About Us
Our History
In January of 2009, six young women in their second year of studies at Carleton University came together with the purpose of creating a new women's organization on campus: Paz Arias, Lauren Crosby, Jessica Doyle, Heather McBride, Lesley Walker, and myself, Laura Kell.
After much thought and deliberation, we, the Founding Mothers of what would eventually become Alpha Pi Phi, had finally come to the conclusion that there was a need for a new society on campus - a place where young women, such as ourselves, could unite with one another, bound together by our shared qualities, virtues, and of course, friendship.
Thus, we began meeting weekly and began establishing a sisterhood, founded upon the principles of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship. Soon after, on February 26th, 2009, Alpha Pi Phi Sorority was officially born.
- Laura Kell, Founding Mother
Our Mission
“The purpose of Alpha Pi Phi is to promote a sisterhood united through love, loyalty, and friendship; to foster confidence in young women and aid in the development of their leadership skills; to encourage its members to promote themselves with grace, dignity, and moral integrity; and to cultivate academic excellence and nurture generosity through active philanthropy for the betterment of the community.”
Our Mission drives our organizational and Chapter goals, as well as the development of our annual strategic plan. Our Mission guides Alpha Pi Phi’s members throughout their time in higher education, and for the rest of their lives.
Our Crest & Symbols
FOUNDING DATE: February 26th, 2009 at Carleton University, Ottawa, CA
OUR MOTTO: Love, Loyalty, & Friendship
JEWELS: Amethyst & Pearl
COLOURS: Royal Purple, symbolizing leadership, nobility, and wisdom. Black, symbolizing our mascot, the Black Swan.
FLOWER: Calla Lily, symbolizing magnificence, beauty, majesty, rebirth, and purity.
MASCOT: Black Swan, symbolizing dignity, elegance, empathy, perfection, grace, a learned person, and transformation.
Our Pins
Members receive various pins throughout their time in Alpha Pi Phi, always worn with love and pride for our sisterhood. Each pin represents a significant milestone in a Swans membership from the Cygnet pin, to the Active Members pins, to the Alum pin. Members may choose to adorn their pins with a Chapter Guard, International Council of Alpha Pi Phi (ICAPP) Guard, or add dangles. Pins are warn at ritual events, Chapter meetings, and special gatherings!
Alpha Pi Phi celebrates Pin Pride Day on March 5th each year.
