In the fall of 1885, Professor James Hamilton Howe, Dean of the Music School at DePauw University, invited seven young women from the school to attend a meeting for the purpose of forming a society. The seven young women chosen to attend this first meeting were Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms and Estelle Leonard. Their desire was to form an organization that would provide both close companionship and support to its members. Their friend and associate, James G. Campbell, an undergraduate member of Beta Theta Pi who acted as librarian for the school of music offered a suggestion that they form a fraternity. They believed that such a group would benefit the students, the university, and the musical arts. The young women met regularly in a small room in the music building. On October 23, 1885, one week after their initial founding, Alpha Chi Omega's Founders and their first new members, adorned with scarlet and olive green ribbons, made their presence known. Although founded within the school of music, Alpha Chi Omega is now open to all undergraduate female students meeting our National Membership Criteria. Alpha Chi Omega was founded as a women's fraternal organization. Olive attended Indiana Asbury University and taught for two years while carrying on her studies. To quote her, "I have found no greater happiness in my life than in Alpha Chi Omega. All I have ventured to give toward the up building and uplifting of our fraternity has been from the depths of my heart, and has been repaid in thousand-fold by my girls. I believe fraternity life to be a vital influence for good. I believe fraternity spirit to be the Spirit of Youth, Love, and an understanding of all things beautiful and sacred in life. This much has Alpha Chi Omega given to me; it has taught me my Faith in God, Faith in all Mankind, and Faith in my Girls everywhere." It was established to provide a basis of mutual helpfulness and of congenial fellowship. The purpose of Alpha Chi Omega was to provide the advancement of the intellectual, social and moral culture of its members. AXO is a national women's organization that enriches the lives of members through life time opportunities for friendship, leadership, learning and service. Today, Alpha Chi Omega membership exceeds 180,000 initiated members with over 130 active collegiate chapters and 200 alumnae chapters.

Brand: Real. Strong. Women.

Motto: Together let us seek the heights.

Patron Goddess: Hera, guardian of women

Philanthropy: Domestic violence awareness

Badge: Grecian lyre, reflecting our musical heritage

Colors: Scarlet and Olive Green

Flower: Red Carnation

Coat of Arms:

February • MacDowell Month: 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 attend exhibitions, see plays, take in concerts, and otherwise celebrate and patronize the arts.

 

March 1 • Hera Day: In honor of our patron goddess Hera, Alpha Chi Omegas give personal service for the happiness and well-being of others. Our remembrances include volunteering and fundraising for women’s shelters in local communities, our chosen philanthropy.

 

October 15 • Founders’ Day: Through acts of friendship, leadership, learning and service, we celebrate the birth of our fraternity. Traditionally, collegians and alumnae honor our founders on this day by serving their local communities, and by celebrating the heritage and history of our organization.