Alpha Delta Pi

First.Finest.Forever.Since 1851

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Alpha Delta Pi History

Alpha Delta Pi holds the distinction of being the first secret society in the world for college women and is regarded as the "First and Finest."

We were founded on May 15, 1851, at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia. The original name of the sorority was the "Adelphean Society."


The six original founders of the Adelphean Society were Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald, Ella Pierce Turner, Octavia Andrew Rush, Mary Evans Glass, Elizabeth Williams Mitchell , and Sophronia Woodruff Dews.The Adelphean Society flourished through the years and in 1904 the members voted to become national. In 1905 the name was changed to Alpha Delta Phi, but because of continued confusion with a mens' fraternity of the same name, the name was changed once again to Alpha Delta Pi in 1913.

The qualifications for membership have remained unchanged through the years: scholarship, high principles of behavior, and true friendship. Today, there are over 170,000 initiated members of Alpha Delta Pi worldwide and more than 130 collegiate chapters throughout the United States and Canada  Throughout our history, from Adelphean Society, to Alpha Delta Phi, to Alpha Delta Pi, the core ideals of our Sorority have remained the same: loyalty and sisterhood as exemplified in our open motto, "We Live for Each Other."


 In 1964 Alpha Delta Pi expanded its chapters and opened the Alpha Delta Pi- Delta Omega chapter here,on the Northern Illinois University's campus in DeKalb IL, in 1964.  Currently, the  many members of the chapter reside at 1230 Blackhawk drive where the chapter house is located. 



Alpha Delta Pi Symbols

Open Motto: We Live For Each Other!


Mascot: "Alphie," the Lion, is the mascot of Alpha Delta Pi. The lion symbolizes Strength of Character, Courage, and Personality.



Coat of Arms: The original Coat of Arms was designed by Elizabeth Mosely Coles and Agnes Chapman. They symbolism from our ritual and our Alpha Pin were combined in the Coat of Arms and the design originally had a background of violets. In 1919 the convention body voted to make changes and the present design was accepted.

Badge (Pin): The first diamond-shaped badge was worn by the Adelpheans in 1852. The stars that are seen today were not added until 1854. It did however, have a monogram of the Wesleyan pin attached to the badge by a link chain, thus forming a guard that is used today.

Flower: The Woodland Violet, which grows wild, is the official flower. A rare flower, the Woodland Violet symbolizes the preciousness of each member of Alpha Delta Pi. Because it is unavailable for purchase, African Violets are often used to symbolize the Woodland Violet.

Colors: Azure blue and white are the offical colors of Alpha Delta Pi. Blue is symbolic of friendship, the basic spirit upon which Alpha Delta Pi is founded. White symbolizes sincerity and truth. Alpha Delta Pi seeks these qualities in all its members.