Our Chapter has a strong national presence

Alpha Phi is called a fraternity (not a sorority)
for historical reasons, not because it’s male-focused.
Alpha Phi was founded in 1872, before the word
“sorority” even existed. At the time:

• “Fraternity” was the only word used for Greek-letter organizations

• It simply meant a brotherhood/sisterhood bound by shared values

• Women’s Greek organizations didn’t yet have separate terminology

When did “sorority” come along?

• The term “sorority” wasn’t coined until 1874

• By then, Alpha Phi already had:

  • Its charter

  • Its constitution

  • Its official legal name
    

Rather than change its identity, Alpha Phi kept the original term to honor its founding and legacy.



Nickname: APhi
Colors: Silver and Bordeaux
Symbols: Ivy Leaf and Phi Bear
Philanthropy: Alpha Phi Foundation (heart health focused)
Installed: First installed at Syracuse University in 1872.
Open Motto: "Union Hand in Hand"



Alpha Phi has a rich history filled with meaningful symbols that reflect the values of sisterhood, care, and lifelong connection. You may hear these referenced by your daughters or see them incorporated into gifts and events. You may see the abbreviation MC, which stands for Member Class and refers to the year a member joined Alpha Phi.

Ivy Leaf: Represents eternal friendship and loyalty. Just as ivy grows and clings, it symbolizes the lifelong bonds between Alpha Phi sisters.

Lily of the Valley (Official Flower): Symbolizes purity, sweetness, and humility, values central to Alpha Phi’s sisterhood.

Colors Silver & Bordeaux: Silver represents sincerity and truth. Bordeaux represents courage, love, and strength

Heart: Alpha Phi is known as “the heart fraternity.” The heart symbolizes love, generosity, and genuine connection, which are core to the Alpha Phi experience.

Teddy Bear: A beloved Alpha Phi symbol representing comfort, care, and support. It is often gifted during meaningful moments such as Presents, Initiation, finals week, birthdays, or Monday night meetings and serves as a reminder that each member is supported and valued.

Crest (Coat of Arms): The crest is a formal symbol used on official materials and during ceremonies, representing the organization’s history, values, and governance.

175

150

Years of experience

National Chapters

Over

Over

The mission of the Alpha Phi Parents Club is to support the activities of the Alpha Phi Chapter at USC. With the support of your donations, our club provides financial and on-site assistance for the many events hosted by the sorority.

These include:

• Attend Red Dress Gala on Friday night of Family Weekend

• Family Weekend Tailgate on Saturday of the football game

• Family Weekend Brunch on Saturday of the football game

• Recruitment Items and Helping Hands

• Pledge Presents

• Scholarship Awards

• Senior Luncheon and Keepsake Gift

• Holiday Treats & Decor

• Snacks During Finals Week

• Snacks During Start of School

• Alpha Phi House Director Appreciation Winter Holiday Bonuses

• ...and more
  
  

Every parent is invited to join us. Whether your daughter is a freshman or senior, and whether she lives in the house or off-site, she is the recipient of the countless opportunities provided by the USC Alpha Phi Parents Club.

By joining the Parents Club, you become an active participant whether you live locally or far away, in support of your daughter’s collegiate living and sorority experience. Alpha Phi’s motto, “Union Hand in Hand,” reflects the strong bonds formed in within our sisterhood. We invite you to join us in supporting this sisterhood in any way you can.

We are all fortunate to parent such caring, intelligent, dynamic young women. Please join us in making their sorority experience the best it can be!

Our mission

Quick facts

Terms to know

symbols