Alpha Gam History

The inspiration to found Alpha Gamma Delta came from Dr. Wellesley P. Coddington, professor of philosophy at Syracuse University. He believed that there was a need for more fraternities in many institutions and, therefore, insisted that the new group be organized from the start on a national basis. On the second evening of May, 1904, four girls met in the room of Marguerite and Estelle Shepard and discussed, not without grave misgivings, the beginnings of Alpha Gamma Delta. Many were whispered conferences and exchanges of messages in the halls and on campus of old Syracuse during the following May days. The real founding occurred on May 30, 1904, in Dr. Coddington's study at his home. At this time the Ritual was begun, the chapter constitution was adopted, officers elected, and badges first worn.