10 Things You Should Know About Alpha Xi Delta (by Abigail Russo)

10 Things to Know About Alpha Xi Delta

+ some incredible alumnae!

Hey everyone, I’m Abigail!

At Alpha Xi Delta at Georgia Tech, we know that we have an incredible sisterhood. As the chapter’s Ritual and Fraternity Appreciation Director, I am super passionate about learning the history of our fraternity and the inspiring women that came before us. Every day, we celebrate the fantastic, trailblazing women that are in our chapter. Alpha Xi Delta is also proud of our rich history and the lasting impact that our organization has on its members.

Here are a few fun facts about Alpha Xi Delta!

  1. Alpha Xi Delta was the first sorority at Georgia Tech, and it was founded on September 4th, 1954.

  2. The first female graduate of Georgia Tech, Shirley Clements Mewborn, was an Alpha Xi Delta.

  3. The first chapter meeting was held at the President of Georgia Tech’s house, and that is the same spot where our house is today.

  4. In 1893, ten women in Illinois founded the first chapter of Alpha Xi Delta.

  5. The Quill, which is the badge worn by initiated members of Alpha Xi Delta, represents our motto "The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword."

  6. In 1989, BetXi Bear, a teddy bear, was adopted as Alpha Xi Delta’s mascot.

    Notable Alumnae

  7. Jan Davis went to Georgia Tech and was in our Gamma Eta chapter. She was a NASA astronaut and logged over 673 hours in space during her career!

  8. Verna Kay Gibson was the first woman to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company (The Limited)!

  9. Jane Henson was the co-founder of the Muppets with her husband, Jim Henson. The character Fozzie Bear was created for Alpha Xi Delta, and he originally had pink roses (our flower) on his bow.

  10. Betsey Johnson is a famous fashion designer who was awarded the Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in Fashion in 2009.

Ellie Rich