We often talk about the honor societies that are typically seen wearing our cords and stoles on graduation day, but did you know organizations like fraternities and sororities also give their members special hardware to wear on the big day? Today, we’re taking a look at Alpha Delta Pi -- the first recognized sorority in the United States.

Originally called the Adelphean Society, Alpha Delta Pi is known as the first secret society for women in the fraternity system, founded on May 15th, 1851 at Wesleyan Female College which happened to be the first college in the world to offer degrees to women.

According to their website, “Founder Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald was just 16 years old when she left her family to attend Wesleyan College. At such a young age and during a time when it was rare for women to go to college, she recognized the importance of women coming together for personal development and improvement. She and her five closest friends founded the Adelphean Society.”

The social society is built on its service and philanthropy with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House Charities and its own Alpha Delta Pi Foundation aimed at providing essential educational and support resources for the women they serve. 

Interested in joining Alpha Delta Pi? The organization says you’ll “...find women who are true and loyal, just like our blue and white colors represent. ADPi sisters are leaders and visionaries. We are SGA senators, artists, student athletes, and scholars. We are committed to sisterhood, values and ethics, high academic standards, and social responsibility. We are the First. Finest. Forever.”

You may see ADPi members wearing light blue and white cords on graduation day.

Are you a member of Alpha Delta Pi? Let us know in the comments!