Alpha Phi’s history begins in 1872, rooted in the bold innovation of our Ten Founders—some of Syracuse University’s first female students. Several decided that they were not satisfied with merely participating in the classroom, as well as being denied admission to the men’s fraternities. As a result, they decided to create their own fraternity for women. From the beginning, they envisioned an expansive sisterhood, and their leadership and organizational practices set the tone for the Alpha Phi of today. Much like our present-day membership, the Founders were a group of curious women who did not back down from a challenge—women who had a vision for our sisterhood and the confidence in one another to make an impact.