Ferguson, Helen Mary Dodge

Helen Mary Dodge Ferguson (Syracuse, 1874) was born on September 26, 1850, to William S. Dodge and Margaret E. Armitage Dodge. Her father died young, leaving Helen, her widowed mother and her younger brother to move to Syracuse, New York. In a time when many mothers’ ambitions for their daughters did not extend beyond marriage, Margaret encouraged Helen to pursue higher education. With the encouragement of her family, Margaret chose to attend Syracuse University in the fall of 1872. Helen was involved with the Founders of Alpha Phi Fraternity, actually writing their constitution, but ultimately declined membership.

Helen was the first of the Founders to achieve her undergraduate degree in June 1876. She considered becoming a teacher, but ultimately remained at home to care for her ill mother. She married Reverend J.V. Ferguson, and the two never had children. Among the four Founders, Helen was known as “the scholar,” and she continued earning that title by pursuing education throughout her life. J.V. Ferguson and Helen devoted their shared life to scholarship: he studied theology, and she studied the classics. Sadly, J.V. Ferguson preceded his wife in death by many years. 

In addition to her devotion to the Sorority, Helen was very interested in missionary work sponsored by her church. She was also involved in the local Woman’s Christian Association, American Association of University Women and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

When Helen grew too old to attend Conventions, she remained connected to her sisters through personal correspondence and articles in The Crescent. Helen passed away on October 21, 1937.