| Alpha Chi Omega - ΑΧΩ | |
 |
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| Founded | October 15 1885 DePauw University, (Greencastle, Indiana) |
|---|---|
| Type | Social |
| Scope | International |
| Motto | Together let us seek the heights |
| Colors | Scarlet Red and Olive Green |
| Symbol | Golden Lyre |
| Flower | Red Carnation |
| Philanthropy | Alpha Chi Omega Foundation |
| Chapters | 135 |
| Members | 210,000+ currently lifetime |
| Headquarters | 5939 Castle Creek Parkway North Dr. Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| Homepage | http://www.alphachiomega.org/ |
Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ, also known as A-Chi-O or Alpha Chi) is a women's fraternity founded on October 15 1885. Currently, there are over 135 chapters of Alpha Chi Omega at colleges and universities across the United States and over 200,000 lifetime members. Alpha Chi Omega's official symbol is the three stringed lyre[1].
Contents |
History
Alpha Chi Omega was formed 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. Those young women were Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms, and Estelle Leonard. Alpha Chi Omega’s Founders chose "Alpha" (Α), 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" (Ω) seemed appropriate. "Kai", meaning "and" was added to form the beginning and the end. "Kai" was soon changed to "Chi" (Χ), a letter of the Greek alphabet. The first house included 27 women, and has become much larger throughout the years. Alpha Chi Omega no longer has any musical connections, but the legacy and talent of its founders remains in its symbol and symphony. The open motto is "Together let us seek the heights." Alpha Chi Omega's colors of scarlet red and olive green were chosen to commemorate the fraternity's fall founding. The symbol is a lyre and the official flower is a red carnation, exemplifying the Fraternity's colors. The Lyre of Alpha Chi Omega was chosen by the founders after much research, and designed by James G. Campbell (an undergraduate member of Beta Theta Pi men's fraternity, who acted as librarian for DePauw's School of Music). The Lyre, a replica of a three stringed harp, was decided on because it stayed true to their musical interest, as music unites the souls of many. According to Greek mythology the first instrument played by the gods on Mt. Olympus was a lyre. The original badge was purchased by Founder Bertha Deniston and is on display at the Fraternity's Headquarters. The coat of arms includes a square shield, a crest, and a scroll. The shield is red, with a bar of olive green. The first section of the shield displays a 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 the open motto, “Together let us seek the heights.” There are 135 chapters of Alpha Chi Omega at colleges and universities in the United States. There are also many very active alumnae chapters. The alumnae chapters allow women of all post-graduate ages to come together and continue the mission and values of Alpha Chi Omega. Alpha Chi Omega collegiate chapters work directly with alumnae chapters to link sisters from around the country together. In addition, alumnae chapters continue the cause of working to eliminate domestic violence. Alpha Chi Omega is a founding member of the National Panhellenic Conference.
Mission Statement
Alpha Chi Omega is a national women's organization that enriches the lives of members through lifetime opportunities for friendship, leadership, learning, and service.
Reaching the Heights
Alpha Chi Omega prides itself on maintaining five standards:
- academic interest
- character
- financial responsibility
- leadership ability
- personal development
Alpha Chi Omega's values
- Wisdom
- Devotion
- Achievement
Important dates
Members of Alpha Chi Omega have enjoyed the same heritage and traditions since 1885. Some of these special dates celebrated by Alpha Chi Omega include: Founders' Day - Sisters gather on October 15th of each year to recognize the fraternity’s fall founding at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. On Founders' Day, members wear their badges, along with scarlet and olive green ribbons. Hera Day - On March 1st of each year, members recognize the fraternity's commitment to helping others by conducting service projects and offering assistance to others. MacDowell Month - Each year, during the month of February, Alpha Chi Omega women celebrate the fine arts and their fine art heritage. Chapter Founders' Days - Each collegiate chapter recognizes its founding anniversary annually. The National Convention - Members join together every two years to conduct fraternity business, reunite with fellow Alpha Chis, and celebrate Alpha Chi Omega.
