Symbols, Insignia, and Key Dates for Alpha Chi Omega

Our Name: Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega was originally founded as Alpha Kai Omega. "Alpha" was chosen because our founders were forming the first fraternity in the School of Music; therefore, it seemed fitting to use the first letter of the Greek alphabet. The last letter in the Greek Alphabet, "Omega", was used since it had been suggested that they might be founding the last such fraternity. "Kai", meaning "and", was added to form Alpha Kai Omega. When the badge was designed, "Kai" was changed to "Chi".

Colors: Olive Green, Scarlet Red The colors were chosen to commemorate the autumnal founding of our Fraternity. During October, our founders were pondering which colors to choose to represent our Fraternity; they noted the ground covered with scarlet and bronze green leaves. Thus, our founders decided upon these colors, the colors of the October founding.

Flower: Red Carnation Our flower exemplifies the colors of our Fraternity and symbolizes our sisterhood. The red carnation proudly displays the beauty and strength of each Alpha Chi sister and it's fall blooming reminds of us of the beauty of our founding in Greencastle, Indiana.

Badge: Lyre (1st Instrument Played by the Gods on Mt. Olympus) The lyre of Alpha Chi Omega was chosen by our founders after much research. James G. Campbell (an undergraduate member of Beta Theta Pi, who acted as librarian for DePauw's School of Music) made numerous drawings of possible badge designs. The one which appealed most to the Founders was a replica of the harp, because it seemed in keeping with their musical interest. Looking to Greek mythology they found that the lyre was the first musical instrument played by the gods on Mount Olympus. This idea met with their approval and thus drawings were sent to a jeweler in Cleveland who made the first badge. (It was purchased by Bertha Deniston and is now on display in the Fraternity Archives at Headquarters). The jeweled golden lyre is adorned by 22 miniature pearls and is worn by initiated members. ***This badge was named the Most Beautiful Greek Badge and is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.***

Coat of Arms: The Alpha Chi Omega coat of arms is composed of a square shield, a crest, and a scroll. The shield is red, cut by a bar of olive green. The first section of the shield displays an open book in gold; at the base is a sheaf of wheat, also in gold. The bar pictures three white stars. The crest, a lyre bird, is in its natural color. At the bottom is the scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, "Together Let Us Seek the Heights."

Our Open Motto: "Together, Let Us Seek the Heights" The original open motto, "Ye Daughters of Music, Come Up Higher," was changed to today's motto when the music requirements were removed from the membership criteria.

Hera Day: March 1 Hera is the Greek goddess and guardian of women and is known as the queen of the Olympian deities, she holds a special significance for the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega and so we honor her and our sisters each year. Alpha Chis recognize March 1 in her honor as a day to give personal service for the happiness and well-being of others.

Founder's Day: October 15, 1885 On this date we honor our national founding and celebrate the joys of our sisterhood. To learn more about our national founding check out the National History of Alpha Chi page.

Iota Mu Birthday: April 20th, 1991 The Iota Mu Chapter was founded on April 20th, 1991 and for more information on our founding at the University of Richmond check out the Iota Mu Founding page.

Our Symphony: The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega expresses our beliefs as sisters and what we strive to achieve in our lives. We were founded as a women's fraternity with a strong basis in the fine arts, focusing on music. Instead of having a "creed" as most sororities do, we base our beliefs on a symphony because of it's musical qualities. It's melodies ring true, reminding us what a true sister of Alpha Chi Omega should live by. It is a privilege to be a sister of Alpha Chi and we respect our beliefs. Our Symphony was written in 1914 by Celia McClure a member of the Delta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.