About Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15th, 1885 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. After being encouraged by the Dean of DePauw's School of Music, seven women took it upon themselves to create a women's society within the school. Alpha Chi Omega was the sixth women's fraternity in the country and the first to be in a music school.
Alpha Chi Omega is a women's organization devoted to enriching the lives of members through lifetime opportunities of friendship, learning, and service. Alpha Chi Omega gives the chance to be your self with sisters by your side who are just as unique as you.
Alpha Chi Omega is a women's organization devoted to enriching the lives of members through lifetime opportunities of friendship, learning, and service. Alpha Chi Omega gives the chance to be your self with sisters by your side who are just as unique as you.
Our Founders
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Our seven founders are Bertha Deniston, Estelle Leonard, Anna Allen, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms, Olive Burnett, and Amy DuBios.
Hear more from our founders reflecting on the early years of Alpha Chi Omega: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HopHNwz9BSU Alpha Chi Omega's Founders chose "Alpha," the first letter of the Greek alphabet because they were forming the first fraternity in the School of Music. Since they thought they might also be founding the last such fraternity, "Omega" seemed appropriate. "Kai," meaning "and," was added to form the beginning and the end. "Kai" was soon changed to "Chi," a letter of the Greek alphabet. Together this combination formed Alpha Chi Omega. Symbols and traditions were created to connect members throughout generations and through different chapters. They represent who we are and what we value and strengthens our bond of sisterhood through time.
Brand Tagline: Real, Strong Women Open Motto: "Together let us seek the heights" Patron Goddess: Hera Philantrophy: Domestic Violence Awareness Badge: Grecian Lyre (reflecting our musical heritage). It was also the first musical instrument played by the Gods on Mt. Olympus. Colors: Scarlet Red & Olive Green Flower: Red Carnation Founders Day - October 15th. A celebration of our Fraternity’s birth. Hera Day - March 1st. In honor of our patron goddess Hera, Alpha Chi Omegas dedicate themselves on this day to aid the happiness and well-being of others. MacDowell Month - February. Named for the MacDowell artists’ colony in New Hampshire (Alpha Chi Omega’s first philanthropic project), this month also honors our Founders’ heritage as musicians. During MacDowell Month, our members are encouraged to become patrons of the arts, and attend exhibitions, concerts and other events. The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega: The symphony was written by member Celia McClure in 1912 and was adopted as our official symphony in 1914. It reflects our tradition of harmony and remained popular and is read at many gatherings and events today.
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