ABOUT US
ALPHA PHI INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY
Alpha Phi International Fraternity was founded at Syracuse University by ten of the first nineteen women to be admitted to the university. The founders of Alpha Phi were women of courageous vision and pioneering hearts, striving to make a difference in the male-dominated world of academia.
These women yearned for a circle of friends who could sympathize with each other's troubles and support each other's ambitions. On September 18, 1872, these ten women initiated themselves into Alpha Phi. Established at 175 collegiate campuses and containing over 270,000 members, Alpha Phi Fraternity is a coast-to-coast sisterhood.
Our core values are Character, Innovation, Sisterhood, and Generosity with an ultimate goal of supporting one another in lifelong achievement.
Founded in 1872 at Syracuse University, we are proud of the legacy that our founders left for us. Alpha Phi was the 4th fraternity founded in the United States, before the word "sorority" even existed.
Our Fraternity's flowers are the Lily of the Valley and Forget-Me-Not. The Ivy Leaf is the official symbol of Alpha Phi and our mascot is the "Phi Bear", named after Ursa Major, our fraternity constellation which is also called the Great Bear.​
Learn more about our organization and its history at www.alphaphi.org!
GAMMA OMICRON CHAPTER (DRAKE)
Alpha Phi has been on Drake's campus for over 50 years! We have 93 active members, and we take pride in our chapter being involved all over campus. We keep very busy, between sisterhood, social, scholarship, and service events. Our calendars are always full of fun things to do with our sisters.
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Our membership hold leadership roles in various organizations on campus, and our members pride themselves on our wide array of studies. From STEM to journalism to theatre to business, our sisters are diving deep into their studies alongside one another.
Above all, the Gamma Omicron chapter is very dedicated to scholarship and service. During the Fall 2023 semester, our chapter's average GPA was 3.5, higher than the All-Greek and All-Campus averages. We also participated in the philanthropy events of every other chapter on our campus, gave over 1400 hours of service to the community, and raised over $23,000 for the Alpha Phi Foundation.
Living in our chapter house is another benefit to being an Alpha Phi here at Drake. There is room for all of our junior and senior members in our unique house, which sits right in the middle of Greek Street. We enjoy suite-style living, in which each suite includes a living room, study area, bathroom, kitchen and two bedrooms. Our main dining room, living room, kitchen and scholarship room are always open for sisters who live on campus or in the house to study, snack and hang out.
We couldn't ask for a better group of people to call our sisters!
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Taylor Bohannon
CHAPTER PRESIDENT
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Major: Occupational Therapy
Hometown: Dubuque, IA
Hey everyone! I've introduced myself once but here's a little more about what I'm looking forward to in my position. This year, alongside our outstanding Executive Council, I look forward to creating and upholding a culture within Alpha Phi that continues to give our members a safe and uplifting environment that allows for growth personally, academically, and socially.
Sam Cotter
VICE PRESIDENT OF HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Major: Psychology with a Sociology Minor
Hometown: Monticello, MN
Hi! My name is Sam Cotter and I am the Vice President of Health, Wellness, and Accountability of the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi here at Drake University. I am a senior studying Psychology with a minor in Sociology and I have a passion for all of the amazing members of our chapter.
I am so excited to meet our new class and to connect with them in this incredible chapter! A focus of mine this term has been connection—with younger classes, within our own classes, and with others we may just need a little nudge to get to know. I am a go-to member of the Executive Council with any issues or conflict and I love getting to know so many members of our chapter through getting to talk and connect with them. Through connection, we enhance one another’s experience, with college, life, and this chapter. That’s really the goal: to make sure everyone is getting the most beneficial experience possible.
Katie Clemons
VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
Major: Pharmacy & Master of Business Administration
Hometown: Winona, MN
Hey everyone! I’m Katie Clemons and I'm so excited to serve as the Vice President of Finance and Housing! Alpha Phi has become my home away from home, and I am so glad I found these amazing people! I am so grateful for the life long friendships and countless opportunities and experiences that Alpha Phi has brought me!
Outside of this chapter, you can find me at Starbucks studying or hanging out in the Alpha Phi kitchen catching up with everyone! As far as the future, I am excited to help our members with any Finance questions and to help show off and ensure a great experience in our Big Yellow House!
Grace Brinker
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING​
Major: Chemistry with a Biology Minor and a Global and Comparative Public Health Concentration
Hometown: Goodyear, AZ
Hi everyone! My name is Grace Brinker and I am super excited to be serving as this year's Vice President of Marketing! Alpha Phi has been such a special part of my Drake experience and has truly become my home away from home. My time in this chapter has given me friendships that I know will last a lifetime and has provided me with constant community and support to continue growing into the best version of myself.
