Alpha Xi Delta

Alpha Xi Delta (, often referred to as A-"Zee"-D) is an American women's fraternity. It was founded in 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois. It has 175,000 initiated members and maintains active chapters at 130 institutions across the United States. Alpha Xi Delta is a member of National Panhellenic Conference.

History

On April 17, 1893, ten young women at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois founded Alpha Xi Delta sorority. The founders ranged in age from 16 to 26. They were Cora Bollinger Block, Alice Bartlett Brummer, Frances Elizabeth Cheney, Elmira Lowry Cheney, Bertha Cook Evans, Elizabeth Curtis Everton, Julia Maude Foster, Lucy W. Gilmer, and Harriet McCollum. With the help Sigma Nu fraternity's brothers at Lombard College, the sorority developed a constitution that prepared it to become a national organization; the constitution was adopted in 1902.

The sorority remained a local organization until 1902 when it established chapters at Iowa Wesleyan University and University of Mount Union.

The sorority was incorporated in the State of Ohio in 1907. In 1931, the fraternity had established fifty chapters and initiated 9,500 members. By 1963, the fraternity had 86 active chapters, 17 inactive chapters, and 39,007 total initiates.

Alpha Xi Delta's badge is a gold quill, with the raised Greek letters "" on the feathers. A variety of designs were produced in the early years of the fraternity; a standard design was devised by 1911. The fraternity's new member pin is oval shaped, with a black enamel center that features the Greek letters "" in gold and a gold exterior band.<blockquote>"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."</blockquote>

Philanthropy

In 1956, the fraternity established the Alpha Xi Delta Foundation to oversee its educational and philanthropic activities. From 2009 to 2021, its national philanthropic partner was Autism Speaks. The sorority raised more than $12 million for Autism Speaks.

{| class="wikitable"

|+Alpha Xi Delta Philanthropy Timeline

!Years

!Charity

|pre-1930

|Tuberculosis and memorial libraries

|1942–1947

|American Red Cross: supported the World War II effort by donating an ambulance, clubmobile, and portable pianos. Also help blood drives

Letters of Love

In November of each year, collegiate and alumnae members participate in an online letter-writing project to raise funds and awareness. Letters of Love supports two "key impact" organizations: FosterClub and StandUp for Kids.thumb|Potential members in front of the Alpha Xi Delta house at [[Purdue University during rush|alt=]]

Membership

Membership is Alpha Xi Delta is open to individuals who live and self-identify as woman and demonstrate academic achievement and good character. The fraternity selects new members through a process of meetings, events, and interviews.

Chapters

Alpha Xi Delta has active chapters at 130 institutions across the United States.

Scandals and member misconduct

In October 1945, the Upsilon chapter at the University of Vermont offered membership to Crystal Malone, one of the few Black students enrolled in the university. Although the fraternity constitution did not have explicit racial restrictions, the National Council ordered the local chapter to withdraw its offer to Malone. They refused. The fraternity's national president, Winnafred Corwin Robinson (Mrs. Beverly Robinson), ordered the chapter closed. Today, the fraternity's constitution and bylaws state that Alpha Xi Delta does not "discriminate based on religion, race, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, or age."

In 2010, the Miami University chapter of Alpha Xi Delta was suspended until 2014 for alcohol violations stemming from its destructive formal at Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. In 2019, the sorority recolonized the chapter and no longer recognizes the members involved in the incident.

References

External links

Alpha Xi Delta