As we continue our celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting a sister whose spirit of generosity created a ripple effect that we still feel today: Mabel Cowlishaw Siggins (Beta Gamma-Colorado).

Mabel was described by her sisters as “enthusiastic, loyal, generous, and actively working” for Alpha Phi in chapters across the country. Beyond her deep commitment to the sisterhood, she was passionately involved in early cardiac aid projects, long before the Foundation became the philanthropic powerhouse it is today.

When Mabel passed away, a scholarship fund was established in her memory to serve two purposes: to help college girls pursue their dreams and to honor the name and memory of a cherished sister. Decades later, the Mabel Cowlishaw Siggins Undergraduate Scholarship Fund remains a testament to her impact, continuing to invest in the education of sisters everywhere.

Mabel’s life is a perfect example of what it means to be “Rooted in Heritage.” She laid the groundwork so that we could cultivate a “Vibrant Future in Bloom” for every Alpha Phi.

As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting a program that defines what it means to be Alpha Phis: sisters for life. Today, we are sharing the story of the Forget Me Not Fund and its founder, Helen Bradford (Beta Beta–Michigan State).

In 1979, Helen Bradford provided $3,000 in seed money to establish a fund dedicated to alumnae facing severe, unforeseeable misfortunes. She understood that life is unpredictable, and that our sisterhood is strongest when we are there for one another during the most difficult times.

The Gift of Support
Since its inception, the Forget Me Not Fund has provided a critical safety net for hundreds of sisters. It exemplifies our commitment to life-long support, offering assistance to Alpha Phis facing emergency financial crises. Helen’s legacy reminds us that while we are “Rooted in Heritage,” our true impact is how we show up for each other when it matters most. These grants offer sisters in need the greatest gift of all: the knowledge that their sisters care and are always there to help.

Alpha Phi Foundation also awards an annual scholarship named in Helen’s honor.

Photo of The Feronian Literary Society, 1920 – the first women’s society at Michigan State University, officially became the Beta Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi International Fraternity February 17, 1922. Courtesy of Michigan State University. The Wolverine (East Lansing, MI: Michigan Agricultural College. 1920). 238, University Archives and Historical Collections.

Why Alpha Phi Wednesday: Pioneers in leadership development. As we celebrate our 70th birthday, we’re taking a look back at the late 1980s—a pivotal time when Alpha Phi Foundation transformed from a purely philanthropic arm into a powerhouse for leadership education.

In the mid-80s, the Foundation began to sponsor Fraternity programs with an intentional focus on educational programming that empowered women to lead with confidence, safety, and heart.

At the 1986 Convention, the Foundation announced two trailblazing programs that addressed the holistic needs of our members:

• The Aware Bear Program: Created with the Rocky Mountain Heart Research Institute to help children develop heart-healthy lifestyles early on.
• RESPOND: A Forum for Supportive Action: Developed with the Mental Health Association of Dallas County, this program provided vital education on campus safety, covering everything from harassment and hazing to personal well-being.

By the late 80s, we knew our collegiate officers needed a space to grow, connect, and learn together. In 1989, we launched our first regional Leadership Conferences—often described as “mini-Conventions.” Through workshops, role-playing, and discussion groups, these conferences helped collegiate chapters flourish and ensured our leaders were equipped for the challenges of their roles.

From the “mini-Conventions” of 1989 to the training programs of today, Alpha Phi Foundation has remained dedicated to your personal and professional growth. We are proud to be “Rooted in Heritage,” but even more excited to support our vibrant sisterhood continue to bloom.

As we celebrate our 70th birthday, we’re reflecting on the bold initiatives that proved Alpha Phi Foundation is truly “Rooted in Heritage.” In the late 1980s, even during a period of economic uncertainty, our Foundation didn’t just survive—we innovated.

We took a pioneering leap that changed the landscape of Greek fundraising forever: The Alpha Phi Phonathon.

Breaking New Ground
In 1987, Alpha Phi Foundation made history as the first National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) group to launch a national phonathon as part of its annual fund drive. It was a massive, volunteer-powered effort:

• 16 individual events across the country.
• 350+ dedicated volunteers.
• 10,000+ Alpha Phi sisters contacted.

It wasn’t just about raising funds—though that success was undeniable! It was about connection. These calls informed our alumnae about the critical work being done to support scholarships, heart health research, the Forget Me Not Fund, and our undergraduate emergency aid programs.

A Legacy of Excellence
Our savvy financial management and grassroots dedication paid off in a big way. By 1996, Alpha Phi Foundation ranked third nationally among all women’s fraternity foundations for its annual fund, and fourth in overall total giving. This historic momentum laid the groundwork for the powerful, widespread support we see in our sisterhood today.

A History of “Firsts”
We’ve always been a group that isn’t afraid to try something new, whether it’s the first national phonathon or the latest in innovative women’s heart health research. We are proud to build upon the “Vibrant Legacy” created by those trailblazing volunteers!

As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month, we are honoring a leader who laid the vital groundwork for our modern-day mission: Martha Watkins Mast (Beta Nu–Duke).

