Wikipedia

Alpha Xi Delta

Alpha Xi Delta
ΑΞΔ
FoundedApril 17, 1893; 132 years ago (1893-04-17)
Lombard College
TypeSocial
AffiliationNPC
StatusActive
ScopeNational
Motto"The Pen is Mightier than the Sword"
Member badge
Colors  Light blue,   Dark blue,   Gold
SymbolQuill
FlowerPink rose
JewelPearl and diamond
MascotBetXi Bear
PublicationThe Quill of Alpha Xi Delta
Chapters130 active (217 total)
Members175,000+ lifetime
Headquarters1389 West 86th Street #350
Indianapolis, Indiana 46260
United States
Websitealphaxidelta.org

Alpha Xi Delta (ΑΞΔ, often referred to as A-"Zee"-D) is an American women's fraternity. It was founded in 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois. It has 175,000 initiated members and maintains active chapters at 130 institutions across the United States. Alpha Xi Delta is a member of National Panhellenic Conference.

History

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On April 17, 1893, ten young women at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois founded Alpha Xi Delta sorority.[1][2] The founders ranged in age from 16 to 26.[3] They were Cora Bollinger Block, Alice Bartlett Brummer, Frances Elizabeth Cheney, Elmira Lowry Cheney, Bertha Cook Evans, Elizabeth Curtis Everton, Julia Maude Foster, Lucy W. Gilmer, and Harriet McCollum.[4] With the help Sigma Nu fraternity's brothers at Lombard College, the sorority developed a constitution that prepared it to become a national organization; the constitution was adopted in 1902.[5]

The sorority remained a local organization until 1902 when it established chapters at Iowa Wesleyan University and University of Mount Union.[1][4] Its three chapters held the first national convention in 1903.[5] Chapters were added at Bethany College and University of South Dakota in 1903, and Wittenberg University and Syracuse University in 1904.[1][4]

Alpha Xi Delta began publishing its magazine, Alpha Xi Delta in 1904.[6]: 56 In 1904, the sorority joined the National Panhellenic Conference. Alpha Xi Delta's Ella Boston Leib was NPC chairman in 1906. Lena Grandin Baldwin, an Alpha Xi Delta who served as NPC chairman from 1912 to 1915, wrote the Panhellenic Creed.[7]

The sorority was incorporated in the State of Ohio in 1907.[5] Alpha Xi Delta was referred to as a sorority until 1913, when the term "women's fraternity" was adopted.[2] By 1927, twenty chapters had established houses.[4] When Lombard College closed in 1930, the Alpha chapter moved to Knox College, also located in Galesburg.[5][6]: 5  In 1931, the fraternity had established fifty chapters and initiated 9,500 members.[6]: 55 

After promoting the admission of women to Georgia Tech in the 1950s, Alpha Xi Delta alumna Ella Wall Van Leer helped establish a chapter of Alpha Xi Delta on the campus in 1954.[8] By 1963, the fraternity had 86 active chapters, 17 inactive chapters, and 39,007 total initiates.[5] At that time, 36 of chapters owned a house.[5]

University of Texas at Austin chapter house
University of Illinois chapter house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Symbols

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The Alpha Xi Delta coat of arms is an azure shield supported by two light blue rampant griffins. At the top of the shield are three roses, followed by a gold quill in its center, and a broken sword in the lower portion. Above the shield is a knight's helmet topped by a pink rose with a leaf and a branch. Below the shield is the azure motto Αλφα Χί Δέλτα or ΑΞΔ.[9]

Alpha Xi Delta's badge is a gold quill, with the raised Greek letters "ΑΞΔ" on the feathers.[4][6]: 55  The quill represents the open motto "The Pen is Mightier than the Sword."[10] A variety of designs were produced in the early years of the fraternity; a standard design was devised by 1911.[11] The fraternity's new member pin is oval shaped, with a black enamel center that features the Greek letters "ΑΞΔ" in gold and a gold exterior band.[4][6]: 55 

