Heritage

On October 15, 1885, Prof. James Hamilton Howe, Dean of the School of Music at Depaw University in Greencastle, Indiana, met with seven women from the school for the purpose of forming a society. These seven women - Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms and Estelle Leonard - formed what is known today as Alpha Chi Omega. They wore scarlet red and olive green ribbon streamers attached to their dresses at their first official appearance, representing Alpha Chi Omega's colors. This women's fraternal organization was established for the purpose of intellectual, social and moral advancement, in addition to mutual helpfulness and congenial fellowship. Today, membership exceeds 170,000 initiated members in 132 collegiate chapters, and 200 alumnae chapters.

The Iota Rho chapter of Alpha Chi Omega was founded at Loyola University Chicago on November 20th, 1993. Our current membership stands at forty-three women.

Alpha Chi Omega Facts:

Colors:Scarlet Red and Olive Green
Symbol:The golden lyre
Flower:Red Carnation
Open Motto:"Together Let us Seek the Heights
Membership Criteria: Academic Interest, Character, Financial Responsibility, Leadership Ability, Personal Development
Nicknames:Alpha Chis or A-Chi-Os