The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega
"My 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. This is to be my symphony. -Celia McClure, Delta Chapter: Allegheny College, 1914
Philanthropy
In 1911 Alpha Chi Omega began supporing the MacDowell Colony, as MacDowell was an alumnae of Alpha Chi Omega.[2] During World War I and II Alpha Chi Omega offered its support by helping working mothers who were married to service men by providing day nurseries and helping orphaned French children. In 1947 Alpha Chi Omega adopted Easter Seals as it's philanthropy.[2] In 1978 the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation was created to help support the philanthropic projects and educational programming supported by the organization.[2] In 1992 it was decided that Alpha Chi Omega's current national altruisitic project would be the support of Victims of Domestic Violence.[2] Alpha Chi Omega voted to change primary philanthropies during the 1980s after the National Board became aware of the prevalence of domestic violence, with very little remedy offered to victims, both financially and emotionally. Alpha Chi Omega was the first American women's fraternity to tackle the problems of domestic violence head-on, not just by assisting victims, but by educating its members against it. Alpha Chi Omega continues its support of Easter Seals. Through many funds and grants the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation also helps to support members and those closely related to Alpha Chi Omegas. This is to ensure that support is continuously available for all sisters.[3] Individual chapters focus their attention on increasing the awareness of domestic violence, the destruction it causes to individuals, families, and children, as well as actively aiding victims of domestic violence through hands-on activities and service projects. This work is done through local agencies, which undergraduate and alumni chapters support physically and financially. Local agencies include rape crisis centers, emergency shelters and safe houses for victims of domestic violence and their children, and long-term assistance centers for battered women across the nation. Kristin's Story is also supported by Alpha Chi Omega in cooperation with Delta Delta Delta.
The closed Colorado State University chapter
In 1998, 11 members[4][5] of both Colorado State University's Alpha Chi Omega sorority and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity vandalized a scarecrow with "I'm Gay"[4] and other anti-gay messages;[6] a reference to the Matthew Shepard murder.[5] The scarecrow was added to the homecoming parade float, co-sponsored by the two organizations.[7] The women's fraternity immediately expelled one member,[8] and as a statement of their horror over the incident, disbanded two days later, offering a public apology and disavowing all association.[9][10][11] The 11 students were later punished by the school itself for their participation with the float.[5]
Notable alumnae
For a full list of notable Alpha Chi Omega alumnae please visit here. [1]
- Eleanor Coppola (Alpha Psi) - Emmy award winning documentarian[12]
- Deidre Downs (Zeta Lambda) - 2005 Miss America winner[12]
- Carol Duvall (Beta Epsilon) - host of the Carol Duvall Show[12]
- Georgie Anne Geyer (Gamma) - journalist[12]
- Jenilee Harrison (Epsilon) — actress, (Dallas, Three's Company)[12]
- Laura Innes (Gamma) - actress, (ER)[12]
- Jane Anne Jayroe (Gamma Tau) — Miss America, 1967; civic leader in Oklahoma[12]
- Meredith Monroe (Upsilon) - actress, (Dawson's Creek)[12]
- Agnes Nixon (Gamma) - 4 time Daytime Emmy winning TV writer and producer[12]
- Aubrey O'Day (Epsilon Psi) - singer, (MTV's Making The Band 3)[13]
- Condoleezza Rice (Gamma Delta) - U.S. Secretary of State[12]
- Gail Sheehy (Alpha Iota) - author[12]
- Trista Rehn Sutter (Alpha Mu) - participant in The Bachelorette[12]
- Victoria Toensing (Alpha Mu) - former deputy assistant Attorney General in the Justice Department[12]
- Sherron Watkins (Alpha Phi) - Enron whistleblower[14]
- Dawn Wells (Rho) - actress, (Gilligan's Island)[12]
References
- ^ http://www.alphachiomega.org
- ^ a b c d About Chi Omega Foundation History. Alpha Chi Omega. Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
- ^ Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. Alpha Chi Omega. Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
- ^ a b Sorority Suspended for Float. New York Times (October 15, 1998). Retrieved on 2007-12-28.
- ^ a b c Sinisi, J. Sebastian (November 13, 1998), Students punis hed for anti-gay float CSU officials use range of sanctions, Denver Post, <http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF450320D3E390&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM>. Retrieved on 2007-12-29
- ^ Black, Douglas (March 22, 2000). Straw Men. The American Scholar. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
- ^ US/9810/13/gay.mock.float/ College homecoming float mocks homosexuals. CNN (October 13, 1998). Retrieved on 2007-07-15.
- ^ Walsh, Chris (October 14, 1998). Fraternity member resigns. Rocky Mountain Collegian. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
- ^ Walsh, Chris (October 13, 1998). University, fraternity begin float investigation. Rocky Mountain Collegian. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
- ^ Pierson, Elizabeth (October 16, 1998). Soroity (sic) disbands. Rocky Mountain Collegian. Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
- ^ Alpha Chi Omega Letter of Explanation. Rocky Mountain Collegian (October 16, 1998). Retrieved on 2007-07-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n About ΑΧΩ Notable Alumnae. Alpha Chi Omega. Retrieved on 2007-03-12.
- ^ Aubrey Style - Interview. Aubrey-o.com. Retrieved on 2007-03-12.
- ^ Iwata, Edward (March 24, 2003), Watkins gets frank about days at Enron, USA Today, <http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2003-03-24-watkins_x.htm>. Retrieved on 2008-01-04
