History of Alpha Delta Phi International

Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity was established in 1832 at Hamilton College, and is one of the original American college fraternities and the oldest social fraternity established at the University of Washington. Alpha Delta Phi's founder, Samuel Eells, believed that other student organizations at Hamilton College lacked integrity and had a negative influence on students and the community. He therefore endeavored to create a new, expansive, self-perpetuating organization that had integrity and youthful character:

In the first place, the new association must differ from others, in all points necessary to the exclusion of that jealousy and angry competition which I had always felt to be the bane of college life.

In the second place, it must be built on a more comprehensive scale than other societies, in regard to its intellectual proportions; providing for every variety of taste and talent, and embracing every department of literature and science.

In the third place, it must be national and universal in its adaptations, so as not merely to cultivate a taste for literature or furnish the mind with knowledge; but, with a true philosophical spirit, looking to the entire man, so as to develop his whole being—moral, social, and intellectual.

In the fourth place, it must be made a living, growing, self-perpetuating institution, which can be done only by stamping its whole character and arrangements with a great and manifest superiority to other societies, and by attaching its members to it by an indissoluble bond of union and binding them to real and personal interest in its welfare.

- Samuel Eells, 1832

Consistent with Samuel Eells' vision, Alpha Delta Phi thereafter expanded to some of the finest universities in the United States and Canada: Alpha Delta Phi was the first fraternity established at twelve universities, including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Brown, and NYU; was the second fraternity established at three universities; was the third fraternity established at seven universities; and has now been established at 51 universities throughout North America. Many Alpha Delt chapters have been recognized as leaders on their respective campuses.

Likewise, consistent with the ideals that Samuel Eells established for the fraternity, each chapter of Alpha Delta Phi strives to be an organization of integrity and high character, and endeavors to recruit members who are "entire men"—i.e., men who are well rounded, leaders, social, moral, and intellectual. Undergraduate members of Alpha Delta Phi often distinguish themselves as leaders on campus and in varsity athletics.

After college, Alpha Delt alumni often become leaders in business, government, law, and education. Indeed, Alpha Delts have made significant and indelible marks in the history books of the United States of America. An Alpha Delt is responsible for placing the words “In God We Trust” on U.S. currency while serving as Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of the Treasury. An Alpha Delt accepted the formal Confederate surrender of arms to end the Civil War. An Alpha Delt composed the Pledge of Allegiance. An Alpha Delt lead the charge of the Rough Riders in the battle for San Juan Hill. An Alpha Delt was one of the principal architects of the Treaty of Versailles and the Covenant of the League of Nations. An Alpha Delt served as Commander and Chief during World War II. More recently, an Alpha Delt was one of the five passengers on Flight 93 who confronted the hijackers on 9/11.

More than forty Alpha Delts have served as Presidents of leading American colleges and universities. Several dozen Alpha Delts have served as United States Senators, United States Representatives and State Governors. Seven Alpha Delts have served as Justices of the United States Supreme Court, including two Chief Justices: Salmon P. Chase and Harlan Fiske Stone. Two Alpha Delts have served as President of the United States: Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

For more information about the history of Alpha Delta Phi International, visit the International's website.