Martha served as Foundation Chair from 1976 to 1988, a pivotal era defined by a transformative expansion of our philanthropic reach. Martha understood that to truly make an impact, we needed to grow our community of support. Under her guidance, the Foundation saw a massive surge in donorship, cultivating a culture of giving that allowed our organization to evolve into the philanthropic leader it is today.

In recognition of her extraordinary service, Martha received the Ivy Vine Award in 1988—Alpha Phi’s most prestigious honor. Even years later, at our 40th-anniversary celebration in 1996, she was again honored for the guidance she provided as a “trailblazer” for our organization.

First an award recipient, Martha’s continuing legacy has been iconized with an award now given in her name. Martha’s commitment to innovation and heart continues to inspire us every single day through the Martha Watkins Mast Spirit of Philanthropy Award. This honor is presented to collegiate chapters that carry on her legacy by demonstrating exceptional creativity and innovation in their fundraising efforts.

She continues to teach us that when we invite others to join our mission, we aren’t just raising funds—we are building a “vibrant future” for women everywhere.

Martha Watkins Mast proved that with dedication and savvy leadership, we can build a foundation that supports generations. We are proud to be “Rooted in Heritage” because of leaders like her.

As we look back on the history that makes Alpha Phi Foundation so special, we are celebrating a milestone from 1994: the establishment of the Clara Bradley Burdette Society.

Named after one of our visionary founders, Clara Bradley Burdette, this society was created to recognize sisters whose commitment to our mission extends beyond their lifetime. Clara herself was a dedicated philanthropist, and her motto, “live a life of purpose,” serves as a guiding light for every member of this society.

Why We Remember
Clara is famously remembered for the quote: “As long as memory remains to me, I will remember Alpha Phi.” Those words remind us that the strength of our sisterhood tomorrow depends on the actions we take today. By making a planned gift to the Foundation, members of the Clara Bradley Burdette Society ensure that Alpha Phi will continue to empower women for generations to come.

Join the Legacy
When you choose to include Alpha Phi Foundation in your estate plans, you become part of this honored circle. Interested in leaving your mark? It’s never too early to plan your future gift!

How to join: If you have included the Foundation in your estate plans or would like more information on how to do so, please visit alphaphifoundation.planmylegacy.org/ or email plannedgiving@alphaphifoundation.org.

Your vision and vitality today builds the “Vibrant Future” we all share. Thank you to our legacy donors for ensuring our sisters will always be supported!

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today, we join the global celebration of women’s achievements, and we couldn’t be prouder of the “Vibrant Legacy” our sisters have built over the last 70 years.

At the heart of Alpha Phi is a determination to empower our members to seek the highest ideals of womanhood. We don’t just talk about leadership; we invest in it. From our earliest days to our current goal of being the premier developer of women in the U.S. and Canada, Alpha Phi Foundation has been the engine behind this mission.

Investing in the Future
Through your generosity, the Foundation funds life-changing programs that help our sisters excel in an ever-changing global society:

• Leadership Excellence: Programs like the Alpha Phi Leadership Institute (in collaboration with the Disney Institute) and the Leadership Fellows Program provide sisters with the tools to lead with confidence and vision.
• Educational Support: We’ve awarded millions in scholarships—including merit and need-based aid—to ensure our sisters can pursue their academic dreams without limits.
• Holistic Growth: Our programming has evolved to address every facet of a woman’s life, from health and well-being to professional preparation.
• Rooted in Heritage: We stand on the shoulders of the trailblazing women who came before us—the “giants” who achieved the impossible so that we could flourish today.

As we look toward a “Vibrant Future in Bloom,” we remain committed to advancing women’s lives through the power of philanthropy.

In 2022, Alpha Phi celebrated a monumental milestone: our 150th anniversary. To honor this sesquicentennial, Alpha Phi Foundation proudly funded the completion of a landmark heritage preservation project – a three-part history book series capturing the stories, member profiles, and milestones that have shaped our sisterhood since 1872.

This project ensures that the “Vibrant Legacy” of our first 150 years is preserved for every generation of sisters to come. We are especially proud that the final two volumes were authored by our very own talented alumnae.

• Volume I: Union Hand in Hand by Jenny Thompson (Alpha Lambda-Alumna Initiate) – Covering our founding through 1922.
• Volume II: Alpha Phi Toujours by Nancy Owen Craig (Beta Chi-Bucknell) – Chronicling the years 1922–1972.
• Volume III: Ivy and Forget-Me-Not by Jennifer Gromada (Gamma Rho-Penn State) – Documenting our most recent history from 1973–2022.

By documenting our journey from a small circle of ten to a global sisterhood, we remain Rooted in Heritage while looking forward to a Vibrant Future in Bloom.

Today, we are honoring a woman whose career has been the very definition of dedication to Alpha Phi: Nancy Owen Craig (Beta Chi–Bucknell).

Today we’re highlighting a leader who steered Alpha Phi Foundation through one of its most ambitious eras of growth: Patricia Damian Brewster (Gamma Theta-Colorado College).

