One hundred twenty-nine years ago, in the fall of 1872 Martha Foote Crow, Kate Hogoboom and Clara Sittser Williams met to discuss the problems facing them as the first female students at Syracuse University. They felt they were unwelcome on campus and after witnessing the solidarity of the fraternities asked: "...why can't we have a society as well as the men?"
Seven other women joined their group and the first chapter meeting was held on September 18, 1872. Rena Michaels Atchison was elected chapter president.
On September 30, 1872, at the home of Ida Gilbert, the first initiation ceremony was conducted and Alpha Phi was formed.. |
