The Symphony of Alpha Xi Delta          Our Founders                Insignias

Fraternity History

Alpha Xi Delta was founded in 1893 by ten young women at Lombard College, Galesburg, Illinois, who shared a vision and a dream of a national organization dedicated to the personal growth of women. One of the oldest women's fraternities, Alpha Xi Delta is proud of its rich history. As one of the ten founding fraternities of the National Panhellenic Conference, it was Alpha Xi Delta's first NPC Chairman who wrote the Panhellenic Creed, which is still recited on college campuses today. Since that time more than a 100 years ago, the spirit of Alpha Xi Delta has enriched the lives of thousands of women throughout the world with its emphasis on lifelong learning and lasting friendship. Now a national fraternity with more than 120,000 initiated members, Alpha Xi Delta has grown into a progressive and forward-thinking organization with college chapters and alumnae associations throughout the United States. The ideals envisioned by our Founders are timeless and have remained constant throughout the years, inspiring pride in each member to pursue individual excellence. Our Founders left us a great legacy--they taught us the value of education because it would free us to achieve our goals and give us the power to be whatever we choose to be. They taught us to support one another through shared experiences and understanding. They taught us to serve others--to reach out to those less fortunate to make their lives better. It is these ideals of personal development, scholarship, friendship, and civic responsibility that we embrace and bring to every Alpha Xi Delta member.

The Symphony of Alpha Xi Delta

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. (page top)

Ten Women With A Vision:
Our Founders

Insignias

The Coat of Arms: The Coat of Arms of Alpha Xi Delta consists of a shield supported by two griffins. In the golden band across the center of the shield is the Quill. Three conventional roses are at the top of the shield, and a broken sword is in the lower portion of the shield. Above the shield on the knight's helmet is a twist of ribbon in alternating blue and gold, and a blossomed rose.

 

Colors: The colors of Alpha Xi Delta are double blue (light and dark) and gold.


Flower: The Fraternity flower is the pink rose, as chosen by our Founders.

New Member Pin: Alpha Xi Deltas wear this pin during their new member period. (page top)

Colony Pin: The colony pin is used in place of the new member pin for founding members of a colony. A new chapter of Alpha Xi Delta is called a colony during its initial pledging period.

Quill: The Quill, which is worn by initiated members of Alpha Xi Delta, represents our open motto "The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword." (page top)

Mascot: The Fraternity adopted Al Fuzzie teddy bear as a mascot in 1974. BetXi Bear mascot (shown above) was adopted in 1989.

Flag: The flag bears the coat of arms; ten gold stars, one for each Founder; and the Fraternity name written out. The flag is often used in chapter meetings and for display purposes. (page top)

Banner: The top bar of the banner bears ten gold stars, one for each of the Founders; the middle bar, the Fraternity letters; and the bottom bar, a gold Quill.

National President's Medallion: The National President's Medallion, a gold disc, is worn by each National President during her term of office. On one side is the name of the Fraternity, the Coat of Arms and the Gavel. On the other side is the Oath of Office by which each elected member of the National Council pledges her loyalty and service. The links in the gold chain attached to the Medallion represent all Alpha Xi Delta chapters ever installed, and each link bears the chapter's Greek-letter name. (page top)