How it began

Alpha Chi Omega was first founded by our seven founding sisters: Bessie, Estelle, Nelly, Amy, Bertha, Olive, and Anna. The fraternity was established on October 15, 1885 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Alpha Chi Omega was founded as a musical sorority with values tying to fine arts.

Currently, there are are over 135 chapters nationwide and more than 200,000 lifetime members. Each chapter is unique to the university that houses it. Even though each chapter may be different, as Alpha Chi Omegas we all hold the same values.

The mission of Alpha Chi Omega is to enrich the lives of our members through leadership, academics, and sisterhood; and to provide our sisters opportunities for individual grow to become the best versions of ourselves.

our symbols

The badge of Alpha Chi Omega is the Lyre, which is the first musical instrument that was played on Mount Olympus. To commemorate our fall founding, our colors are Scarlet Red and Olive Green. Our official flower is the Red Carnation, which exemplifies our fraternity's colors. The official Alpha Chi Omega jewel is the Pearl.

​Red Carnation

Olive Green

Lyre

Scarlet Red

Pearl

Our traditions

FOUNDERS’ DAY–OCTOBER 15
Founder’s Day is a celebration of our Fraternity’s birth. Traditionally, collegians and alumnae honor our Founders with acts of service, friendship and leadership, and by coming together to celebrate Alpha Chi Omega’s heritage.
 
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.
 
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.
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our philanthropy

Alpha Chi Omega's philanthropy revolves around supporting survivors of domestic violence and raising awareness to the cause. Our chapter does through tabling to relay important information to our community, fundraise to give to the Center of Community Solutions, and putting on events to raise awareness to the cause. Check out our Philanthropy page for more specific activities that our chapter hosts.