The colors of Alpha Xi Delta are light blue, dark blue, and gold.[4][6]: 56  The fraternity's flag consists of three horizonal strips; the top stripe is dark blue with ten gold start, the center stripe is light blue with the Greek letters "ΑΞΔ" in gold, and the bottom stripe is dark blue with a gold quill.[6]: 55–56  The fraternity's flower is the pink rose, chosen to complement the white rose of Sigma Nu fraternity.[5][6]: 56  Its jewels are diamond and pearl.[6]: 56  BetXi Bear has been the fraternity's official mascot since 1989.[10]

The fraternity celebrates Founder's Day on April 17 each year.[5] Alpha Xi Delta's publication is The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta, first published in 1915.[6]: 56 

Symphony

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Alpha Xi Delta's open creed is called "The Symphony of Alpha Xi Delta" and it lists the ideals of the fraternity's members. It was written in 1924 by Helen Willis Lynn, Alice Matthews, and Almira Cheney, one of the founders.[12]

"These things do we earnestly desire: A clear vision of life, that with gracious and kindly hearts we may share both joy and sorrow and bring into living reality the Sisterhood of women. An appreciation of real merit and worth, steadfastness of soul, that without bitterness or defeat, we may encounter misfortune and with humility meet success. These things, O Lord, help us to instill within our hearts that we may grow in courage and graciousness and peace."[13]

Philanthropy

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In 1956, the fraternity established the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation to oversee its educational and philanthropic activities.[5] Alpha Xi Delta has supported a variety of philanthropies over its history. In 2022, building on the success of the Kindly Hearts Campaign of 2021, which supported those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Alpha Xi Delta announced its new national philanthropy: the Kindly Hearts Initiative, supporting children experiencing foster care or homelessness.[14][15] From 2009 to 2021, its national philanthropic partner was Autism Speaks. The sorority raised more than $12 million for Autism Speaks.[16]

Alpha Xi Delta Philanthropy Timeline
Years Charity References
pre-1930 Tuberculosis and memorial libraries [5]
1930s Sponsorship of Carcassone Community School in Gander, Kentucky [17][18]
1942–1947 American Red Cross: supported the World War II effort by donating an ambulance, clubmobile, and portable pianos. Also help blood drives [18]
1947–1952 Adopted Noordwyk, Netherlands which was devastated by World War II [18]
1949 Rural Children Development Program: provided aid to Brown County, Indiana [18]
1952 Save the Children Federation: sponsored ten schools in Arkansas and Tennessee [18]
1958 Combatting Juvenile Delinquency: sponsored Howell House in Chicago, Illinois [18]
1973–1977 Pittman Hall, supported a hone for girls in New York [18]
1978–1992 American Lung Association: promoted respiratory health [17][18]
1992–2009 Choose Children [17]
2009–2021 Autism Speaks [17]
2021–2022 Kindly Hearts Campaign: supported those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic [17]
2022–to date Kindly Hearts Initiative: supporting children experiencing foster care or homelessness [17][14][15]

The AmaXIng Challenge

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Each college chapter participates annually in one of six events called "The AmaXing Challenge: Step It Up, Xi Man/Xi Woman, Sports FrenXi, Xi Games, Xi Karaoke, or AmaXing Gala. Funds that are raised support the Kindly Hearts Initiative.[19]

Letters of Love

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In November of each year, collegiate and alumnae members participate in an online letter-writing project to raise funds and awareness. Letters of Love supports two "key impact" organizations: FosterClub and StandUp for Kids.[20]

Potential members in front of the Alpha Xi Delta house at Purdue University during rush

Membership

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Membership is Alpha Xi Delta is open to individuals who live and self-identify as woman and demonstrate academic achievement and good character.[21] The fraternity selects new members through a process of meetings, events, and interviews.[21]

Governance

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The fraternity is governed by a National Council that is elected at a convention of the national chapter, consisting of a representative from each chapter and the national officers.[5] It has a national executive secretary and staff.[5] Its national headquarters is in Indianapolis, Indiana.[22]

Chapters

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Main article: List of Alpha Xi Delta chapters

Alpha Xi Delta has active chapters at 130 institutions across the United States.[1]

Notable members

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Main article: List of Alpha Xi Delta members

Alpha Xi Delta has initiated over 175,000 members.[23]

Scandals and member misconduct

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In October 1945, the Upsilon chapter at the University of Vermont offered membership to Crystal Malone, one of the few Black students enrolled in the university.[24][25] Although the fraternity constitution did not have explicit racial restrictions, the National Council ordered the local chapter to withdraw its offer to Malone. They refused. The fraternity's national president, Winnafred Corwin Robinson (Mrs. Beverly Robinson), ordered the chapter closed.[26] Today, the fraternity's constitution and bylaws state that Alpha Xi Delta does not "discriminate based on religion, race, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, or age."

