Phi Alpha Literary Society

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Phi Alpha Literary Society is a men’s literary group at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Founded on September 25, 1845, it is one of the oldest college societies and is still active today. The society meets in Beecher Hall, the oldest college building in Illinois.

Purpose and work
- The society aims to attain truth, improve its members’ literary skills, and support democratic heritage.
- It also works to develop social, communication, and leadership abilities.

Founding and Lincoln link
- The seven founders, known as the Immortal Seven, started Phi Alpha in the old dormitory.
- Dr. William Jayne, a founder, was a friend of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln visited Jacksonville in 1859 and spoke there to help raise funds for the library.

Debates and history
- Phi Alpha has a long tradition of debates, including an 1881 victory over Knox College’s Adelphi Society on prohibition.
- In 1978, the group debated Knox College again on whether the Electoral College should be abolished.
- In the Civil War era, 104 Phi Alpha members fought for the Union and 12 for the Confederacy.

Activities today
- Three judged Literary Productions are held each semester, with five pieces per meeting (speeches, research, fiction, etc.).
- A poet is elected each semester to recite an original poem, and an impromptu speech is given.
- A Cooperative Literary Meeting is held once a semester with three Phis and three Illinois College faculty or staff.
- The society also hosts public debates and weekly business meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order.
- Honorary memberships are granted to individuals who embody the society’s values.

Symbols
- Motto: Onward and Upward
- Slogan: Lovers of Truth
- Colors: Blue and White
- Mascot: Sylvester (Sly) the Squirrel
- Nickname: Phis

Headquarters
Beecher Hall, Illinois College, 1101 W College Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650, United States