UVA Alpha Phi

About Us

Alpha Phi is a sisterhood of women supporting one another in lifelong achievement.

The Zeta Iota Chapter of the University of Virginia is proud to play an active part on grounds, in the Greek Community, and in Charlottesville since 1978.

Our Chapter is part of more than just a greek organization.  Alpha Phi is a community of empowered women supporting one another for a lifetime. Our sisterhood stretches across the United States and Canada with 173 collegiate chapters and a global network of high-achieving alumnae. When you join Alpha Phi, you’re welcomed by a community of more than 200,000 members committed to lifelong friendships, leadership, academic excellence, personal growth, and community involvement.

To get a personal feel for what our chapter members have been up to, we encourage you to explore our website.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions!

High Ideals of Membership: 

The very heart of Alpha Phi membership is connected by a common set of ideals. Alpha Phi offers a unique bond of sisterhood, a spirit of generosity, high expectations for character and a drive for innovation. These are our High Ideals of Membership, which define what it truly means to be an Alpha Phi.

Mission Statement:

Alpha Phi is a sisterhood of women supporting one another in lifelong achievement.

Purpose: 

The objectives of our Fraternity are the promotion of growth in character; unity of feeling, sisterly affection, and social communion among our members.

In all that we do, we try to obey God’s principles of justice and right. We have banded ourselves together to improve our minds and hearts, and we seek to aid each other through a constant watchcare always given in love.

We believe ourselves to be sincere searchers for truth.

We seek the highest ideal of womanhood, and we try to gain this ideal by cultivating not only the power and passion for seeking intellectual development but, also, the spirit of love and charity. And we who are thus united are under a solemn pledge to lend a helping hand to one another.

‐ Constitution of Alpha Phi International Fraternity, Incorporated, Article II

Creed: 

I believe in my Fraternity.

I believe in the friendships formed in the springtime of my youth.

I believe in its high ideals which lift me up beyond myself.

I believe in its earnest drive for good scholarship, moral character, and genuine culture.

I believe in it as a shrine of international sisterhood wherein I may find love and loyalty, sympathy and understanding, inspiration and opportunity.

I believe in it as a creator of good citizenship, helping me to do my work well, to live in harmony with others, and to serve my country and to trust in God.

I believe in my Fraternity.

I believe in Alpha Phi.

-Annette Holt Hitchcock, (Pi-North Dakota) 1912.

Symbols: 

Greek Letters: Using the Greek alphabet, the name Alpha Phi is depicted above. “Alpha” is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and “Phi” is the twenty-first letter. In the Greek language, “Phi” is pronounced “fee” instead of “fie” when it follows a vowel.

Ivy Leaf: An ever-growing vine, the ivy leaf symbolizes the growth of the Alpha Phi sisterhood. It also represents fidelity and eternal friendship. Ivy is incorporated into Alpha Phi’s crest and new member pins.

Alpha Phi Crest: The Fraternity Crest is the Alpha Phi coat-of-arms, adopted by Convention delegates in 1922. It represents the dignity and honor of Alpha Phi’s heritage. 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, which is witnessed at initiation.

Lily of the Valley: One of the flowers of Alpha Phi is the fragrant lily of the valley.

Forget-Me-Not: The other flower of Alpha Phi is the blue and gold forget-me-not.

“When all your college days are through, To Alpha Phi you’ll e’er be true, Forget‐me-nots will still be blue, And Alpha Phis are true.” -Lovely Girl

Ursa Major: The Fraternity constellation is Ursa Major, the Great Bear. This symbol is displayed on the ceiling of the Alpha Phi Executive Office in Evanston, Ill. Ursa Major is primarily known for its main seven stars, the "Big Dipper,” which are superimposed on the lower left-hand corner of Alpha Phi’s crest.

Fraternity Colors: Silver and Bordeaux are Alpha Phi’s rich and distinctive colors. These colors are often worn in a ribbon under member badges to acknowledge special occasions, such as Alpha Phi Founders’ Day on October 10, new chapter installations, and milestone anniversaries.

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.

Honor Badges: Today, 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.