Founders

At a time when society looked upon women only as daughters, wives, and mothers — and therefore not warranting of a higher education — our ten founders were pioneers of the coeducational system. Our founders sought support from each other, and formed Alpha Phi in 1872 at Syracuse University.

Today, Alpha Phi continues to provide a "tie which unites, a circle of friends" for women young and old all around the world. From hand to hand and heart to heart, we are all grateful and proud of the legacy left to us by our founders, the Original Ten.

Our 10 Founders were:

• Clara Bradley Wheeler Baker Burdette
• Hattie Florence Chidester Lukens
• Martha Emily Foote Crowe
• Ida Arabella Gilbert DeLamanter Houghton
• Jane Sara Higham
• Kate Elizabeth Hogoboom Gilbert
• Elizabeth Grace Hubbell Shults
• Rena A. Michaels Atchison
• Louise Viola Shepard Hancock
• Clara Sittser Williams