Alpha Chi Omega Merchandise, History, and Other Information

Show Your Spirit With Alpha Chi Omega Merchandise

At DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on October 15, 1885, Alpha Chi Omega was founded. The founders of Alpha Chi Omega are Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms and Estelle Leonard. Alpha Chi Omega was the first sorority ever formed in the school of music ,which is why they used the Greek word Alpha in the name--because it is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and it symbolizes a “first.” These original founders established the laws and traditions that members of Alpha Chi Omega still live by today.

Alpha Chi Omega's mission is: “Providing lifetime opportunities for friendship, leadership, learning and service for women of all ages by raising and distributing funds for charitable and educational grants.” This mission has been carried out over the years by members. You can see sisters in their Alpha Chi Omega sweatshirts, hats, T-shirts, pins, and apparel when they are donating their time and services to charitable causes.

The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation was established in 1978 to increase the sorority’s philanthropic giving. The foundation has many different programs to help members and charities. One program is the Educational Scholarships and Grants where members should not have to interrupt their education because of financial need. They offer academic and need based scholarships and grants to sisters of Alpha Chi Omega. There are also Member Assistance Grants where the foundation provides emergency financial assistance to members in need. Alpha Chi Omega also offers training, mentoring, and leadership education for members so they can gain the skills they need for the future. Currently Alpha Chi Omega focuses fund raising efforts to support victims of domestic violence. Each year the foundation grants money to projects that support these victims, or other worthy causes.

All of Alpha Chi Omega members are noteworthy sisters, but some have gone on to have exceptional careers. Some of the most well known members are actress and entertainer Carol Duvall, journalist and author Georgia Anne Geyer, actress Jenilee Harrison, Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice, actress Meredith Monroe, The Bachelorette’s Trista Rehn, Vice President of CNN Alma Gates Scroggins, actress Dawn Wells, and many more. Many of these alumni can still be seen wearing their Alpha Chi Omega rings and jewelry.

The official colors of Alpha Chi Omega are red and green. These colors are displayed at formal events with Alpha Chi Omega party favors, glasses, and other merchandise. During rush these colors are also important, when students pledge Alpha Chi Omega to try and become a member. Pledges often wear Alpha Chi Omega hoody sweatshirts, pins, hats, flip flops, and clothing to demonstrate their determination to become members.

Pledges are eventually accepted into Alpha Chi Omega and there is an induction ceremony to make them full members and tell them the traditions and significance of the sorority. New Alpha Chi Omega sisters may get gifts like pins, blankets, and other merchandise. These gifts represent their new bond to all the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega and their lifelong commitment to the principles and ideals of the sorority.