Alpha Chi Omega History
Alpha Chi Omega was founded as a women’s fraternal organization in 1885 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. 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. Today, Alpha Chi Omega membership exceeds 180,000 initiated members with over 130 active collegiate chapters and 200 alumnae chapters.
Alpha Chi Omega's Founders chose "Alpha," the first letter of the Greek alphabet, because they were forming the first fraternity in the school of music. Since they thought they might also be founding the last such fraternity, "Omega" the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Then, added "Chi," meaning "and," to form the beginning and the end.
The Alpha Kappa Chapter was founded on June 22, 1921. The Alpha Chi Omega house was one of the first on Greek Row at University of House.