With Alpha Chi Omega, you get an organization with a history of strong vision, rich tradition, leadership from within, innovation, philanthropy, smart planning, and careful stewardship. Not surprisingly, those are qualities that drive our organization and the women of Alpha Chi Omega today. The chart below shows when and how some of today’s realities got their start.
To learn more about our history, contact Vicky Harrison, Archivist/Ritual Coordinator.
Timeline
1885-1889
| 1885 |
Alpha Chi Omega founded at DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana. Says the local DePauw Monthly newspaper: “Alpha Chi Omega launches out with brilliant prospects.”
Colors of scarlet and green selected to reflect the fall leaves on campus.
Golden lyre selected for the fraternity’s badge design, because of its graceful lines and connection to music and Greek mythology.
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| 1886 |
Original constitution and bylaws adopted.
Opening ceremony for chapter meetings adopted.
First honorary Alumna Member initiated.
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| 1887 |
Initiation ceremony added to constitution (it has been updated many times since).
Beta Chapter formed at Albion College in Michigan.
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| 1890 |
Gamma Chapter established at Northwestern University.
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| 1891 |
First convention takes place in Greencastle.
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| 1894 |
First issue of The Lyre magazine published.
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| 1895 |
Beta Chapter is first to move from a dormitory to a fraternity lodge.
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| 1897 |
Lyre badge standardized.
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| 1898 |
First Grand Council (later called National Council) inaugurated and determines that a national convention will be conducted every two years.
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1900-1919
| 1900 |
Diamond-shaped pledge pin designed.
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1906
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Alpha Alpha, Chicago, and Beta Beta, Indianapolis, established as first chartered alumnae chapters.
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1910
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Hera chosen as the fraternity’s patron-goddess.
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1911
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Hera Day (March 1) declared as “great day of service.”
Alpha Chi Omega funds first altruistic project, Star Studio at MacDowell artists’ colony in New Hampshire.
First history published (followed by many editions in future years).
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1914
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"My Symphony" adopted as official symphony (now called The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega).
Official seal adopted.
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1915
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Alpha Chi becomes first fraternity to publish a daily newspaper at convention.
Fraternity provides financial support for more than 100 French children orphaned as a result of World War I.
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1920-1949
1921
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First province assembly meets; attendees decide to stage province gatherings in the off year from conventions.
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1922
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First central office, with a paid secretary-editor, established in Washington D.C.
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1935
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50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrated with 58 collegiate delegates, 38 alumnae delegates, four founders, five past national presidents and 441 registered guests.
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1941
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Alumnae Projects Fund established for general philanthropies.
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1946
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Central office moved to Indianapolis.
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1947
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National Society for Crippled Children—Cerebral Palsy Division adopted as first national altruistic project.
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1949
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50-year pin created. (Later 25-, 60- and 75-year pins are created.)
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1950-1989
1955
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Award of Achievement medallions adopted and presented to eminent Alpha Chi Omegas at each convention.
First traveling secretary (now known as chapter consultant) selected.
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1960
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75th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary National Convention.
New constitution adopted.
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1976
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Bell tower at DePauw University dedicated in honor of Alpha Chi Omega founders.
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1978
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Alpha Chi Omega Foundation established.
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1985
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Centennial Convention in Indianapolis. More than 1,600 collegians, alumnae, and guests attend.
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1985
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Alpha Chi Omega celebrates its centennial.
Second Century Campaign launched with a goal of raising $2 million for educational programs and endowments.
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1990-Present
1992
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Alpha Chi Omega shifts national philanthropy to support for victims of domestic violence.
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1993
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Current headquarters dedicated.
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1996
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National Housing Corporation established.
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1998
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Alpha Chi Omega debuts on the World Wide Web at alphachiomega.org.
Executive Director Nancy Nitchman Leonard named first woman president of the Fraternity Executives Association.
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1999
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Pathway to the Future Campaign begins with a goal of increasing the Foundation’s general endowment to $2.5 million.
Strategic plan launched to guide Alpha Chi Omega into the new millennium.
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2000
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Governing Documents of Alpha Chi Omega: Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Heritage adopted.
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2005
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200,000th member initiated.
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2008
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Life Loyal program launched to provide enhanced services to members and recognize sisters who financially support the fraternity.
Real. Strong. Women. branding campaign launched to enhance Alpha Chi Omega’s reputation, recruitment, retention and revenues.
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2009
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Revamped volunteer structure launched, designed to better serve chapters and engaged alumnae.
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2009
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New web site is launched with enhanced social media and networking capabilities.
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2010
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Alpha Chi Omega celebrates 125 years of sisterhood.
MyJourney, a four-year experience program for collegiate members, begins to debut in chapters across the country.
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| 2011 |
Vision 2015, Alpha Chi Omega's newest strategic plan, begins. |