Chapter History:

The Alpha Phi Chapter was founded on November 25, 1883 by Saniford Bee and Thomas F. McDow. Saniford Bee was born in Charleston, South Carolina and was initiated into SC Alpha Xi (Citadel) in 1883. Thomas F. McDow was born in Liberty Hill, NC and initiated into NC Alpha Heta (Bringham's) in 1881. At the time of installment, the SC College had both a small student body and a fierce Greek system. The four existing fraternities fought this new chapter but it still survived over a decade until 1897.

During the first 14 years of existence, the small chapter obtained only 54 men on its roster. Despite these small numbers, Alpha Phi participated in many community projects such as helping to begin the Columbia YMCA during the 1880's. A.T.O. also made large contributions to campus literary and social clubs. This participation was strongly encouraged. So strongly in fact that the initiation fees and dues were paid for by the fraternity.

This strong involement of all Greek systems (one might say dominance) in all school activities fostered a growing anti-fraternity sentiment on campus. This sentiment led a group of 42 men, called Barbarians, to petition the trustees to abolish fraternities. The Board of Trustees responded by appointing a committee to look into the issue, but the legislature of South Carolina took up the matter before any conclusions were formed. Representative Calvin W. Garris of Colleton introduced a bill prohibiting Greek letter organizations from all state supported schools. This measure was passed with little opposition in both houses and on March 5, 1897 South Carolina became the first state to prohibit fraternities.

Although the chapters of SAE and KA went underground as sub-rosa chapters, this law ended all Greek life at USC. To fill the social needs of students, many clubs were formed. The Bohemian Club, founded in the fall of 1922, was one that emphasized scholarship and extra-curricular activities. During its history, it excelled in student activities, athletics, and also had the distinction of being the first club to occupy a house off-campus. The club was a diverse group, as its membership consisted of initiates of half a dozen national fraternities who had transferred to USC from other schools and also some non-fraternity men.

In 1927, the SC Legislation lifted the ban on Greek leter organizations. Almost immediately, the local clubs began to petition national fraternities for chapters. The Bohemian club was not an exception. With the repeal of the law, the Bohemain Club members belonging to other fraternities withdrew. The remaining members, prompted by seven ATO affiliates and the strong Columbia Alumni Association, decided to petition Alpha Tau Omega for restoration of the charter lost in 1897. This was unanimously approved and on December 7, 1927, Alpha Phi was revived in a ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church at 1324 Marion Street, initiating 22 new brothers.

The years immediately following the revival was marked by a decrease in membership due to the Depression and World War II. This gradual slide finally reached its worst in 1946 as the chapter role only listed 6 brothers. Area Alumni responded to this situation by sponsoring "Operation Crossroads" to gain pledges during Rush. They were very successful as Alpha Phi pledged 17 men for a much needed boost. The chapter also ended a period of isolation on campus with a spirit of inter-fraternity involvement and service to the Epworth Orphanage.

Since this dramatic turnaround, Alph Phi has consistently shown itself to be a thriving chapter. It has received many awards, both on the national and local level. Among these are: 1960 National Scholarship Trophy for the highest GPA; 1959-1960 National Chapter Scholarship Award for academic excellence; 1968 Annual Community Service Award; 1986 Chapter Of the Year; 1987 True Merit Honorable Mention; 1988 and 1989 Chapter Achievement; 1988 True Merit; and the 1988 Thomas Arkle Clarke Award winner, Jimmy Brehm.

Some other dates of local interest are:

• 1964 first GERMANS
• 1964 first ATO Help Week Trophy
• 1965 first BIOYA
• 1980 first See-Saw-A-Thon
• 1989 first Intramural Championship (ending SAE's 11 year streak)
• 1998 Spring Greek Week Champions with Alpha Chi Omega
• 1999 first ANIMOE