Alpha Phi’s history begins in 1872, rooted in the bold innovation of our Ten Founders—some of Syracuse University’s first female students. Several decided that they were not satisfied with merely participating in the classroom, and were denied admission to the men’s fraternities, decided to create their own fraternity for women. From the beginning, they envisioned an expansive sisterhood, and their leadership and organizational practices set the tone for the Alpha Phi of today. Much like our present-day membership, the Founders were a group of curious women who did not back down from a challenge—women who had a vision for our sisterhood and the confidence in one another to make an impact.

Alpha Phi’s East Carolina history begins in 1959. That fall, the local sororities at East Carolina College started to affiliate with national sororities, and Alpha Phi was interested. After some discussion and decisions, Alpha Phi came to campus, and on the weekend of February 6-7, 1960, the one-year-old Phi Beta Chi sorority was installed as Delta Alpha of Alpha Phi.

In the early 1970s, the chapter created a chant (Hotty Toddy), that is well-known among Alpha Phis. More on this bit of Delta Alpha history can be found here.

In Delta Alpha’s seven decades, the chapter has initiated nearly 1,700 members into Alpha Phi. Among these members are:

In 2018, the chapter was suspended by East Carolina and Alpha Phi. It’s now a time to celebrate Delta Alpha chapter’s return with the re-establishment of this important Alpha Phi chapter. As a newly established chapter, Alpha Phi has already florished immensely and is excited to continue its growth.