Alpha Iota at the University of Pittsburgh originally began as the Sorosis Club on October 15, 1916. The word sorosis is Greek for sisterhood. The founder of the Sorosis Club, Louise Hetherington, began the club in response to religious pressure.  The sororities on campus at the time were Protestant and would not admit Catholic women.

In 1918, the Sorosis Club decided to expand and affiliate with a national sorority.  Louise Hetherington talked to alumnae groups in the area and eventually instituted the Alpha Iota chapter of Alpha Delta Pi on February 21, 1920.

Miss Hetherington graduated from Pitt in 1918, so she returned and was initiated into Alpha Delta Pi.  As an alumni member, she supported the chapter for many years. With her assistance, the sisters of Alpha Iota bought a house on Bigelow Boulevard, where the chapter remained until 1960 when the University bought the property.

Pitt sororities were relocated to the beautiful Amos Hall, drawing numbers to decide which floor they would reside. Alpha Iota had first choice and asked for the penthouse.  In 2008, the University renovated to sorority suites.
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Alpha Delta Pi: The Beginning

Alpha Delta Pi was originally founded on May 15, 1851, at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia as the Adelphean Society. This was the first secret society ever created for women, and was started thanks to the initiative of Eugenia Tucker Fitzgerald, along with her close friends Octavia Andrews Rush, Mary Evans Glass, Ella Pierce Turner, Elizabeth Williams, and Sophronia Woodruff Dews. Their open motto, "We live for each other", is the same one we still abide by today.

Symbols of Alpha Delta Pi

Our Badge: The Diamond

The first diamond-shaped badge was worn by the Adelpheans in 1852. In 1854, the stars were added, but it was not until 1874 that the stars and the clasped hands were raised. This design remained with only slight modifications until 1906 when, at Alpha Delta Pi's first convention, Nanaline King presented a new design for the pin. Her design was a smaller gold badge with a black enamel center which pictured the clasped hands, the two stars, and the greek letters. This design was adopted by the convention and is the same pin we have today.

Our Mascot: The Lion

Our official mascot is the lion, nicknamed "Alphie". As a symbol of beauty and strength, the lion serves as Alpha Delta Pi's mascot. Within each member, the lion sounds strong and strides confidently forward to pursue her goal. The lion represents the strength of mind and the strength of character of each sister in Alpha Delta Pi.

Our Colors: Azure Blue & White

Azure Blue and White are the official colors of Alpha Delta Pi. Azure Blue symbolizes friendship, the basic spirit upon which Alpha Delta Pi is founded. White symbolizes sincerity and truth, both of which Alpha Delta Pi seeks in all of its members.

Our Flower: The Woodland Violet

The Woodland Violet, which grows wild, is the official flower. Because it is unavailable for purchase, African Violets are often used to symbolize the Woodland Violet.

The Alpha Delta Pi Coat of Arms

Elizabeth Moseley Coles, who was elected national president at the first grand convention, was responsible for having the coat of arms designed. Another sister of the Alpha chapter, Agnes Chapman, is given credit for the actual design of our coat of arms. Symbolism from our ritual and our Alpha pin were combined in the coat of arms, and the design originally had a background of violets. In 1919, the convention body voted to make changes and the present design was accepted.