History

Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 1885 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Its purpose was to give students in music an organization similar to the literary societies already on that campus. While at first membership was only offered to students in the School of Music, it later expanded to include liberal art students who took at least one music class. Today there is no music requirement, but as seen through our traditions we still celebrate what our fraternity was founded on.

To this date, there are 135 chapters of Alpha Chi Omega in 40 states, totaling over 200,000 initiated members.

Eta Chapter

Eta, the sixth chapter formed after Alpha Chi's founding, was established on June 16, 1898. The faculty passed a ruling that required sophomore pledging immediately after the installation of the chapter. The young chapter was not strong enough to meet this requirement and it became inactive in June 1899. It was reestablished on April 1, 1921.

Fun Facts

Founders:

Seven women founded the first chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at DePauw University. They were Anna Allen Smith, Olive Burnett Clark, Bertha Deniston Cunningham, Amy DuBois Rieth, Nellie Gamble Childe, Bessie Grooms Keenan, and Estelle Leonard.

Symbols & Colors:

Our pin was voted "Most Beautiful" of all Greek organizations.

According to Greek mythology, the lyre was the first musical instrument played by the gods on Mount Olympus. The jeweled golden lyre is adorned with pearls and worn by initiated members.

The red carnation exemplifies the colors of our Fraternity: scarlet red and olive green.

Holidays:

Founder's Day- The first meeting of Alpha Chi Omega was held on October 15th, 1885. Each year the sisters of Eta find a special way to celebrate.

Hera Day- Hera was chosen as the patroness of Alpha Chi Omega. According to Greek mythology, she was wed to Zeus, the supreme god of the ancient Greeks. She was the most regal of goddesses, and as "Queen of Heaven," she shared in the honors with Zeus. Their marriage was held in spring, so the Greeks held annual spring festivals in their honor called Heraea. On March 1st, Alpha Chi dedicates that day to the service and happiness of others.

Famous Alumni:

Dr. Condoleezza Rice (Gamma Delta, Denver) — Current U.S. Secretary of State. Former National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush and former Provost of Stanford University.

Deidre Downs (Zeta Lambda, Virginia) — Deidre Downs was crowned 2005 Miss America on September 18, 2004. She earned the title through her hard work and dedication to raising awareness and research funds for childhood cancer. Upon completion of her term, she will continue her studies in pediatric medicine at the University of Alabama Medical School.

Trista Rehn Sutter (Alpha Mu, Indiana) — ABC’s original Bachelorette. Trista graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Exercise Science. In 1995 she was accepted at the University of Miami where she pursued her Master’s and graduated with honors. Her passion for dancing led her to successfully audition for the NBA’s Miami Heat dancers. After her appearance on the Bachelorette, Trista went on to compete in Dancing with the Stars, also on ABC.