With Gratitude

Alpha Phi has been advanced through the strength of our membership and the relationships that inspired our members to dream bigger, aim higher and strive to make a positive impact. Here are some of the individuals who have made a significant impact on the way Alpha Phi’s legacy has developed.

Professor Wellesley Perry Coddington

Professor Coddington taught Syracuse University students the complexities of Greek language and literature. This member of Phi Beta Kappa and Wesleyan University graduate was also a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. More than this, our Alpha Phi Founders knew Professor Coddington as their “patron saint.” He served as a counselor, listening to members’ plans and concerns and advising them on business matters when requested. He was the first to suggest they secure their own house, and he was a designated trustee of Alpha Phi when our charter was signed. In recognition of his mentorship and kindness, Alpha Phis asked him to lay the gray limestone cornerstone at the first house, which contained copies of Alpha Phi’s bylaws and other items.

Frances E. Willard (Alpha Lambda-Alumna Initiate)

Professor Coddington, who had met inspiring educator Frances while teaching at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, suggested Frances might be an excellent addition to Alpha Phi and the members were eager to initiate when she accepted the offer. As Alpha Phi’s first alumna initiate, Frances was initiated behind a curtain in between sessions at the Association for the Advancement of Women meeting in Syracuse in 1875, as she had only a few minutes to spare. She helped improve our Initiation ceremony and she was not shy about recommending members invest in listening to members’ plans and concerns and advising them on business matters when requested. He was the first to suggest they secure their own house, and he was a designated trustee of Alpha Phi when our charter was signed. In recognition of his mentorship and kindness, Alpha Phis asked him to lay the gray limestone cornerstone at the first house, which contained copies of Alpha Phi’s bylaws and other items. character development while being in service to others. She was bold and unapologetically dedicated to women’s rights. She famously asked Clara, “What are you going to do with your life?” That question inspired a life of reflection and a dedication to others, recounted in Clara’s book, The Answer. Frances went on to be Alpha Phi’s International President, was the first woman whose statue was placed at the U.S. Capitol and was an advocate for the women’s suffrage movement.

Ruth Himmelman Wright (Sigma-Washington)

Ruth served as an Alpha Phi District Governor in California and Arizona in 1964 and just two years later she joined the International Executive Board. Elected to the Board of Trustees in 1976 and serving as their chair from 1978-1982, Ruth was a strategic leader for Alpha Phi. She was offered the presidency of the Fraternity and declined so that others with fresh ideas might assume the position. In 1988, Alpha Phi Foundation was leading its Capital Campaign and asked Ruth to lead the charge as chair. While she did not know much about fundraising, she knew how to lead, and she learned. With her guidance, the campaign exceeded its goal by more than $500,000, which was used for Executive Office expansion, scholarships, the Forget Me Not Fund and other programs. She gave credit to others and bridged generations with her thoughtfulness and commitment to Alpha Phi. She received the Fraternity’s top honor in 1992 and, in her final year, she conceived of ways to prioritize Alpha Phi’s heritage.

Sally McCall Grant (Gamma-DePauw)

Sally initially served on the International Executive Board as the Vice President of Alumnae, and during her term she made presentations to MIT and Boston University to encourage establishment. Once installed as chapters, Sally was their chapter supervisor. After six years on the International Executive Board, Sally became the International Recruitment Advisor and was part of the Collegiate Department. From 1986 to 1990, she served her terms as the International President of Alpha Phi. During her Presidency, her passion for growth and progress was evident. Many new chapters were established during that time, strengthening the Alpha Phi sisterhood. From 1990-1992, she served as a Trustee of the Fraternity and from 1992-1994 she led as the chair of the Alpha Phi Foundation. She continued in 1994-1996 as the Vice President of Program Development, managing the collegiate department and traveling consultants from 1994-1996. In 1996, she was appointed to be the delegate to the National Panhellenic Conference and in October of 2001 she was installed as the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) chair. Sally is the third Alpha Phi to serve in that role. She served during NPC’s 100th anniversary and was also leading when the organization adopted more than 20 resolutions that changed recruitment for the coming decades, including efforts that created parity for chapters and fairness for prospective new members.