History
Founding
Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 1885 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Professor James Hamilton Howe, Dean of the Music School, invited seven young women from the school to attend a meeting for the purpose of forming a society. The first appearance of the seven founders - Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms and Estelle Leonard was in Meharry Hall, wearing scarlet and olive ribbon streamers attached to their dresses.
Our Name
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.
Our Colors
Alpha Chi Omega's colors of scarlet and olive green were chosen to commemorate the Fraternity's autumn founding in Greencastle, Indiana.
Our Flower
Alpha Chi Omega's flower is the red carnation, exemplifying the Fraternity's colors.
Our Open Motto
Alpha Chi Omega's open motto is: "Together let us seek the heights."
Alpha Chi Omega Traditions
Founder's Day - October 15 - Celebrated to recognize our fraternity's fall founding in 1885.
Hera Day - March 1 - Members recognize our fraternity's commitment to helping others by conduction service projects and offering assistance to others.
Our Badge
A Greek lyre of gold, having three twisted strings spanned diagonally by a raised and slightly rounded scroll of black enamel bearing the Greek letter Alpha Chi Omega in gold.
Our Coat of Arms
The coat of arms includes a square shield, a crest, and a scroll. The shield is scarlet, cut by a bar of olive green. The first section of the shield displays an open book in gold; at the base is a sheaf of wheat, also in gold. The bar has three white stars. The crest, a lyre bird, is in its natural color. The scroll at the bottom bears the Greek translation of our open motto, "Together let us seek the heights."
The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega
To see beauty even in the common things of life
to shed the light of love and friendship round me
to keep my life in tune with the world that I shall make no discords in the harmony of life
to strike on the lyre of the universe only the notes of happiness, of joy, of peace
to appreciate every little service rendered
to see and appreciate all that is noble in another
be her badge what it may
and to let my lyre send forth the chords of love, unselfishness, sincerity.
This is to be my symphony.
By Celia McClure