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 originally founded as a musical sorority with values tying to fine arts.

Currently, there are are over 140 chapters nationwide and more than 200,000 lifetime members of Alpha Chi Omega. Even though each chapter may be unique to the university that houses it, as Alpha Chi Omegas we all hold the same core 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 growth in order to become the best versions of ourselves.

our symbols

The primary symbol of Alpha Chi Omega is the Lyre, which is the first musical instrument that was played for the gods on Mount Olympus according to Greek mythology. Our colors, scarlet red and olive green, commemorate our fall founding. 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 this day as a day of service, aiding the happiness and well-being of others. Our remembrances include volunteering and fundraising for domestic violence shelters in local communities.
 
MACDOWELL MONTH–FEBRUARY
Named after 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 celebrate the arts through various activities.
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our philanthropy

Alpha Chi Omega's national philanthropy is Domestic Violence Awareness. Our chapter seeks to educate our community through tabling, fundraising for San Diego's Center of Community Solutions, and organizing annual events to raise awareness of the cause. For more information about the cause and the events that our chapter hosts, please visit our Philanthropy page.