In 1904, women in the United States were legally unable to vote. Few attended university if they received an education at all. But at Syracuse University, eleven strong women founded an organization for women to pursue sisterhood, scholarship, philanthropy and friendship. Alpha Gamma Delta was born. We are proud to introduce Our Founders!

Marguerite Shepard Marguerite was our "first" Founder, since she was the first to pledge herself to forming the new Fraternity. Marguerite was conservative, dedicated, conscientious and highly intelligent -- our first Phi Beta Kappa.

Estelle Shepard Beswick Estelle was the first Editor of the Alpha Gamma Delta Quarterly, as well as the first Extension Chairman. She, like her sister, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She had much enthusiasm for every project she undertook and possessed a great sense of humor.

Jennie Titus Smith Morris Jennie was the first president of Alpha Chapter and the first Grand President of the Fraternity. She was the author of a considerable part of the Ritual and contributed to the organization of nine Alpha Gamma Delta chapters. Jennie wore the first Badge and treasured it always. A woman of pioneering spirit, she had a warm personality and a helpful and sincere manner.

Georgia Alberta Dickover A dedicated worker who gave of her time quietly and continuously, Georgia served as Editor of the Quarterly for two years and as Historian of the Fraternity for eighteen years. Her service in these offices culminated in the preparation of the HISTORY published in 1931. She, together with Edith MacConnell Hickok, compiled some of our Ritual. Georgia was a wearer of the Circle of Epsilon Pi.

Ethel Brown Distin Ethel was the second president of Alpha Chapter, 1905-1906. She was instrumental in developing and installing Beta Chapter. Among her greatest contributions to Alpha Gamma Delta were her loving interest, her close friendships, her loyalty, and the manner in which she imparted those feelings to younger members. She was a natural leader with a charming personality.

Edith MacConnell Hickok Edith wrote several of the early Fraternity songs, including "Initiation Song" and "Autumn Tints." She also worked with Georgia Dickover on the beginning of the Initiation ceremony. Edith led an active life and had a deep interest in social work and religion. She was the mother of the first Alpha Gamma Delta baby, a son.

Flora Knight Mayer Flora had great musical talent and was the chapter pianist in the early years. She contributed her knowledge and love of music to the development of early Fraternity songs and the importance of music in the Ritual. Flora was a pretty, shy, quiet young woman and only her close friends were aware of her droll sense of humor.

Mary Louise Snider Mary, a deeply compassionate woman, was Alpha Gamma Delta's first missionary, going out under the Board of the Methodist Church to Concepcion College, Concepcion, Chile. She served there for thirteen years, part of which time she was the principal of the college. While there, she originated and helped to organize the first summer institue of Epworth Leagues ever held in South America.

Grace Mosher Harter "Midge" was energetic and vivacious. Throughout her college days her home in near-by Parish, New York, was the scene of many happy Alpha Gamma Delta weekend house parties. She helped install Gamma Chapter. Grace's daughter, Margaret Harter Sanders, and granddaughter, Susan Dee Sanders, were initiated at the 1964 Convention.

Georgia Otis Chipman Georgia was capable, attractive, and witty. Following her graduation from college she taught in Chatham Episcopal Institute in Virginia. She was the first Business Manager of the Quarterly.

Emily Helen Butterfield Brilliant and filled with vitality, Emily was Michigan's first woman architect. She designed Alpha's chapter house and the buildings for the Alpha Gamma Delta Summer Camp in Jackson, Michigan. Emily designed and wrote the symbolism for our Armorial Bearings. She also designed Armorial Bearings for several other fraternities and was recognized as the foremost authority on fraternity heraldry. The PURPOSE of Alpha Gamma Delta, with its illuminated border, is another of Emily's gifts to the Fraternity. A wearer of the Circle of Epsilon Pi, Emily was the Editor of the Quarterly for seven years.