Symbols of Sisterhood

Greek Letters

	Alpha:  Alpha is Greek for the beginning, and not only is Alpha Delta Pi the first secret society for women, but it also began at the first college chartered to grant degrees to women, Wesleyan College for Women.  Not only did the Adelpheans become a forerunner for the sorority system, but they also played an important role in the advancement of education for the American female.  Women that are undergoing the education process to become initiated into Alpha Delta Pi are called Alpha members.
	Delta:  Delta represents change in geometry, and Alpha Delta Pi has been at the forefront of the sorority system that has helped to change and improve the lives of women throughout the nation for well over a century.  Our initiated collegiate members are referred to as Delta members, signifying the development of life skills that our members acquire during their collegiate years in Alpha Delta Pi.
	Pi:  In geometry, Pi represents infinity. Just as Alpha Delta Pi has been in existence since 1851, we anticipate continuing strong throughout time. Our college graduate sisters are referred to as Pi members, signifying the unending sisterhood of Alpha Delta Pi.  In this way Alpha Delta Pi truly is “First, Finest, Forever.”

Open Motto

As members of Alpha Delta Pi we believe that our open motto “expresses the true spirit of fraternity; and that by living this motto our lives will be enriched by true friendships and by unselfish service to mankind,” as is stated in our Creed.

Official Colors

Azure blue and white are the official 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.

Coat of Arms

Elizabeth Moseley Coles, who was elected national president at the first grand convention, was responsible for having the coat of arms designed. Another sister of Alpha chapter, Agnes Chapman, is given credit for the actual design of our coat of arms. 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.

Alpha Pin

The Alpha Pin is a bar of gold bearing the Greek letters “Beta Upsilon Alpha” surmounted by the lion head.  These letters stand for the Greek phrase “Boethis Uper Allelon”…”We Live for Each Other.”

Badge

The first diamond-shaped badge was worn by the Adelpheans in 1852. Stars were not included on this first badge, but it did have a monogram of the Wesleyan pin attached to the badge by a link chain, thus forming a guard. In 1854, the stars were added, but it was not until 1874 that the stars and the clasped hands were raised. This design remained with only slight modifications until 1906 when, at Alpha Delta Pi's first convention, Nanaline King presented a new design for the pin. Her design was a smaller gold badge with a black enamel center which pictured the clasped hands, the two stars, and the greek letters, Alpha Delta Phi. This design was adopted by the convention and is the same pin we have today, with Alpha Delta Phi being changed to Alpha Delta Pi at the 1913 convention.

Flower

The Woodland Violet, which grew wild upon the hilltops where the first Adelpheans matriculated, is our official flower. These flowers are everlasting and difficult to overcome.  Because of its rarity the Woodland Violet is unavailable for purchase, we often use the African Violet in its place.

Mascot

As a symbol of beauty and strength, the lion serves as the mascot of Alpha Delta Pi. Within each member, the lion sounds strong and strides confidently forward to pursue her golas.  Our lion is nicknamed Alphie.

 

 

Jewel

Through centuries diamonds have been a symbol of love, excellence and purification. And because of its remarkable hardness and clarity, the diamond also still reigns supreme in its symbolism of power, strength, brilliance and unparalleled beauty. In Alpha Delta Pi it serves as a symbol of the strength and value of friendships, and it’s four points represent the symmetry of a balanced life.