A replica bust of the marble
original housed in Northwestern University's Deering Library.
First Alumna Initiate Exhibit
Our alumnae initiates strengthen our sisterhood with their perspective and wisdom. But before there were many, there was one. And she was Frances Willard (Alpha Lambda-Alumna Initiate). Here, in the First Alumna Initiate Exhibit, we honor her. Frances was an inspirational educator, reformer, suffragist and one of the most internationally known women of her time. She graduated from Northwestern Female College in Evanston, Illinois, in 1859 and went on to teach for 16 years, promoting coeducation and a broad, comprehensive curriculum. She later served as president of Evanston College for Ladies and as the first female dean of Northwestern University. When word spread that Frances would be in Syracuse for a three-day meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Women, Alpha Phis were thrilled. Professor Coddington — a pivotal figure in Alpha Phi’s founding and early years — knew Frances and told the sisters he thought he could bring her into the Society. In a back room behind the curtain of the Wieting Opera House, they initiated her. Frances
remained engaged with Alpha Phi, writing often to members and offering advice that shaped both individuals and the organization as a whole. The centerpiece of this exhibit is a reproduction of “Frances Willard by Lorado Taft,” created by the renowned American sculptor who crafted multiple works honoring her. The bust replicates the marble original housed in Northwestern University’s Deering Library since 1898 and was specially reproduced for Alpha Phi in 2024 for this very exhibit. Frances also holds the distinction of being the first woman honored with a statue in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall. This exhibit chronicles her remarkable legacy through a photograph of Alpha Phi International officers laying a wreath at her Capitol statue, newspaper coverage from the statue’s unveiling and a commemorative book. Additional artifacts include her personal correspondence, a postage stamp bearing her image and memorabilia celebrating her extraordinary contributions.
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