Marguerite Shepard
Marguerite was the very first founder of Alpha Gamma Delta since she was
the first to pledge herself to forming
the new Fraternity. She, along with her sister, Estelle,
talked of the need for a new women's fraternity on the Syracuse University
campus. 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
magazine. She was also the first International Extension Chairman.
Estelle, like her sister Marguerite, was also a 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 the Alpha Gamma Delta at Syracuse University.
She was also the first International President of the Fraternity. She was
president from 1907 until 1911. Jennie wrote most of the fraternity
ritual. She also helped to organize nine other Alpha Gam chapters.
Jennie wore the first Alpha Gamma Delta badge. A woman of pioneering spirit,
she had a warm personality and a helpful and sincere manner.
Georgia Dickover
Georgia Dickover was the editir of the Quarterly magazine for two
years. She was also the fraternity Historian for eighteen years.
Georgia's work led to the publication of the HISTORY in 1931. She also
helped Edith MacConnell Hickok compile some of the Fraternity
Ritual and prepare the Initiation ceremony. Georgia received the
Circle of Epsilon Pi in 1934.
Ethel Brown Distin
Ethel was the president of Alpha chapter from 1905-1906. She helped install
the Beta chapter at the University of Wisconsin.
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 was the mother of the first Alpha Gamma Delta baby. She wrote a lot
of the fraternity songs including "Initiation Song" and "Autumn Tints.".
Edith also worked with Georgia Dickover on the Ritual
and Initiation Ceremony. Edith led an active life and had a deep interest
in social work and religion.
Flora Knight Mayer
Flora's main talent was music. She was the Alpha chapter pianist.
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 was Alpha Gamma Delta's first missionary. She spent thirteen years
in Concepcion, Chile and worked at the Methodist Church of Concepcion College.
She was also principal of the college for part of that time. Mary
helped to organize the first summer institute of Epworth Leagues held in
South America.
Grace Mosher Harter
Known as "Midge", she held many weekend Alpha Gamma Delta parties at her
house. She helped to install the Gamma chapter at Wesleyan Unversity in
Conneticut. Both Grace's daughter and granddaughter were initiated at the
1964 International Convention.
Georgia Otis Chipman
Georgia was capable, attractive, and witty. She was the first Business
Manager of the Quarterly magazine. After graduation, Georgia
went on to be a teacher at the Chatham Episcopal Institute in Virginia.
Emily Helen Butterfield
Emily designed the Alpha chapter house and the buildings for Alpha Gamma
Delta's summer camp in Jackson, Michigan. She was Michigan's first woman
architect. Emily designed and wrote the symbolism for our Amorial
Bearings. She also designed Amorial Bearings for several other fraternities
and was recognized as the foremost authority on fraternity heraldry.
Another of Emily's gifts to the fraternity was the PURPOSE. Emily
was the editor of the Quarterly for seven years. She received the
Circle of Epsilon Pi in 1921.
**** All information contained on this page is from the Alpha
Gamma Delta Fraternity Education manual.
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