Our Chapter

"The objects of our fraternity are the promotion of growth in character, the 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 always given in love. We believe in 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 the solemn pledge to lend a helping hand to one another."

-Constitution of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Inc., Article II

The Upsilon chapter of Alpha Phi here at Washburn University was founded in 1916. Our chapter is full of intelligent, motivated, dedicated, philanthropic, and fun-loving women. We are leaders, scholars, and so much more. We believe in women helping women. We are one of three sororities who participate in formal recruitment at Washburn University.

Purpose

History

Alpha Phi was founded at Syracuse University in 1872 by ten women, known as "the original ten". Finding themselves surrounded in a male-dominated environment, these women sought support in each other and founded our first chapter of Alpha Phi. Our organization was founded on the basis of character development, sisterhood, and lifelong achievement values which its members still uphold today. Today there are 164 Alpha Phi chapters globally, making us one of three international sororities. To learn more about the legacy of Alpha Phi, visit www.alphaphi.org.

Symbols

Ivy Leaf: The ivy leaf is perhaps our most recognizable symbol. The ivy leaf is reflected in our new member pin and is part of our crest. Ivy symbolizes the intertwining of intellectual, philanthropical and social pursuits. It is also symbolic of the way in which our lives become intertwined with one another's as we become not just friends, but sisters in Alpha Phi.
Coat of Arms: The Fraternity Crest is the Alpha Phi coat-of-arms, adopted by Convention delegates in 1922. The shield is Bordeaux with a scroll and ivy leaf above it. Inscribed on the scroll is the public motto, "Union Hand in Hand." A bar of silver crosses the shield from left to right; the upper half of the shield contains a Roman lamp in silver and the lower half, Ursa Major.
Flowers: The flowers of Alpha Phi are the Lily-of-the-Valley and the sentimental Forget-Me-Not. The blue and gold of the Forget-Me-Not remind Alpha Phis to remember their sisters, no matter how far apart they are or how long they have been apart.
Colors: Silver and Bordeaux are Alpha Phi's rich and distinct colors.