The Founding of Theta Phi Alpha...
 

In 1909, a small fraternity of Catholic women was founded under the direction of Bishop Edward D. Kelly at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. However, after being left under the direction of the undergraduate members, by the spring of 1912, membership was low and the fraternity was struggling to exist.

Bishop Kelly, along with the help of several prominent alumni members of the Fraternity, joined together to create a stronger, more durable Greek-letter organization, which, under the guidance of alumni in matters such as finances and housing, would flourish and prosper. Starting in the summer of 1912, eight alumni and two undergraduate students at the University of Michigan, worked to prepare plans for the new organization. With name, motto, and the original coat of arms contributed by May C. Ryan and the membership collectively selecting the colors, jewels, and flower of the fraternity, the organization of Theta Phi Alpha fraternity was complete by fall of 1912.

Founded on the campus of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Theta Phi Alpha began as a fraternity for Catholic women. Bishop Edward D. Kelly wanted to create an organization that would support, befriend, and guide young Catholic women, who were generally not permitted in other Greek-letter organizations. With the help of eight alumni and two undergraduate students of the University of Michigan, Theta Phi Alpha was born on August 30, 1912.