Kappa Alpha Theta
Founded in 1870 at Indiana Asbury (now DePauw University) in Greencastle, Ind., Kappa Alpha Theta is the first Greek-letter Fraternity known among women.
It was founded by Bettie Locke, who was one of the first women to enroll in Indiana Asbury in 1867. Desiring membership in an organization offering friendship and support, she asked her friend Alice Allen to help make her dream come true and founded Kappa Alpha Theta on January 27th, 1870.
Our badge:
Since March 14, 1870 when Bettie Locke, Alice Allen, Bettie Tipton, and Hannah Fitch first wore their new badges to chapel at Indiana Asbury, the kite-shaped pin has been a symbol of membership in Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity.
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Chi Omega was founded at DePauw University on October 15, 1885 by Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms, and Estelle Leonard. Our badge is a lyre and was chosen by our seven founders because it reflects our musical roots. As you may not know, the lyre was the instrument played by the gods on Mt. Olympus. This badge has been worn by sisters for over a century! The badge has gone through many transformations during this time. The size was generally larger and could be customized accordingto the wearer’s choice of jewels. The standardization of the badge didn’t begin until 1897, with the first standard being that all badges had to have 3 jewels that match the three stars on our coat of arms. They represent faith, hope and love in the bond of sisterhood. The first badge was purchased by one of our founders, Bertha Deniston and is in the fraternity archives at Alpha Chi Omega headquarters in Indianapolis.
Pi Beta Phi
In 1865, Pi Beta Phi was founded under the name I.C Sorosis. A golden arrow with the letters "IC" on its wing was chosen as the badge. The name of the Fraternity was changed to Pi Beta Phi in 1888 and the greek letters were then written on the wing. There are 12 links in the chain of the badge to represent each of our 12 founders. It is worn over the hear with the tip of the arrow pointed up.
The official badge of Alpha Phi is an unjeweled monogram of gold showing the symbol of Alpha superimposed upon the symbol of Phi. Inscribed in black on the symbol Phi are the letters a, o, e. The meaning of these letters is reserved for the initiation ceremony. You may also wear a jeweled version of the badge set with white stones. The badge may be worn as a pin, upon a bracelet or mounted as a ring.
The golden key was selected by the Founders as the badge of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The badge is worn strictly as an emblem of membership and
only by initiated members. Members may not lend their badges to anyone except other Kappas. To keep badges only in the possession of members,it is encouraged that the badges of deceased members be returned to Headquarters.
Alpha Phi
The official badge of Alpha Phi is an unjeweled monogram of gold showing the symbol of Alpha superimposed upon the symbol of Phi. Inscribed in black on the symbol Phi are the letters a, o, e. The meaning of these letters is reserved for the initiation ceremony. You may also wear a jeweled version of the badge set with white stones. The badge may be worn as a pin, upon a bracelet or mounted as a ring.
Alpha Phi was the first women's organization to use Greek letters as an emblem. Originally there was no standard badge. Until 1906 when the current badge was adopted, each member went to the jeweler of her choice to have her pin designed. Most chose similar designs using the "lazy Phi," a Phi symbol turned on its side. You can see many of these unique pins in the Ruth Himmelman Wright Heritage Hall at the Executive Office in Evanston, Illinois.
Kappa Kappa Gamma
The golden key was selected by the Founders as the badge of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The badge is worn strictly as an emblem of membership and
only by initiated members. Members may not lend their badges to anyone except other Kappas. To keep badges only in the possession of members,it is encouraged that the badges of deceased members be returned to Headquarters.
Delta Gamma
The Delta Gamma badge is in the shape of a golden anchor, which is one of our symbols. Originally, the badge was in the shape of an 'H', which stood for hope. Soon after, the anchor replaced the 'H' as the Delta Gamma symbol for hope, and thus the badge changed as well. The Greek letters of the fraternity are on the front of the badge, and it is adorned with a small golden rope which wraps around the anchor as well.
