ELWYN B. ROBINSON DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
CHESTER FRITZ LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA 58202
COLLECTION: OGL #586
DATES: 1916-1918
SIZE: 2 photographs
ACQUISITION: The Alpha Phi Sorority Records were deposited in the Orin G. Libby Manuscript Collection by Elsie M. Brown, Grand Forks, North Dakota on June 29, 1979 (Acc.#81-753).
ACCESS: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Department of Special Collections.
The Alpha Phi Sorority was formed in 1872 at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. The objectives of the group are to promote the growth of: character, unity of feeling, sisterly affection, and social communion. The group seeks a strong feeling of sisterhood with all of its members and strives to "obey God's principles of justice and right." The Alpha Phi Sorority now has chapters throughout the United States and Canada, and former members have become leaders in many professions, including business, entertainment, medicine and sports.
The Pi Chapter of the Alpha Phi Sorority originated on the University of North Dakota campus in February 1906. First known as the Phi Kappa Chi club, the organization was founded by a group of girls interested in the "true spirit of fellowship." Membership in this group was limited to 20, and the group sought to secure female campus leaders for its membership.
The club formally joined the Alpha Phi Sorority on June 15, 1911, during Commencement Week. The Pi Chapter became the first national women's fraternal organization on campus. All existing members of Phi Kappa Chi were installed in the sorority; the first initiation of members not originally affiliated with Phi Kappa Chi occurred on October 14, 1911. In 1920, the Pi Chapter purchased a chapterhouse in Grand Forks, after renting various homes for several years. In 1928, they moved to their present location, 2626 University Avenue.
The Pi Chapter has been active in supporting various causes and charities throughout the Greater Grand Forks Community. It has participated in local toy drives during the Christmas season and donated funds to the UND Medical School. One cause which both the Pi Chapter and the entire Alpha Phi organization have made a top priority is the issue of heart disease. The Pi Chapter has been responsible for raising funds and awareness about this affliction throughout its history. A week long philanthropic drive occurs the week before Valentine's Day on an annual basis.
The Pi Chapter remains active on the UND campus.
The Alpha Phi Sorority Records consist of two photographs. The first photograph is of the pledge class for either 1916 or 1917. The second photo is of the 1918 pledge class. Both photos list the names of each pledge. The photographs were separated and placed in the Orin G. Libby Photograph Collection.
OGL#586-1 1916 or 1917 pledge class, Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi
OGL#586-2 1918 pledge class, Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi
| Original donation | See addition: 1906-1964 |
Return to: UND Student Organizations
Return to: Women's Organizational Records
| Special Collections Home Page | Contact Special Collections | Chester Fritz Library Home Page |
|---|