Days – Hosted at Leadership Conferences, Convention, the 2022 Founders’ Day event and at other times, these onsite digital preservation days gave members the opportunity to bring in photos, objects and other Alpha Phi memorabilia to include in our digital archives.

Heritage Room – At the 73rd Biennial Convention in June 2022, Alpha Phis enjoyed an interactive peek back in time. From Founders’ pins, to video presentations, to a wall of Quarterly covers through the years, to a photo opportunity that put members on the cover the Quarterly, to the massive Alpha Phi milestone timeline and Founders’ wall, there was something to engage every member who visited the Heritage room. Taking center stage was the giant three-dimensional metal cube that was laser cut and illuminated to display our beloved Creed for all to see.

Founders’ Day 150th Celebration in Syracuse – Taking it back to where it all began, the Founders’ Day. Festivities in Syracuse included visits to select Founders’ gravesites, the site of the original Alpha chapter house, the current Alpha chapter house, the location of our first ever chapter meeting and more. A luncheon, dinner and Founders’ Day ceremony rounded out the experience.

HistoryIT preserves the Alpha Phi archives and our history made available online.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Alpha Phi Foundation Leading With Heart campaign – This campaign was focused on celebrating our past and ensuring our future. The $43 million+ investment made by Alpha Phis through this campaign inspires greatness in today’s members and empowers the next generation of women leaders and scholars. The endowment ensures Alpha Phi’s legacy reverberates through our members and our communities so they can lead with heart for years to come.

Digital History Site – Funded through the generosity of Alpha Phi Foundation donors, Alpha Phi’s digital history site: alphaphi.historyit.com showcases publications, objects, photos, scrapbooks and other parts of our history so that all members may enjoy them.

Archival Preservation & Accessibility – The digital history site work, conducted in partnership with HistoryIT preserves our Alpha Phi archives and our history so that it will be around for the next 150 years. More importantly, the platform allows all members from today and in the future to access stories and parts of our history. When we engage with our history, we are empowered to grow in the direction of our dreams.