Alpha Phi at RPI
Introduction[edit]
Alpha Phi is an international sorority that was founded at Syracuse University in 1872 and was one of the first Greek societies for women in the United States. Their core values are sisterhood, character, leadership, and innovation. The symbol is the Ivy Leaf, the flowers are the lily of the valley and the forget-me-not, and the colors are silver and bordeaux. Their motto is "Union hand in hand".
The Theta Tau Chapter[edit]
The RPI chapter of Alpha Phi is the Theta Tau Chapter and was founded in 1995. Initially the chapter was Phi Alpha Sigma in 1986, but became the Theta Tau chapter in 1995. They have had several houses since their founding, with the first being located on 15th Street. Currently, their house is the first of the Stacwyck Apartments located at 1 Forsyth Drive near the East Campus Athletic Village. The house has been converted to include an industrial kitchen, living room, chapter room, study, and houses up to 44 sisters.
The founding sisters were Susan Flynn, Rowene Resler, Sonja Gonzales, Jenifer M'Gill, Laura Pineman, Michelle Roos, Kimberly Timo, Nancy Flynn, Kyle Kristel, and Catherine Klunk.
The current chapter consists of 7 executive members in the positions of President, Vice President of Health, Wellness, and Accountability, Vice President of membership Recruitment, Vice President of Finance and Housing, Vice President of New Membership Education and Experience, Vice President of Marketing, and Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Philanthropy[edit]
Alpha Phi's biggest philanthropy is the Alpha Phi foundation which raises money and awareness for women's heart health. Their biggest fundraiser is the Red Dress Gala which takes place every October, where sisters and local businesses create raffle baskets to be auctioned at the Gala. Their other biggest fundraiser, Alpha Phifa, occurs in the spring where many sororities, fraternities, and club organizations participate in a soccer tournament. This is paired with Heart Health Week, where sisters set up tables throughout campus in February to spread awareness and educate the members of their community on heart health. The Theta Tau chapter also takes part in many philanthropic events on and around campus such as the LXA food drive, Sigma Chi Haunted House, Relay for Life, RPI Food Pantry and more. They also are a member of the Rensselaer Panhellenic Council which includes all three sororities at RPI.
On Campus Activity[edit]
The Theta Tau chapter hosts formal recruitment every spring semester for about one week during the first month of the year where freshman through seniors can go through recruitment to join one of the three sororities on campus. The Theta Tau chapter often gives house tours, and allows the RPI community to get to know the sisters. They also do informal recruitment, or continuous open bidding, in both the fall and spring semesters where they host several events throughout the second month of the semester where anyone can go to the house and participate in activities to get to know the house and culture of the chapter. In addition to recruitment, Alpha Phi also has many tabling events throughout the year such as Pie A Phi. They often set up in front of the Sage Dining Hall or inside the Student Union.