Our History
Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 1885, at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. At a time when women were just beginning to occupy seats in college classrooms, seven female students were encouraged by Professor James Hamilton Howe, Dean of DePauw’s School of Music, to form a women’s society within the school.
Inspired, our founders formed the sixth women’s fraternity in the country—the first to be in a music school. Sure they would be the last, the founders chose Alpha and Omega—the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet—to form their name, with “Kai” (meaning “and”) in the middle, later changed to the Greek letter Chi.
Dedicated to advancing “the intellectual, social and moral culture” of its members, our founders’ vision has grown to include our women’s Fraternity, the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and the National Housing Corporation. Together, they serve more than 220,000 members in more than 130 collegiate chapters and 200 alumnae chapters nationwide.
Symbols & Traditions
Tagline: Real. Strong. Women.®
Open motto: “Together let us seek the heights.”
Patron goddess: Hera, guardian of women
Philanthropy: Domestic violence awareness, prevention, and education
Badge: Grecian lyre, reflecting our musical heritage
Colors: Scarlet and olive green
Flower: Red carnation
MACDOWELL MONTH–FEBRUARY
Named for the MacDowell artists’ artist residency program 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 be patrons of the arts and attend exhibitions, concerts, and other events.
HERA DAY–MARCH 1
In honor of our patron goddess Hera, Alpha Chi Omegas dedicate themselves on this day to aid the happiness and well-being of others. Our remembrances include volunteering and fundraising for domestic violence shelters in local communities.
FOUNDERS’ DAY–OCTOBER 15
Founders' Day is a celebration of our Fraternity’s birth. Traditionally, collegians and alumnae honor our Founders by coming together to celebrate Alpha Chi Omega’s heritage.
Alpha Chi Omega Symphony
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.