HISTORY
Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 1885, 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. The first appearance of the seven founders - Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms, and Estelle Leonard was in Meharry Hall, where they wore scarlet and olive green ribbon streamers attached to their dresses.
Our mission is to enrich the lives of members through lifetime opportunities for friendship, leadership, learning, and service. Real Strong Women is our commitment to dream big and shape women who want to change the world. Our members are authentic, honest, and caring. We help each other build confidence, find courage, and develop a sense of purpose. For 125 years, Alpha Chi Omega has transformed women’s lives.
For more information on our founders, visit the Alpha Chi Omega Headquarters website here.