In 2010, the Miami University chapter of Alpha Xi Delta was suspended until 2014 for alcohol violations stemming from its destructive formal at Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.[27][28] In 2019, the sorority recolonized the chapter and no longer recognizes the members involved in the incident.[29]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d William Raimond Baird; Carroll Lurding (eds.). "Almanac of Fraternities and Sororities (Baird's Manual Online Archive), showing Alpha Xi Delta chapters". Student Life and Culture Archives. University of Illinois: University of Illinois Archives. Retrieved December 30, 2021. The main archive URL is The Baird's Manual Online Archive homepage.
  2. ^ a b Trent, Karen Pyle (ed.) Alpha Xi Delta: A 100-Year History Printed by Order of the National Council of Alpha Xi Delta, 1993.
  3. ^ Alpha Xi Delta. Vol. 5–6. G. Banta Company. 1907. p. 143. OCLC 445768029. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Shepard, Francis W., ed. (1927). Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (11th ed.). Menasha, Wisconsin: George Banta Publishing Company. p. 255 – via Google Books. Accessed August 31, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Robson, John, ed. (1963). Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (17th ed.). Menasha, Wisconsin: George Banta Co. pp. 398–399. OCLC 1819883.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Martin, Ida Shaw (1931). The Sorority Handbook (11th ed.). Boston: Ida S. Martin – via Hathi Trust.
  7. ^ "Alpha Xi Delta: History/Insignia". Alpha Xi Delta. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  8. ^ Becque, Fran (March 13, 2023). "Ella Lillian Wall Van Leer, Alpha Xi Delta, #NotableSororityWomen, #WHM2023". Fraternity History & More. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  9. ^ Butterfield, Emily Helen (1931). College fraternity heraldry. Menasha, Wisconsin: George Banta Publishing Company. p. 31. OCLC 774775 – via Hathi Trust.
  10. ^ a b "Alpha Xi Delta - History". Alpha Xi Delta. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  11. ^ "The History of our Quill". Alpha Xi Delta. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  12. ^ "The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta - Winter 2017". Issuu. February 3, 2017. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  13. ^ "About Alpha Xi Delta". Alpha Xi Delta. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  14. ^ a b "Kindly Hearts Campaign". Alpha Xi Delta.
  15. ^ a b "Kindly Hearts Initiative". Alpha Xi Delta. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  16. ^ "Statement about Alpha Xi Delta's Philanthropic Focus". Alpha Xi Delta. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  17. ^ a b c d e f The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta. 125th anniversary edition. (2018)
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h "Philanthropy of Alpha Xi Delta". Alpha Xi Delta Digital History. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  19. ^ "AmaXIng Challenge". Alpha Xi Delta. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  20. ^ "Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity". Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Policies". Alpha Xi Delta. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  22. ^ "Alpha Xi Delta - Volunteer Opportunities". Alpha Xi Delta. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  23. ^ "About". Alpha Xi Delta Digital History. Retrieved November 1, 2025.
  24. ^ "Crystal Malone Brown, D.C. educator who tried to integrate sorority in the 1940s, dies at 94". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  25. ^ "Crystal Malone Brown, D.C. educator who tried to integrate sorority in the 1940s, dies at 94 - The Washington Post". The Washington Post.
  26. ^ Noted in the Vermont Quarterly Online Magazine, "Fall issue", undated and unnamed byline. Accessed 8 Mar 2021.
  27. ^ "Unrecognized Organizations – Miami University". miamioh.edu. Archived from the original on November 29, 2017. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
  28. ^ "More Drunken Sorority Madness". The Smoking Gun. July 11, 2010. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
  29. ^ "Unrecognized Organizations - Miami University". miamioh.edu. Archived from the original on November 29, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
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