HISTORY
Honoring our past & preparing for what comes next.
From Theta Chi’s founding at Norwich in 1856 to Alpha Phi’s beginnings with eight men at The Capstone in 1922 and its charter in 1926, a shared commitment to friendship has connected generations of brothers, homes, and traditions.
- 1922
Eight men began the Alpha Phi story.
Eight men formed Gamma Sigma, a local fraternity whose initials stood for “gentlemen” and “scholars.” Known as the Cupids, they laid the foundation for Alpha Phi.
- 1926
Alpha Phi receives its charter.
After petitioning Theta Chi in February, Gamma Sigma became the Alpha Phi Chapter on May 7. Installation celebrations concluded with a banquet at the Hotel McLester and a dance at the Tuscaloosa Country Club. The chapter moved into a University-built home facing the Quad.
- 1961
A new home on Jefferson Avenue.
University expansion brought the chapter to 501 Jefferson Avenue. This second house served Alpha Phi until 2014 and was later sold to Phi Sigma Kappa.
- 1969-1971
Brothers step forward.
Dale Taylor petitioned for support from the Ladue emergency fund in 1969. In 1971, Harry B. Lackey co-signed a $25,000 note for a house expansion, making the Lackey Wing possible.
- 2014
A home on University Boulevard.
The present chapter house was dedicated on September 6, 2014, opening a new chapter in Alpha Phi’s life at Alabama.
- 2026
One hundred years of Alpha Phi.
The chapter marked a century at The University of Alabama, bringing brothers and alumni together to celebrate the friendships that continue into its next hundred years.
The story begins at Norwich.
On April 10, 1856, at Norwich University in Vermont, Frederick Norton Freeman and Arthur Chase founded Theta Chi Society in Freeman’s room in Old South Barracks. Their purpose centered on friendship, loyalty to their university, and the mutual improvement of members.
Frederick Norton Freeman
Freeman developed the idea and plan for Theta Chi and became its first secretary. A Claremont, New Hampshire, native, he entered Norwich at fourteen, later studied law, and became a superintendent for the Pennsylvania Coal Company. He died of pneumonia at twenty-eight.
Arthur Chase
Chase helped shape the society and became its first president. Born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, he graduated from Norwich and Harvard Law School, practiced law, and later owned Claremont’s National Eagle newspaper. His community service included work in public education and church affairs.
A beginning marked by challenge.
The first initiation followed on April 11, 1856, welcoming Edward Bancroft Williston and Lorenzo Potter. The Civil War depleted Norwich’s enrollment, and fire destroyed Old South Barracks in 1866. The University moved to Northfield, Vermont, where Theta Chi continued. A monument at the original Norwich site later commemorated the fraternity’s founding.
A legacy of leadership.
These honors and service records are drawn from the chapter’s published history. They recognize achievements across generations and are not a complete list of current awards or officeholders.
Colley Award
The Reginald E. F. Colley Award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate member of Theta Chi. Seven Alpha Phi recipients are recorded here.
- 1963
- Dr. Richard A. Thigpen
- 1969
- Dale Taylor
- 1973
- Marvin McConaghy
- 1975
- Peter N. Derzis
- 1992
- Thomas Howard
- 2005
- Lucas Elgie
- 2015
- Marcus Gibson
Howard R. Alter Award
Named for longtime Executive Director Howard R. Alter, Jr., this award recognizes overall chapter excellence. Alpha Phi’s record lists eight award years, beginning with the inaugural year in 1986.
- 1986
- 1989
- 1992
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
Campus Leadership
- SGA
- Roy Killingsworth (President, 1948)
Larry Childs (President, 1973) - IFC
- Marvin McConaghy (President, 1971)
Eli Pilger (President, 2024)
BEYOND THE CAPSTONE
Serving the wider brotherhood.
Alpha Phi alumni have contributed as national officers, board members, and staff. The roles below reflect the chapter’s historical record.
Harry W. Lackey ’28
- National Treasurer, Grand Chapter
William Dale Taylor ’69
- National President (three terms)
- President, Norwich Housing Corporation
- President, Theta Chi Funds for Leadership & Education, Inc.
- Executive Director
Fulton S. Hamilton ’72
- National Treasurer
- President, Norwich Housing Corporation
- Treasurer, Theta Chi Funds for Leadership & Education, Inc.
Dr. Richard Thigpen ’62
- Board of Trustees, Foundation Chapter
Marvin L. McConaghy ’72
- Board of Trustees, Foundation Chapter
Dr. Wesley K. Wicker ’79
- Senior Director, Theta Chi Funds for Leadership & Education, Inc.
- Editor, The Rattle of Theta Chi
- President, Foundation Chapter
- Secretary, Norwich Housing Corporation
Bud Garikes ’79
- Board of Directors, Foundation Chapter
Kirby Montgomery ’75
- Board of Directors, Foundation Chapter
Field Representatives & Chapter Support
Jimmy Wall ’51, Marvin McConaghy ’72, Pete Mackey ’78, Wesley Wicker ’79, and Lucas Elgie ’05 served the national fraternity as field representatives, field secretaries, or leadership and education consultants.
