Crest
The Alpha Phi coat-of-arms or crest was adopted by Convention delegates in 1922. The shield is bordeaux with a scroll and ivy leaf above it. Inscribed on thescroll is our 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 witnessed at initiation. The use of the Fraternity crest is reserved for jewelry, sportswear and other Fraternity equipment befitting the dignity and honor of Alpha Phi's heritage.

Letters/Name
Alpha Phi is represented by the Greek letters "Alpha," the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and "Phi," the twenty-first letter.

The "Phi" in Alpha Phi is pronounced "fee" not "fie." Why? Bescause in the Greek language, "Phi" is pronounced "fee" when it follows a vowel.

Colors
Silver and Bordeaux are Alpha Phi's rich and distinct colors.

Alpha Phi's original colors were blue and gold. In 1879, noting that a fraternity had colors too similar to hers, Alpha Phi adopted the more distinctive colors of silver and bordeaux.

Members wear their colors in the form of a ribbon of silver/gray and bordeaux, under their badge to acknowledge special occasions, the installation of a new chapter, the anniversary of their chapter's installation or the celebration of Alpha Phi Founders' Day, October 10.

Flowers
Two of the world's most beautiful and delicate flowers were chosen to represent Alpha Phi: The Lily of the Valley and the Forget-Me-Not.

Lilies of the Valley consist of clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers that hang from a single stem (see the large image on the left). Known for their sweet fragrance, their scent has inspired countless perfumes.

The dazzling blue and gold Forget-Me-Not -- symbolizing remembrance -- is Alpha Phi's other flower.

The Ivy Leaf
The ivy leaf is perhaps our most recognizable symbol. The ivy leaf is reflected in our new member pin and is part of our crest.

Ivy symbolizes the intertwining of intellectual, philanthropical and social pursuits. It is also symbolic of the way in which our lives become intertwined with one another's as we become friends and sisters in Alpha Phi.

Mascot                       
Our mascot is the "Phi Bear," whose name is taken from the Greek words "Ursa Major," or the "Great Bear."

The Phi Bear was adopted as Alpha Phi's mascot in 1974.

Badges

Alpha Phi's New Member Badge
When women join Alpha Phi, they are given our beautiful new member pin. The pin is fashioned in the shape of an ivy leaf and is set in pewter. New members wear this pin until initiation, after which, they will receive the official Alpha Phi badge (shown below). The ivy leaf represents the way our lives intertwine with one another's as we become friends and sisters in Alpha Phi.

Alpha Phi's 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. A jeweled version of the badge is also offered, set with pearls or diamonds. The badge may be worn as a pin, upon a bracelet or mounted as a ring.