Chi Omega Fraternity

Chi Omega is the largest women's fraternal organization in the world, boasting over 418,000 initiates and 181 collegiate chapters, along with 248 alumnae chapters. It was founded on April 5, 1895, at the University of Arkansas by Ina May Boles, Jean Vincenheller, Jobelle Holcombe, and later joined by Alice Simonds, with the assistance of Dr. Charles Richardson[1][2][4].

History

Chi Omega was established during a period of significant intellectual growth and personal challenge for women on university campuses. The founders sought to create an organization that would foster friendship, respect for the potential of women, and a sense of community[2][4]. The Psi Chapter at the University of Arkansas was the first chapter, with expansion to other institutions beginning in 1898[3][4]. By its tenth anniversary in 1905, Chi Omega had installed 17 chapters across the United States[3][5].

Purposes and Values

Chi Omega is guided by six core purposes:

• Friendship: Building lasting relationships among members.
• High Standards of Personnel: Encouraging personal integrity and excellence.
• Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship: Promoting academic achievement and intellectual pursuits.
• Participation in Campus Activities: Engaging with academic communities.
• Career Development: Supporting professional growth and opportunities.
• Community Service: Contributing to the welfare of society[1][3].

Symbols and Traditions

The organization's symbols include the owl, representing wisdom; the skull and crossbones, symbolizing courage; and the white carnation, which is the fraternity's flower[3][4]. The colors are cardinal and straw[3][4]. The Chi Omega badge features a monogram of the Greek letters Chi and Omega, originally crafted from dental gold by Dr. Richardson[2][5].

Philanthropy

Chi Omega's official philanthropy is the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a relationship that began in 2002. Since then, the fraternity has raised more than $19 million and volunteered over one million hours for the foundation[4].

Governance and Publications

The fraternity's governance is overseen by a Governing Council of five elected alumnae members. The official publication is The Eleusis, a magazine first published in 1899[4]. Chi Omega also offers leadership development programs through the Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute, supported by the Chi Omega Foundation[4].

Membership and Impact

With over 418,000 lifetime members, Chi Omega is a significant intergenerational women's organization, providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and community service[5].