This article was written by Julia Hennessy ’24 (Adolescence Education: English), a member of the Alpha Kappa Phi Agonian Sorority.
On May 2, 2024, Alpha Kappa Phi Agonian Sorority Incorporated celebrated its 100th year at SUNY New Paltz, the first of any Greek organization on campus to do so.
Surrounded by friends and supporters, both active and alumnae sisters sang a few of their many songs and toasted to their history outside of the Student Union to celebrate the occasion.
The sorority, originally founded by a small group of women with a vision, has expanded to a diverse, lifelong sisterhood that spans multiple generations. Reaching a century of friendship, dedication and leadership is something that not every organization has been able to do. Alpha Kappa Phi is a strong sisterhood anchored in tradition, but also changing with the tides, as displayed at the toast.
A resilient sisterhood
Alpha Kappa Phi was founded by 17 women at the SUNY Geneseo Normal School under the name The Agonian Society in 1885. Its original purpose was to study great works of literature and be a social outlet for members. It wouldn’t be until 43 years later that the Greek letters “Alpha Kappa Phi” would be chosen to represent the organization.
In 1924, what was then referenced as the Agonian fraternity was officially incorporated as the Kappa chapter at the Normal School of New Paltz by 36 founding members. As the founding members would state in the 1925 New Paltz yearbook, they wanted to be an asset to the school. The members, commonly called AGOs, also said they hoped the future would secure their friendship even more. Time would prove both statements true. They welcomed those into the new AGO house, now known as the New Paltz Hostel. The organization would later go on to become the Agonian sorority.
Since its inception, the sorority has been dedicated to service. AGOs of the 1920s boasted about successful contributions to faculty parties, dances and teas. The founding sisters identified key standards of the organization: sincerity, loyalty, sympathy, truth and love for others.
In 1973, all Greek organizations were disbanded from state universities. Although not active for a short period, Alpha Kappa Phi, AKPhi for short, always found a way back to New Paltz. In 1986, six alumnae reestablished the Kappa chapter. The chapter would continue to go strong until the spring of 1996, when all active sisters graduated, making the organization temporarily inactive again at New Paltz. In the fall of that year, six women reached out interested in pledging. They would go on to become known as the 65th treasure, making AKPhi active once again.
A welcome addition to the campus
Since then, Alpha Kappa Phi has continued to embody what sisters of the past have envisioned for the organization. AKPhi has three philanthropies that it is committed to: during the fall, the organization focuses on sickle cell awareness, during the spring, Lupus awareness, and year-round, breast cancer awareness. Active and alumnae members have participated in Lupus walks, raised money with sticker and candy sales, and helped educate the public.
A historical aspect of the sorority that continues to this day is its serenading. Back when Greek organizations would march down campus, AKPhi sang their song with pride. This is something the organization has continued to do. AGOs frequently sing their songs at events, as well as utilizing this aspect of the organization in ways such as selling Valentine’s Day singing grams.
Sisters have made and continue to make significant contributions to campus life. Sisters have been resident assistants, worked for several campus offices such as Student Engagement, and held leadership positions in organizations beyond AKPhi.
AKPhi’s strong sense of sisterhood is truly special. The active chapter makes a continuous effort for all to get together for small and big events, from things like apple picking to movie nights. Besides formally planned events, it’s common to walk around campus and see AGOs together.
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Continued efforts and support from alumnae
Even after graduation, AGOs make an impact. Alumnae have made annual donations to the Sojourner Truth Library since 2000. The donations are always designated for women’s literature, such as a woman author or subject. If a sister has passed, the association donates in their memory that year. AGO’s alumni network is one of the longest continual donating sources to the library. In honor of 100 years, the association plans to make a more substantial donation.
And the sisterhood bond does not end upon graduation either. Active members and alumnae continue to get together, whether it be during Alumni Reunion, for a small dinner or the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Whether it be for brunch or to give back to the community, AGOs are constantly forming new bonds and strengthening old ones.
Today, although there are misconceptions about Greek life, Alpha Kappa Phi stands as the pinnacle of what sisterhood should be. AGOs are proud of their history, while always looking towards the future. What makes AGOs truly unique is their lifelong commitment to sisterhood. Post-graduation, sisters continue to come back and form deep connections with one another.
In October, sisters from treasures of the past and present will come together and celebrate its organization’s anniversary at the Centennial Gala. The Agonian Centennial Gala is an alumni affinity event during the larger Alumni Reunion, where hundreds of New Paltz alumni will visit campus to celebrate, reminisce, and reflect on their time and experiences here.
Sisters who graduated decades ago and members who are still students today all share one thing in common: their love for the organization. Through all of this, the Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Phi Agonian Sorority truly embodies its motto: One step at a time, but always forward.
