Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 1885, at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Professor James Hamilton Howe, Dean of the Music School, invited seven young women from the school to attend a meeting for the purpose of forming a society. The first appearance of the seven founders - Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms and Estelle Leonard was in Meharry Hall, wearing scarlet and olive green ribbon streamers attached to their dresses.
Alpha Chi Omega's Founders chose "Alpha," 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" seemed appropriate. "Kai," meaning "and," was added to form the beginning and the end. "Kai" was soon changed to "Chi," a letter of the Greek alphabet.
Zeta Xi Chapter
The Zeta Xi chapter was founded at UNC-Greensboro on March 20, 1982 . Since then, Zeta Xi has developed, grown, and created many leaders. Our original philanthropy supported research for Multiple Sclerosis, but has since changed to supporting victims of domestic violence. Every October the Zeta Xi sisters host their annual event “Rock Sit”. This event raises money for the local shelter housing victims of domestic violence. The “Rock Sit” also raises campus-wide awareness about all aspects of relationship violence that occurs among college students. Other annual Zeta Xi philanthropic traditions include: Take Back the Night, The Clothesline Project, Multiple Sclerosis Walk at the Asheboro Zoo, and the Winter Walk for AIDS.
Since it's founding, the Zeta Xi chapter has grown to be an influential and prominent part of UNCG's campus. Throughout the year, the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega can be seen spending time together, participating in campus-wide events, working around campus, or meeting together in their chapter room in Jamison residence hall. The Zeta Xi sisters also participate regularly in philanthropic events supporting other Greek organizations, such as Boulder Days and Rho-a-thon.
Anna Allen Smith
1870-1933
Olive Burnett Clark
1867-1956
Bertha Deniston Cunningham
1869-1950
Amy Dubois Reith
1868-1915
Nellie Gamble Childe
1867-1960
Bessie Grooms Keenan
1866-1920
Estelle Leonard
1860-1955
