Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Chi Omega ( ΑΧΩ , also known as A - Chi - O or Alpha Chi ) is a women ' s fraternity founded on October 15 , 1885 . Currently , there are 134 chapters and Alpha Chi Omegas represented throughout colleges and universities across the United States , and there are more than 200 , 000 lifetime members . Diane Wilson Blackwelder is currently the National President of Alpha Chi Omega and oversees all collegiate and alumnae chapters in the nation . Alpha Chi Omega ' s official symbol is the three - stringed lyre . History . Alpha Chi Omega was formed at DePauw University in Greencastle , Indiana on October 15 , 1885 . In the fall of 1885 , Professor James Hamilton Howe , the first Dean of the Music School , invited seven young women from the school to a meeting with the purpose of forming a fraternity . Those young women were Anna Allen , Olive Burnett , Bertha Deniston , Amy DuBois , Nellie Gamble , Bessie Grooms , and Estelle Leonard . Howe himself was not a member of a Greek fraternity , so he consulted with James G . Campbell , a Beta Theta Pi , on the proper procedures for founding a national - based fraternity . Campbell was thus responsible for laying out the first constitution and by - laws . This first constitution read : " The object of this fraternity is as follows : To attain the highest musical culture and to cultivate those principles that embody true womanhood . " On February 26 , 1886 , the fraternity was given its formal introduction by a soiree musical . Alpha Chi Omega joined the National Panhellenic Conference in 1903 . Early musical requirements . Although some association with the music school was required early on , Alpha Chi Omega was never a " strictly musical " organization . Members graduated in many other departments of the university , including the liberal arts department . In 1889 , a national literary fraternity offered to merge with Alpha Chi Omega , however , Alpha Chi never considered taking members of other fraternities , unlike professional fraternities . In its early years it was externally considered to be a professional music society , but due to disagreement with this designation , in 1900 , the sorority added literary qualifications , which led to it being considered a general ( social ) sorority by 1905 . Symbols 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 . 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 official jewel is the pearl . The badge ( pin ) is a lyre , typically featuring pearls and the fraternity ' s letters on the crossbar . Mission statement . Alpha Chi Omega is a national women ' s organization that enriches the lives of members through lifetime opportunities for friendship , leadership , learning , and service . Alpha Chi Omega also promotes the statement " Real , Strong , Women . " There are 133 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 . Important dates . Members of Alpha Chi Omega have enjoyed the same heritage and traditions since 1885 . Some of these special dates celebrated by Alpha Chi Omega include : The symphony of Alpha Chi Omega . " Alpha Chi Omega Symphony " To see beauty even in the common things of life . To shed the light of love and friendship round me . To keep my life in tune with the world that I shall make no discords in the harmony of life . To strike on the lyre of the universe only the notes of happiness , of joy , of peace . To appreciate every little service rendered . To see and appreciate all that is noble in another , Be her badge what it may . And to let my lyre send forth the chords of love , unselfishness , sincerity . This is to be my symphony . - Celia McClure , Delta Chapter : Allegheny College , 1914 Philanthropy . In 1911 Alpha Chi Omega began supporting the MacDowell Colony , as MacDowell was an alumna of Alpha Chi Omega . During World War I and II Alpha Chi Omega offered its support by helping working mothers who were married to service men by providing day nurseries and helping orphaned French children . In 1947 Alpha Chi Omega adopted Easter Seals as its philanthropy . In 1978 the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation was created to help support the philanthropic projects and educational programming supported by the organization . In 1992 it was decided that Alpha Chi Omega ' s current national altruistic project would be the support of Victims of Domestic Violence . Alpha Chi Omega voted to change primary philanthropies during the 1980s after the National Board became aware of the prevalence of domestic violence , with very little remedy offered to victims , both financially and emotionally . Alpha Chi Omega was the first American women ' s fraternity to tackle the problems of domestic violence head - on , not just by assisting victims , but by educating its members against it . Alpha Chi Omega continues its support of Easter Seals . Through many funds and grants the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation also helps to support members and those closely related to Alpha Chi Omegas . This is to ensure that support is continuously available for all sisters . Individual chapters focus their attention on increasing the awareness of the domestic violence , the destruction it causes to individuals , families , and children , as well as actively aiding victims of domestic violence through hands - on activities and service projects . This work is done through local agencies , which undergraduate and alumnae chapters support physically and financially . Local agencies include rape crisis centers , emergency shelter s and safe houses for victims of domestic violence and their children , and long - term assistance centers for battered women across the nation . Alpha Chi Omega supports Kristin ' s Story in cooperation with Delta Delta Delta .