About Us

The Phi Upsilon Phi Sorority had its beginning in November of 1919, with the permission and cooperation of Dr. Farnum who was at that time President of the Mechanics Institute, now known to us as Rochester Institute of Technology. The purpose of establishing this sorority was to further the spirit of friendship and unity between the departments of Applied and Household Arts. Phi Upsilon Phi brought together women representatives of the highest ideals and standards at the Mechanics Institute.Phi Upsilon Phi is the oldest social Greek letter organization for women at RIT. The goals which are stressed by the sorority are friendship, scholarship, leadership, and character development. The foremost aim of the sorority is to help the members better themselves through worth-while college experiences which are shared by all. The name Phi Upsilon Phi means unity and fidelity. These ideals we respect and uphold.On February 24, 1963 Phi Upsilon Phi Sorority was pledged as a colony of the national Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity. It was the first sorority on the RIT campus to take this big and important step toward its further growth and development. After acquiring a thorough understanding of the advantages and responsibilities of being part of an outstanding national organization, the colony was installed as the Delta Lambda chapter of Alpha Xi Delta on October 5, 1963. This affiliation with Alpha Xi Delta is now an essential part of our fraternal life.

In 1893, ten young women at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois, shared a vision and a dream of a national organization dedicated to the personal growth of women. Their dream became Alpha Xi Delta, one of the oldest women’s fraternities in the United States.

The timeless ideals envisioned by Alpha Xi Delta’s Founders remain constant throughout the years, inspiring pride in each member to pursue individual excellence. Now a national fraternity with more than 171,000 initiated members, our Fraternity is a progressive organization with college chapters and alumnae associations throughout the United States.

Alpha Xi Delta is proud of its history and lasting impact on its members and the Panhellenic community. In fact, Alpha Xi Delta’s first National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Chairman wrote the Panhellenic Creed, which all members of NPC still recite on college campuses today.

Alpha Xi Delta’s Founders left us a great legacy. They taught us the value of education because it frees us to achieve our goals and gives us the power to be whatever we choose. They taught us to support one another through shared experiences and understanding. They taught us to serve others and reach out to better the lives of those less fortunate. Because of them, Alpha Xi Delta continues to inspire countless bold and talented women to realize their potential.

Mission:

The mission of Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity is to enrich the life of every Alpha Xi Delta. We will:

• Nurture unity and cooperation.
• Foster intellectual, professional and personal growth.
• Exemplify the highest ethical conduct.
• Instill community responsibility.
• Perpetuate fraternal growth.

Vision:

Inspiring Women to Realize Their Potential

Symbols & Insignia

• Colors: Light Blue, Dark Blue, and Gold
• Flower: Pink Rose
• Badge: The Quill
• Mascot: BetXi Bear