ADPhi - History

Alpha Delta Phi International

Alpha Delta Phi is the fourth oldest Greek-letter Description: http://www.adphi-middlesex.com/images/eels.jpg
fraternity in the United States and Canada. From its early days, Alpha Delta Phi sought students of a decided literary orientation. In the founder's own words, the literary pursuit of the fraternity must "be built on a more comprehensive scale than other societies, providing for every taste and talent and embracing every department of literature and science. It must be national and universal in all its adaptations, so as not merely to cultivate a taste for literature or furnish the mind with knowledge but with a true philosophical spirit looking to the entire man, so as to develop the whole being -- moral, social and intellectual." Today, the literary tradition is carried on the International level in the form of annual literary competitions sponsored by the Samuel Eells Literary and Educational Foundation, which awards cash prizes in each of five categories.

Founded: October 29, 1832 at Hamilton College
Motto: Manus Multae Cor Unum (Many Hands, One Heart)
Colors: Emerald Green and Pearl White
Flower: The Lily of the Valley
Scope: 26 Chapters and 3 Affiliates

History of the Middlesex Chapter

In January of the year 2006, on the campus of the young but lusty Brandeis University, a group of men united in forming an affiliate of The Alpha Delta Phi. Leading the group were three sophomores of the class of 2008 who expressed as their objective the development of qualities of character embodied by Alpha Delta Phi. By the end of 2007 the members of the group considered that their organization had shown its caliber and vigor and was in the strategic position to carry its plea for membership to The Alpha Delta Phi International.

In October, 2007, Brandeis University threatened to take legal action against the members of Alpha Delta Phi for using the “Brandeis” name in its title. Originally, it had been known as the Brandeis affiliate. The members decided to change their name to Middlesex right before submitting their petition to the Board of Governors. Middlesex was chosen because the land on which the current university stands was Middlesex College prior to 1948. In addition, the city of Waltham is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

The petition was drawn up in November and a presentation for charter was given at the fall Board of Governors meeting, held at the Phi Kappa Chapter in Hartford, Connecticut. At that time there were twenty-six men in the affiliate, all prominent on the local campus. The affiliate received ratification of its charter on August 9th, 2008 at the 176th Convention in Berkeley, California.

The Middlesex Chapter has steadily grown over the past four years. In just its second year, the chapter won the E.O. Blackman Award, annually given by The Alpha Delta Phi International to its best chapter. The chapter has also won the Robert G. McKelvey Award for Academic Excellence for three consecutive years (2007-2009) This award is given annually to the Alpha Delt chapter with the highest cumulative GPA. In a matter of three years, the chapter has become a strong presence on campus and nationally.


			Alpha Delta Phi International Alpha Delta Phi is the fourth oldest Greek-letter fraternity in the United States and Canada. From its early days, Alpha Delta Phi sought students of a decided literary orientation. In the founder's own words, the literary pursuit of the fraternity must "be built on a more comprehensive scale than other societies, providing for every taste and talent and embracing every department of literature and science. It must be national and universal in all its adaptations, so as not merely to cultivate a taste for literature or furnish the mind with knowledge but with a true philosophical spirit looking to the entire man, so as to develop the whole being -- moral, social and intellectual." Today, the literary tradition is carried on the International level in the form of annual literary competitions sponsored by the Samuel Eells Literary and Educational Foundation, which awards cash prizes in each of five categories. Founded: October 29, 1832 at Hamilton College Motto: Manus Multae Cor Unum (Many Hands, One Heart) Colors: Emerald Green and Pearl White Flower: The Lily of the Valley Scope: 26 Chapters and 3 Affiliates History of the Middlesex Chapter In January of the year 2006, on the campus of the young but lusty Brandeis University, a group of men united in forming an affiliate of The Alpha Delta Phi. Leading the group were three sophomores of the class of 2008 who expressed as their objective the development of qualities of character embodied by Alpha Delta Phi. By the end of 2007 the members of the group considered that their organization had shown its caliber and vigor and was in the strategic position to carry its plea for membership to The Alpha Delta Phi International. In October, 2007, Brandeis University threatened to take legal action against the members of Alpha Delta Phi for using the “Brandeis” name in its title. Originally, it had been known as the Brandeis affiliate. The members decided to change their name to Middlesex right before submitting their petition to the Board of Governors. Middlesex was chosen because the land on which the current university stands was Middlesex College prior to 1948. In addition, the city of Waltham is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The petition was drawn up in November and a presentation for charter was given at the fall Board of Governors meeting, held at the Phi Kappa Chapter in Hartford, Connecticut. At that time there were twenty-six men in the affiliate, all prominent on the local campus. The affiliate received ratification of its charter on August 9th, 2008 at the 176th Convention in Berkeley, California. The Middlesex Chapter has steadily grown over the past four years. In just its second year, the chapter won the E.O. Blackman Award, annually given by The Alpha Delta Phi International to its best chapter. The chapter has also won the Robert G. McKelvey Award for Academic Excellence for three consecutive years (2007-2009) This award is given annually to the Alpha Delt chapter with the highest cumulative GPA. In a matter of three years, the chapter has become a strong presence on campus and nationally.