By: Faith Yoho

Alpha Delta Pi sorority is turning 175 years old this May. 

The sorority, which is attributed with being the first secret society for collegiate women, was founded on May 15th, 1851, at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. 

West Virginia Wesleyan College houses the Gamma Kappa chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, which was found on May 8th, 1947. 

Sisters of Alpha Delta Pi strive to live up to their open motto “we live for each other,” as well as the four points of the diamond (their symbol): Sisterhood, Service, Character, and Knowledge. 

Alpha Delta Pi is one of four national sororities housed at WVWC. They are joined by Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Gamma Delta, and Zeta Tau Alpha, respectively. 

Chapters of Alpha Delta Pi are planning birthday celebrations for their beloved sorority, so is Gamma Kappa preparing to do the same?

Director of Alumnae Engagement, Rhea Yokum, says “I really want our 175th celebrations to feel intentional and connected to the things that make ADPi special. One of the biggest ways I’m doing that is by incorporating the 175th birthday theme into our upcoming Alumnae Tea.  My goal is to use moments like this to help our chapter reflect on our history, appreciate the women who came before us, and feel proud of the legacy we’re part of.”

When asked why she thinks Alpha Delta Pi has been able to reach such a large milestone, Yokum says, “I think ADPi has stayed strong for 175 years because the four points of our diamond: Sisterhood, Service, Character, and Knowledge are values that never stop mattering. ADPi has always been a place where women can show up as themselves and find support. We’ve adapted over time, but the heart of who we are has stayed the same, and that consistency is what keeps us strong.”

Happy early birthday to Alpha Delta Pi – we wish them, and the other sororities on campus, several more years of success on campus!

Picture of Abby Dilly with President’s Cup Award. Photo Credit: Courtney Wilt