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 female students to attend a meeting for the purpose of encouraging them to form a women’s society. The seven young women chosen to attend were Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms and Estelle Leonard. The goal for the organization was to provide close companionship and support to its members through an “intellectual, social and moral culture.”

 

Our Founders formed the sixth women’s fraternity in the country, and the first in a music school. Although founded within the school of music, Alpha Chi Omega is now open to all undergraduate female students meeting our National Membership Criteria.