Alpha Phi exists today because of the vision and ideals of the women who founded it in 1872. In early September of that year, Martha Foote, Kate Hogoboom, and Clara Sittser gathered one afternoon to discuss the problems facing the first college women entering Syracuse University. Feeling that their presence in the classroom was unwelcome, that their position in this experiment of coeducation was by no means secure and having witnessed the solidarity of the fraternites, they asked, ". . . why can't we have a society as well as the men?"
In inviting the rest of the female student body to join them for another meeting, they answered their own question.
After further meetings prepared the way, the first chapter meeting was held on September 18, 1872. Rena Michaels was elected President and plans were made for weekly meetings. Literary programs and a debate every three weeks were included in the agenda.
On September 30, 1872, at the home of Ida Gilbert, ten women founded Alpha Phi with the first initiation ceremony.