Alpha Gamma Delta started as a dorm room discussion of college friendships between two sisters and grew into an international sisterhood of thousands of friends on and off the college campus. It grew into Alpha Gamma Delta. The two sisters, Marguerite and Estelle Shepard, talked of the need for a new women's fraternity on the Syracuse University campus.

Alpha Gamma Delta was officially founded on May 30, 1904 by 11 women: Marguerite Shepard, Estelle Shepard Beswick, Georgia Alberta Dickover, Jennie Titus Smith Morris, Ethel Evelyn Brown Distin, Grace Mosher Harter, Edith MacConnel Hickok, Mary Louise Snider, Georgia Otis Chipman, Emily Helen Butterfield, and Flora Knight Mayer

Five organizational meetings held in May, during which the name and first  Badge design were selected. Official Founding: May 30, 1904. Badges were worn for the first time, colors of red, buff  and green were chosen and the first Fraternity songs presented and sung. The offical Pledge Pin design was also adopted.

The first chapter house was leased.  Red and buff roses chosen as Fraternity flowers. A Certificate of Incorporation was recorded in New York on June 3. The Charter was granted  to Beta Chapter-University of Wisconsin.  The present Badge design adopted.

Skiouros first appeared as mascot with the installation of Gamma Chapter- Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut.

 

  

First National Convention.

The Ritual, Constitution and Armorial Bearings adopted.

The fFraternity spanned the continent with the installation of Iota Chapter-University of  Washington.  First issue of the Alpha Gamma Delta Quarterly was published. The fraternity was admitted to membership in the National Panhellenic Conference (then National Panhellenic Congress).

The first songbook was published.The Iota Chapter-University of Washington purchased the first chapter-owned house.

Present Pledge Pin design authorized and official jeweler selected.

Alumnae advisors to collegiate chapters were authorized.The first officer handbook was published. The first Convention Feast of Roses was held, and the first Mothers Club established by Delta Chapter-University of Minnesota.

A lifetime subscription to the Quarterly was authorized

Honors of Epsilon Pi wereestablished.The fraternity became international; chartered Tau Chapter-University of Toronto, beginning a tradition of  Fraternity leadership in Canada. The Rose Bowl award for scholarship was presented to the Fraternity by the Founders.  Alumnae work recognized to provide for alumnae chapters and alumnae clubs. The International Altruistic Project was adopted, a summer camp for underprivileged children.

First summer camp opened at Jackson, Michigan

Official banner adopted

An Endowment Fund was established to provide loans for chapter housing.The  Executive Council structure was created, the first of its kind among Panhellenic groups.

First full-time Chapter Inspector (visitor) appointed

Central Office established in New York City, one of the first such offices among Panhellenic groups

Silver Anniversary Convention

International Reunion Day was established as third Saturday in April, replacing Founders Day, which had traditionally been celebrated on May 30

The Billet Fund was established for the purpose of providing a future home for members who might have need.

Life Membership Alumnae Dues were established, the first National Panhellenic Conference member group to do so

Counselor Training Program for rehabilitation of the handicapped, the first of its kind, adopted as International Altruistic Project

Golden Anniversary Convention. Louise Leonard Fund established to provide emergency financial aid to alumnae in need. Central Office moved to New Jersey.

The design for Alpha Gamma Delta flag was approved. Billet Fund was incorporated into plans for a future International Headquarters

The Founders Memorial Fund was established for scholarship grants. The Central Office name changed to International Headquarters. Theta Sigma Upsilon merged with Alpha Gamma Delta, adding 11 chapters to the roll. Distinguished Citizen Awards were presented for the first time.

The  Alpha Gamma Delta Founders Memorial Foundation received federal approval as a tax-exempt public foundation. Scholarship and altruism funds were incorporated into the Foundation. Alpha Gamma Delta Rehabilitation Project was established and children with learning disabilities selected as the first recipient. Purchase of first Fraternity-owned International Headquarters authorized by Convention.

International Headquarters moved to Indianapolis, Indiana

Chapter Consultant program began

A 50-Year Pin was approved. The  Louise Leonard Fund was incorporated into theFounders Memorial Foundation (now known as Sisters Income Supplement or SIS).

Construction was completed on new International Headquarters building in Indianapolis. The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation was approved as a Fraternity philanthropic project.

The Leadership Conference (TLC) was first held

The Junior Circle program and the Rose Sister program were established as part of the alumnae organization. The Rosevines career resource system was organized.

The Alpha Gamma Delta Magazine Agency was established

 Concept of It’s Okay to Care, the Fraternity’s wellness program, was developed

 All of The Leadership Conferences were held at one site to facilitate use of professional presentations.The Founders Memorial Foundation name changed to Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation

The Grand Council name changed to International Council. Diabetes mellitus was approved as a Fraternity philanthropic project.

An Eight-week new member program was implemented in all chapters.A personal development program, From Classroom to Boardroom, established. Alpha Gam Always alumnae program was organized. A 25-Year Pin was approved.

  2004 Committee was appointed to evaluate and revise Fraternity organizational structure

  Senior Packets were first distributed to graduating collegiate members

See Through the Haze...To a Clearer Purpose, the Fraternity’s hazing awareness program, was developed and presented to collegiate and alumnae chapters.

Constitutional revisions include streamlining the Executive Council to include five advisors and eight collegiate officers.  See Through the Haze...To a Clearer Purpose, the Fraternity’s hazing awareness program, developed and presented to collegiate and alumnae chapters.

The Strive for Pi Scholarship Program was established for collegiate chapters and members

Life Membership Alumnae Dues name were changed to Alumnae Chapter Fee. Voluntary annual Alumnae Dues were implemented.

The  Introduction of the Pacesetters, Mall-Walking program in partnership with National Diabetes Education Program.  The Collegiate chapter Five Star Program was revised.

The  Collegiate leadership training program format was changed to four area locations

The Fraternity develops new vision statement "Inspire the Woman. Impact the World." in conjunction with the Strategic Plan

Alpha Gamma Delta celebrates its 100th Anniversary. The Leadership Institute, a cooperative effort between the Fraternity and the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, is founded as a separate corporation with a mission to provide educational for the development and enhancement of leadership skills of women.

The completion of AlcoholEdu, a science-based course about the effects of alcohol on the body and mind, is made a requirement for Initiation.