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When I'm not in class, you'll find me scrolling on TikTok, working hard at mock trial practice, or hanging out with friends at the campus Starbucks. I'm passionate about showcasing all of the amazing members of this chapter and their unique backgrounds and interests. Follow along on Instagram @drakealphaphi as we take 2024 by storm. I hope you'll find a glimpse of what it means to be an Alpha Phi!
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Erica Copeland
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT
Major: Rhetoric and Media & Digital Media Productions
Hometown: Galesburg, IL
Hey, hey, I’m Erica Copeland and I cannot wait to show my passion for Alpha Phi as the Vice President of Membership Recruitment. Alpha Phi has become my home away from home; there is constant support and empowerment between each individual.
As far as the future, I am excited to bring home more passionate, goal striving, and driven members to Alpha Phi. I am so excited for this opportunity to continue to share my love for this chapter and cannot wait to see all that 2024 has in store!
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Meaghan Krafton
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBER EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING
Major: History & Rhetoric, Media, and Social Change
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL
Hi! My name is Meags Krafton and I am beyond honored and ecstatic to be Alpha Phi Gamma Omicron's VP of New Member Education and Member Experience! When not nose deep in a history textbook, I enjoy cosmetology, cooking, and watching movies with my best friends! Dancing is another one of my hobbies, as I enjoyed being co-captains with our President, Taylor Bohannon for the Drake Dance Team.
New Member Education is all about creating a welcoming space for new members to relax any reservations, questions, or concerns they may have entering this new and exciting part of their college experience. The connections that begin at Alpha Phi are based upon our values: character, innovation, generosity, and sisterhood. Alpha Phi Gamma Omicron has given me so much: friendships for a lifetime, connections for future endeavors, and leadership skills to take into my future career pathway. I am excited to welcome new members to our chapter with open arms and kindness, while working alongside an incredible executive board. I am eager to share my love and passion for this chapter and the members within it.
Hannah Lester
VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Major: Pharmacy with a Concentration in Global and Comparative Public Health
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
Hey! My name is Hannah Lester and I am serving as this year's Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. A few fun facts about me are that I am ambidextrous, I have studied abroad in Wales, and I love Hyper Energy Bar!
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I am thrilled to be in this position because I am honored to create a space for our members to educate themselves on topics of DEI and to feel included in their own individuality and diversity. One of my favorite things about Alpha Phi has always been the strong emphasis on DEI education and discussions, so I am very excited to hold this position and continue the progress that has already been made! Additionally, helping to oversee our spring philanthropy events has been extremely rewarding. I just love our philanthropy because it really hits close to home and being able to contribute to Women's Heart Health means a lot to me and my family.
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I cannot wait to see what this next school year has in store! I am so excited to continue to watch our members engage in the community, and within our chapter, through DEI efforts. Holding this position reminds me why I am proud to be Phi!
Lizette Calalay
EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR​
Major: Pharmacy with a Concentration in Diabetes
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Hi! I'm Lizette Calalay and I'm serving as the Executive Administrator for the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi. When I'm not in class, you can find me working as a Pharmacy Intern, hanging out with friends, or playing tennis in Drake's tennis club!
Alpha Phi has provided me with a profound sense of community and belonging, offering a supportive group of members who encourage personal growth and development. I am extremely excited and lucky to work alongside such an awesome and hardworking executive council this year!
Taylor Bierman
PANHELLENIC DELEGATE​
Major: Biology with a Psychology Minor
Hometown: Polk City, IA
Hey! I'm Taylor Bierman and I'm excited to serve as this year’s Panhellenic Delegate! I am a senior studying biology with hopes to go to Medical School after graduation. When I am not in class or busy with Alpha Phi, you can find me at Fierce Nutrition, studying in the kitchen, or scrolling on Tik Tok.
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Alpha Phi has given me invaluable leadership opportunities while being surrounded by members who challenge and celebrate one another. I hope to continue important communication between the Alpha Phi Executive Council and the Panhellenic Council and increase Phi participation in campus and Panhel events. I am extremely excited for this year and all of the things we can accomplish within this chapter!
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
This past year, Drake University's Gamma Omicron chapter received an award for Excellence in Philanthropy at the Alpha Phi convention in the Northern Quadrant.
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At the 2024 FSLelebration where Drake University recognizes chapters for their work throughout the year, the Gamma Omicron chapter was named the 2023-2024 Chapter of the Year! We also received three additional awards: Outstanding Philanthropy, Outstanding DEI and the Outstanding Programming Award. We are so proud of the hard work of all the members in our chapter!
