International History
Founded on May 15, 1851 at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, GA, Alpha Delta Pi holds the distinction of being the first secret society in the world for college women. The original name of the sorority was the "Adelphean Society." The word "Adelphean" is derived from the Greek word meaning "sister." Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald founded Alpha Delta Pi along with five of her closest friends: Ella Pierce Turner, Octavia Andrew Rush, Elizabeth Williams Mitchell, Sophronia Woodruff Dews, and Mary Evans Glass. These women, along with thirteen others made up the first chapter at Wesleyan, which was the first college in the world to grant charter degrees to women. They took for their open motto, "We live for each other." They developed a ritual and oath, grip, and badge, all things by which we would recognize through the sorority today. They also chose colors, azure blue and white, as further symbols of their ideals, as well as an official flower, the woodland violet, and a mascot, the lion, which is nicknamed, Alphie. The qualifications for membership of Alpha Delta Pi have remained unchanged through the years - scholarship, high principles of behavior, and true friendships.
Eta Chapter History
The Eta chapter was founded March 21, 1907, making it the second oldest women's sorority at the Capstone. It was the first active chapter in the state of Alabama. On February 24, 2007, Eta Chapter celebrated 100 years of sisterhood with its current members, alumni, and international officers.
