The Symbols of Alpha Phi

The symbols of Alpha Phi are outward signs of the high regard and love we have for each other and for Alpha Phi. Treat these symbols with respect by upholding the high ideals and standards which bind Alpha Phis throughout the world.

Alpha Phi Badge
The official badge of Alpha Phi is an unjeweled monogram of gold showing the symbol of Alpha superimposed upon the symbol of Phi. Inscribed in black on the symbol Phi are the letters a, o, e. The meaning of these letters is reserved for the initiation ceremony. You may also wear a jeweled version of the badge set with white stones. The badge may be worn as a pin, upon a bracelet or mounted as a ring.

Alpha Phi was the first women's organization to use Greek letters as an emblem. Originally there was no standard badge. Until 1906 when the current badge was adopted, each member went to the jeweler of her choice to have her pin designed. Most chose similar designs using the "lazy Phi," a Phi symbol turned on its side. You can see many of these unique pins in the Ruth Himmelman Wright Heritage Hall at the Executive Office in Evanston, Illinois.

Honor BadgesToday, special honor badges, replicas of the lazy Phi pin, are worn by international officers, and Educational Leadership Consultants. They are also worn by presidents of collegiate chapters while they serve as president.

New Member BadgeIn 1898 the Fraternity adopted a special badge to honor her newest members. The badge they selected is in the shape of an ivy leaf, set in silver pewter. An ever-growing vine, the ivy symbolizes the growth of the Alpha Phi sisterhood.

Fifty-Year PinThe first fifty-year pins, silver circles with red stones, were presented at the 42nd Convention in 1958 to several alumnae who had given significant service to the Fraternity for 50 years or more. These pins are replicas of the pins presented to the six living founders at the Fraternity's Fiftieth Anniversary Convention in 1922.

Fraternity CrestThe 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. The meaning of the symbols depicted on the crest is a significant part of the ritual witnessed at initiation. 

The use of the Fraternity crest is reserved for jewelry, sportswear and other Fraternity equipment befitting the dignity and honor of Alpha Phi's heritage.

Fraternity Colors
Alpha Phi's original colors were blue and gold. In 1879, noting that a fraternity had colors too similar to hers, Alpha Phi adopted the more distinctive colors of silver and Bordeaux.

Members wear their colors in the form of a ribbon of silver/gray and Bordeaux, under their badge to acknowledge special occasions, the installation of a new chapter, the anniversary of their chapter's installation or the celebration of Alpha Phi Founders' Day, October 10.

Fraternity FlowersThe flowers of Alpha Phi are the fragrant lily of the valley and the blue and gold forget-me-not. 

Fraternity symbolThe symbol of Alpha Phi is the ivy leaf with the new member badge taking its form.

Fraternity constellationThe Fraternity constellation is Ursa Major, the Great Bear. This symbol can be seen on the Alpha Phi crest and is displayed on the ceiling of the Alpha Phi Executive Office in Evanston, Illinois.

Alpha Phi BearThe mascot of Alpha Phi, the "Phi Bear," is named after Ursa Major, the Great Bear, and was adopted in 1974.