ADG National History
ALPHA DELTA GAMMA was founded on October 10th, 1924 at Loyola University in Chicago.
Founding Fathers Francis P. Canary, John J. Dwyer, William S. Hallisey and James C. O'Brien were on Chicago's "L" (the elevated railway) when they first conceived the idea of establishing a new fraternity, unique in its ideas and aims.
The “Founding Four” envisioned a new concept in fraternities – one based upon the traditions, ideals of true brotherhood, and missionary zeal of Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier and Issac Jogues. They saw five specific areas of development for students at Catholic colleges- the spiritual, the scholastic, service to college and community, encouragement of school spirit among fellow students, and the social. In effect, they wanted a fraternity founded upon Christian ideals of true manhood, sound learning, and the unity of fraternal brotherhood. These ideals were decreed the purpose of Alpha Delta Gamma when it first came into being. And so, Alpha Chapter was formed and ADG was on its way to becoming a City Walled!
ADG lambda history
Established December 6, 1952
A group of student leaders at Loyola University of Los Angeles had formed a local fraternity known as Phi Sigma Beta in 1951. The avowed purpose of the chapter was to seek national fraternal affiliation. After a lengthy investigation, these men submitted a petition for admittance as an active ADG chapter. Past National President Justin Albert McCarthy was empowered by the National Chapter to make a recommendation concerning this petition and, upon his favorable decision; he was authorized to induct the group as Lambda Chapter on December 6, 1952. Charter members of the chapter included Russell Dean Jones and Joseph Charles Barren, both of whom were later to become National Presidents.
The National Crest
The Coat-of Arms of Alpha Delta Gamma is as follows: the shield is of flat top, with a round base of simple arc, divided per enclosure and per mounted chevron by four fields of ruby red or sky blue. The left upper section is charged with the crown of nobility upon a field of ruby red. The right upper section is charged with a burning torch on a field of sky blue. The left lower section is charged with a Greek cross on a field of sky blue. The lower right section is charged with a dagger pointed toward the center on a field of ruby red. A helmet of armor with bars open and fronting is imposed upon the shield and topped with three plumes. At the base of the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words: “Gnosthentes Eph Philon” which translated expresses the idea “known among friends” or “known by friends” or “a man is known by his friends.”
The helmet of armor represents highest authority, the baton supports this idea. The crown is symbolic of nobility of origin and character. The torch symbolizes social justice which is characteristic of the Fraternity. The dagger symbolizes the power of self-protection and independence. The nine stars represent the active chapters of the Fraternity mounted on and dependent upon the chevron, which symbolizes the National Chapter. The blood red represents the courage and the sky blue represents the faithfulness of the members in their loyalty to the Fraternity.
Free E-Book
National chapter has made a free ADG History eBook. Link to download is below.