Learn about Alpha Chi Omega's Heritage

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.

Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 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 women chosen to attend the first meeting were Anna Allen Smith, Olive Burnett Clark, Bertha Deniston Cunningham, Amy DuBois Reith, Nellie Gamble Childe, Bessie Grooms Keenan, and Estelle Leonard.

A Constitution and bylaws were drafted, the fraternity's name, colors, flower, and motto were chosen, the first eight pledges were selected, and their badge was designed before Alpha Chi Omega wwas introduced to the DePauw University.

Membership was limited to students in the School of Music in the beginning, but within a few months this requirement was changed to include lilberal arts students, provided they were registered for some course in music. Today, the music requirement no longer exist.

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Membership Criteria The selection of members for a lifetime involves the realization and acceptance that no chapter chooses for itself alone or without consideration of the past, present, and future. Membership in Alpha Chi Omega is determined by mutual choice. Alpha Chi Omega chooses its members by considering five criteria:

• Academic Interest -Alpha Chi Omega believes in the importance of intellectual development and encourages sound scholarship and intellectual achievement.
  
  
• Character ?Alpha Chi Omega expects members to accept and reflect moral integrity and dignity, social awareness, and fraternity loyalty.
  
  
• Financial Responsibility ?Alpha Chi Omega expects members to be responsible for the prompt payment of all dues and fees and other financial commitments.
  
  
• Leadership Ability ?Alpha Chi Omega believes that character, personality, and leadership are developed through participation in campus activities and encourages each collegian to be interested in her community.
  
  
• Personal Development ?Alpha Chi Omega believes in the development of members in their cultural appreciation, the social awareness, and personal presentation.

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