As we celebrate Women’s History Month counting down to our 70th Birthday, we honor a sister whose influence reached far beyond our own chapters to strengthen the entire Greek community: Sally McCall Grant (Gamma–DePauw).

Strengthen their Greek system through positive change and community building.

Embody the values of sisterhood, philanthropy, and scholarship.

Lead on their college Panhellenic council to make a lasting difference.

By the early 2000s, Alpha Phi Foundation had established itself as a leader among sorority foundations, pioneering innovative ways to engage sisters in our mission. While the “Red Dress” was already a strategic symbol for the Fraternity, the new millennium brought a desire for a signature event that combined high-impact fundraising with heart health awareness.

As we continue our 70-day journey, celebrating Alpha Phis of impact, we are honoring a woman who embodies the very spirit of greatness and inspires everyone around her to act: Diane Spry Straker (Delta Alpha–East Carolina).

Diane is a true “mover and shaker” whose mark on Alpha Phi has been extraordinary. A self-made woman who rose through her career often as the only woman at the table, she brought that same grit, work ethic, and passion for service to our sisterhood.

Leading with Purpose

Diane served as Chair of Alpha Phi Foundation from 2012 to 2016. Her leadership was instrumental during a historic era of growth.

A New Mission: Under her guidance, the Foundation revealed its powerful mission statement: “Advancing women’s lives through the power of philanthropy.”

The Power of Many: She helped accelerate the Power of 1,000 program, inspiring sisters to commit to annual giving to ensure a “vibrant future” for all.

Celebrating Impact: She presided over the 10th anniversary of the Red Dress events and the 20th anniversary of the Heart to Heart Grant, overseeing the first-ever $100,000 grant awarded to a single organization.

A Lifetime of Giving

Beyond her leadership roles, Diane is a role model for what a true philanthropist looks like. She has been a loyal donor for nearly 50 years, consistently giving her time, talent, and treasure. Her generosity has funded countless leadership opportunities, scholarships, and Forget Me Not grants, impacting thousands of sisters.

Diane’s philosophy is simple but profound: “I feel each of us has a responsibility to extend a helping hand to others and to hopefully leave the world a bit better for our having enjoyed its bounty.”

The Power of a Helping Hand

Diane teaches us that the act of giving—no matter the size—is what multiplies our positive impact on the world.

Today, we are celebrating a woman whose vision for the future of Alpha Phi is rooted in the empowerment of our collegiate sisters and whose loyalty to Alpha Phi Foundation knows no bounds: Susan Brink Sherratt (Beta Beta–Michigan State).

As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month, we are reflecting on how Alpha Phi ensures our collective story is never forgotten. In the early 1990s, Alpha Phi Foundation made a landmark decision to officially add Heritage as our fifth funding priority.

Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Paula Johnson Clancy (Beta-Northwestern), a visionary leader and a dedicated sister whose heart for Alpha Phi left an indelible mark on our Foundation.

As we continue celebrating Women’s History Month, we are honoring a sister who has spent her life ensuring that Alpha Phi’s “Vibrant Legacy” isn’t just seen, but heard: Judy Kay Schmidt Mead (Delta Gamma–Northern Colorado).

As we continue celebrating impactful Alpha Phis throughout Women’s History Month as part of our 70th Birthday countdown, we’re spotlighting a sister whose vision for Alpha Phi ensures our members have the resources they need to lead with confidence: Jackee Schools (Eta Lambda–George Mason).

Jackee’s leadership has been a guiding light for our sisterhood during some of its most pivotal moments. As Past International President, Jackee led Alpha Phi through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her steady hand and forward-thinking approach were vital as the Fraternity navigated a world where “sisterhood” had to be reimagined overnight. Under her leadership, Alpha Phi stayed connected, resilient, and focused on the future, proving that our bonds are stronger than any distance.

Ensuring Impactful Giving
Today, Jackee continues her service as the Foundation’s Vice Chair of Funding Priorities. In this vital role, she leads the charge in ensuring that every dollar donated to our leadership funds is used responsibly and with the greatest possible impact. As the chair of the leadership grant advisory group, she helps oversee the distribution of grants that transform chapter cultures across North America.

The Impact of Leadership Grants
We see the incredible power of Jackee’s work through the Eta Lambda (George Mason) Chapter Leadership Fund, an endowment she was instrumental in establishing. By providing officers with the dedicated means to care for their chapter, this fund has allowed Eta Lambda to facilitate transformative opportunities, such as:
World-Class Speakers: Bringing in experts like Michelle Guobadia to discuss values-based leadership and the importance of “leading from the front”.
Empowerment Workshops: Hosting programs like “The 10 Virtues of Outstanding Leaders” to help sisters discover their own voices and build professional confidence.
Panhellenic Collaboration: Funding initiatives that demonstrate the long-term value of sorority leadership to the entire George Mason campus community.
Strategic Chapter Growth: Moving development beyond the standard curriculum to help members master creative problem-solving and effective communication.

Jackee’s leadership—from the International Presidency to her work with the Foundation today—ensures that when a chapter has a vision for growth, the Foundation is there to provide the fuel.