Symbols and Traditions
Letters:![]()
Our letters may be worn by any member (including new members), although the meaning of our letters is only revealed during initiation. Out of respect for the meaning of our letters and our sorority ideals, members may not drink alcohol while wearing anything displaying ADPi letters.
Open Motto:
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Colors:
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Azure Blue and White are our official colors. Blue is symbolic of friendship, the basic spirit upon which Alpha Delta Pi was founded. White stands for sincerity and truthfulness. Alpha Delta Pi seeks sincerity and truthfulness in all its members.
Crest:
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Only initiated members may own or wear items on which our Crest is displayed. Its symbolism is revealed during ritual.
Alpha Pin:
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Our new members are referred to as Alphas instead of pledges. Our Alpha pin is a bar of gold with a lion above the letters Beta, Upsilon, and Alpha, which stand for our open motto, "We Live for Each Other." The Alpha pin is returned to the Chapter prior to intiation.
Delta Member Badge:
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Initiated members are called Deltas. They wear our diamond shaped badge on which our Greek letters, two stars, and clasped hands are displayed. Badges may be plain or jewelled, and every member must purchase her own badge prior to initiation. Our badge must be worn with "pin attire," generally considered clothing that would be appropriate to wear to Church or a nice dinner. The badge is not worn with jeans or with formal attire. The symbolism of our badge is revealed during intiation, so only initiated members may wear it.
Our Mascot:
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Alphie the Lion is our mascot. A lion is displayed on our crest and our Alpha pin, so lions are special to ADPi's.
Official Flower:
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Our official flower is the woodland violet. However, since this flower only grows wild and is unavailable for purchase, African violets are sometimes substituted.
Diamond Sister:
Alpha members are assisted through their pre-initation preparation by Diamond Sisters who act as sponsors. A Diamond Sister can answer questions or address any concerns the Alpha might have.
Prides:
Prides are groups of approximately 6-10 Sisters who get together throughout the semester for studying or fun activities. They are generally made up of Sisters from differing majors, classes, and personalities so that members can get to know more of their Sisters in a personal way. Prides offer excellent opportunities to create the lasting bonds of friendship that form the core of ADPi.
Pi Members:
Our alumnae are referred to as Pi members. Many maintain a lifelong commitment to our Sisterhood through membership in an alumnae association or through directly assisting their college chapters.
Official Philanthropy:
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Ronald McDonald House has been the official philanthropy of Alpha Delta Pi since 1979. To date, ADPi has donated over $2 million to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The Adelphean:
The Adelphean is the official magazine of Alpha Delta Pi. It is published quarterly.