In spring 1904, two sisters, Marguerite and Estelle Shepard, discussed the need for another female Greek organization at Syracuse University. In the past four years, the  women's enrollment more than doubled but only one women's fraternity chapter was added. With the assistance of professor Dr. Wellesley Coddington, the Shepards began quietly contacting their close friends about a new organization. Officers were elected and several more women were invited to give Alpha Gam our eleven founders. On May 30, 1904, Alpha Gamma Delta was officially founded at Dr. Coddington's home. From there, the fraternity quickly grew, chartering eight chapters within five years. Alpha Gamma Delta also became the first international women's fraternity when the Tau chapter at the University of Toronto was established in 1919. Today, we enjoy a large membership totaling over 150,000 initiated sisters and 182 installed chapters. 
Symbols
Flowers: A red and buff rose with green asparagus  plumose fern
Jewel:Pearl
Colors: Red, Buff and Green
Armorial Bearings (Coat of Arms): Our Armorial Bearings were designed by founder Emily Helen Butterfield, an authority on heraldry. The sacred meaning of the colors and symbols are revealed in the Initiation ceremony, so only initiated members are allowed to wear them.
Badge: Our badge was selected by our founders: a monogram of the Greek letters, with the Delta plain, the Gamma engraved, and the Alpha superimposed upon the others. Collegians are only allowed to wear the badge over their hearts.
Mascot: Skiouros the Squirrel. The squirrel symbolizes the spirit that never dies, the spirit of energetic alertness and progress.
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