70 Years
By Katie Gates (Beta Upsilon-Oregon State), Alpha Phi Foundation marketing and communications manager
The Alpha Phi Foundation turns 70 this
Seventy years ago, a singular idea took root: the strength of our sisterhood could be channeled into a force for profound, lasting change — a change that continues to bloom today. That idea became the Alpha Phi Foundation. While Alpha Phi’s commitment to philanthropic work began earlier, its formal philanthropic journey took shape at Convention 1954, when delegates approved the creation of a dedicated Foundation. By 1956, this vision was formalized through a trust agreement, thanks to the foresight of Clara Ingwersen Carr (Iota-Wisconsin) , who led the effort, joined by Edna Rattray McGuire (Beta- Northwestern) and Martha Jarvis Sutton (Zeta-Goucher) , ensuring the Foundation was built on solid footing. What began as a dream to improve educational facilities, support scholarships and foster character and moral development has grown into a vibrant legacy. Today, the Alpha Phi Foundation stands as a testament to what is possible when we, as a sisterhood, stand hand-in-hand and choose to invest in one another. As we honor 70 years of meaningful impact, let us look at the Foundation’s mission, the bonds it fosters and the legacy it continues to build. The Heart of Our Mission At its core, the Foundation has always been guided by a simple yet radical
belief: philanthropy has the power to advance women’s lives. This mission has served as the organization’s steady compass for generations, anchored by five distinct pillars: • Empowering Leaders: Through innovative programming, including the Alpha Phi Leadership Institute and transformative conferences, the Foundation invests in the next generation of changemakers. It provides the tools, confidence and community each member needs to reach her full potential. • The Pursuit of Knowledge: Since the very first scholarships in the summer of 1959, which included 10 scholarships and a grant to the Variety Club Heart Hospital, the Foundation has understood the weight of its impact. For countless members, these awards serve as a bridge between a dream and a tangible degree, allowing them to focus on their education and enjoy the benefits of our sisterhood rather than the burden of college costs. • A Champion for Heart Health: The Foundation’s dedication to women's cardiovascular health began long before it was formally incorporated, with Cardiac Aid officially selected as the Fraternity's philanthropy in 1946. Under the steadfast leadership of Helen Crowder Weisser (Beta Epsilon-
year, celebrating decades of vision, sisterhood and a lasting commitment to empowering women.
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