Meaning of Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Chi Omega's Founders chose "Alpha" (Α), 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" (Ω) seemed appropriate, considering it stands for the end. "Kai", meaning "and", was added to form "the beginning and the end". "Kai" was soon changed to "Chi" (Χ), a letter of the Greek alphabet. The first house included 27 women, and has become much larger throughout the years. Alpha Chi Omega no longer has any musical connections, but the legacy and talent of its founders remains in its symbol and symphony.
The open motto is "Together let us seek the heights."
Alpha Chi Omega's colors of scarlet red and olive green were chosen to commemorate the fraternity's fall founding. The symbol is a lyre and the official flower is a red carnation, exemplifying the Fraternity's colors.
The lyre symbol of Alpha Chi Omega was chosen by the founders after much research, and it was designed by James G. Campbell (an undergraduate member of Beta Theta Pi men's fraternity, who acted as librarian for DePauw's School of Music). The lyre, a replica of a three-stringed harp, was chosen because it stayed true to the members' musical interest, as music unites the souls of many. According to Greek mythology, the first instrument played by the gods on Mt. Olympus was a lyre.
The badge of Alpha Chi Omega is a Greek lyre of gold, having three twisted strings spanned diagonally by a raised and slightly rounded scroll of black enamel bearing the Greek letters Alpha Chi Omega in gold. Founder Bertha Deniston's badge is the only one of the five original badges still in existence. It is on display at the fraternity's headquarters.
The coat of arms includes a square shield, a crest, and a scroll. The shield is red, with a bar of olive green. The first section of the shield displays a book in gold; at the base is a sheaf of wheat, also in gold. The bar has three white stars. The crest, a lyre bird, is in its natural color. The scroll at the bottom bears the Greek translation of the open motto, "Together let us seek the heights."
There are 134 chapters of Alpha Chi Omega at colleges and universities in the United States. There are also many active alumnae chapters. The alumnae chapters allow women of all post-graduate ages to come together and continue the mission and values of Alpha Chi Omega. Alpha Chi Omega collegiate chapters work directly with alumnae chapters to link sisters from around the country. In addition, alumnae chapters continue the cause of working to eliminate domestic violence.
Alpha Chi Omega joined the National Panhellenic Conference in 1903.
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