Celebrating 131 years of Alpha Xi Delta with your story!
April 17 will mark Alpha Xi Delta’s 131st Founders’ Day! When our Founders gathered in Cora and Harriet's home at 629 Day Street in Galesburg in the late 1800s, their dream for Alpha Xi Delta was to have another organization on campus that would allow their fellow female classmates to form strong friendships, support one another and ensure a positive collegiate experience through inspiring each other in an environment where women were the minority. The day our Founders marched into the chapel at Lombard to announce the formation of Alpha Xi Delta was groundbreaking – especially at a time in history when so few women were even permitted to pursue a college education.
Our Founders wanted a place where women on their campus could feel supported and form meaningful, genuine friendships. This is no different today. An important and easy way we can continue the legacy of our Founders is to share our unique Alpha Xi Delta stories. It’s important to share these stories, whether that is through social media, talking to friends or in your social circles, because it helps to build awareness of all the wonderful things Alpha Xi Delta has to offer.
As we all know, there are many social media trends and information online that influences the opinions about the sorority experience. Some content is great and highlights the opportunities and values of sorority, while other things don’t exactly paint a full picture. For Potential New Members to learn about Alpha Xi Delta and the sorority experience, we need to bring our unique stories to them. Sharing stories, photos, videos, memories and more about your Alpha Xi Delta experience is important because it shows others the value Alpha Xi Delta has provided to your life. Now more than ever, young women entering college are craving connections and support as they begin their next chapter. Alpha Xi Delta can provide that and be a home away from home, but they will not know that unless we show them!
This Founders’ Day we encourage all Sisters to share their unique Alpha Xi Delta stories. Whether it’s at an alumnae association meeting, with co-workers or on your social media channels, let’s use April 17 to celebrate the gift of friendship, connection and inspiration Alpha Xi Delta has given to us.
What are some stories you can share?
1. What are the connections you have made because of Alpha Xi Delta? Who always supports you or is your biggest cheerleader? Did you meet Sisters after your collegiate experience who have become dear friends? Do you gather for reunions annually?
2. Sisters who have inspired you to realize your potential. Do you have an Alpha Xi Delta mentor? Were you encouraged by a Sister (an advisor, peer, Big Sister) to run for a leadership position? Or, has an Alpha Xi Delta helped you in your career?
3. Share a story about any service or philanthropy projects/fundraisers that were meaningful to you. What made it so memorable? What did you do and what did you learn from that experience?
Tips for sharing your story on social media:
1. Focus on connection, belonging and friendship. Alpha Xi Delta is a place where Sisters find lifelong, genuine friendships. We inspire one another and others to realize their potential. We each have our own Alpha Xi Delta story that has these qualities in the center of it. Don't be afraid to share it!
2. Keep it authentic and simple. Your story is an important part of your life, so keep it real! Just be you, skip the heavy filters and keep your caption simple. What you have to say shines all on its own!
3. Don't forget a hashtag. Using hashtags helps Potential New Members and others see your story. You can use #AlphaXiDelta or #WhyAlphaXiDelta in your posts. You can also tag your initiating chapter and/or university!
Our Alpha Xi Delta stories:
“I went Alpha Xi Delta because I was searching for an organization that could help me grow and realize my fullest potential. I will never forget meeting the handful of Sisters I met during recruitment and just being in awe with how much they loved Alpha Xi Delta and how vulnerable they were able to get with me. It made me feel like I was accepted and wanted. That feeling stuck with me through recruitment, and it was something I couldn’t stop thinking about. I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that felt so authentic and genuine, and I found that within Alpha Xi Delta. I am a firm believer that sorority life isn’t just for the 4 years you’re in your organization, but it is for literal life. I have found my forever people within this organization, and I know that no matter what, they will always be there for me. I cannot express the gratitude I have for each and every one of you.” - Bailey McGregor, Kennesaw State ‘20
