..........
.
Since its foundation in 1885, Alpha Chi Omega has come a long way--growing and spreading our history and heritage. Learn about AX History, the history of our own chapter, Zeta Eta, Symbols, and a few Fast Facts.
AX History
Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 1885 at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana.
Professor James Hamilton Howe, Dean of 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 ribbon streamers attached to their dresses.
"Alpha" was chosen for being the first letter of the Greek alphabet because they were creating the first-ever fraternity in the school of music. Since it was thought that it may be the last of its sort, "Omega" was chosen for the ending of the name. "Kai", meaning "and", was put between to form the meaning of "beginning and end." "Kai", was later changed to "Chi" since it was a letter in the Greek alphabet.
As a tribute to our musical heritage, Alpha Chi sisters support the fine arts--music, literature, art, drama, and dance--encouraging members' intellectual development.
Zeta Eta History
On October 12, 1976, the local sorority, Delta Nu, was founded. There were twelve women on Bradley's campus who thought more could be offered than what the sororities were currently offering on campus. These twelve women got together and formed Delta Nu Sorority.
These twelve energetic young women were sponsored and advised by the Dean of Men, Ed King. They desired an enrichment of their individual collegiate experiences. They reached this goal by joining together in sisterhood in Delta Nu. They encouraged personal growth through leadership opportunities, experiences in self-government and group relationships. The Delta Nu's were active in intramural sports and other campus activites.
In late Spring, Delta Nu members discussed affiliating with a national sorority to further establish themselves and allow further growth. Representatives from Alpha Chi Omega visited local Delta Nu sorority in late Spring. Afterwards, Delta Nu decided to petition Alpha Chi Omega for national colonization.
During the summer break, Alpha Chi Omega National Council, at convention, fulfilled the Delta Nu desire to become an Alpha Chi Omega colony at Bradley University. There were officially installed as the Zeta Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega on May 6th, 1978 with 30 members:
Jane Ellan Babbit, Cynthia Beth Baily, Debbie Kaye Barsema, Judy Ann Bates, Kathy Yvonne Bone, Laura Chesler, Jeannie Marie Dankoski, Mary Lousie Freier, Jill Idette Hasten, Nancy Marie Hopkin, Jacqueline Kailes, Kiana Lee Kelley, Kristie Ann Kelley, Kathleen Ann Lusk, Kathy Mary Macaluso, Karen Marjorie Maisch, Jean Marie McLaughlin, Mary Sue Miller, Barbara Miller, Mary Louise Montalto, Bonnie Denise Schwass, Shari Lynn Simpson, Melinda Sue Varner, Tonya Leah Walker, Chrisanne Marie Wetberg, Susan Porter Plageman, Patricia Byrun Hanard
Now 80+ members are currently active in the Zeta Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega!
Symbols
Colors The colors of scarlet red and olive green were chosen to commemorate the autumn founding of Alpha Chi Omega. "In a flash of understanding, we knew we had found our colors--the scarlet and green found in a maple leaf on a perfect day." -Olive Burnett, an AX founder
Flower The flower of Alpha Chi Omega is a red carnation, exemplifying our colors.
Crest The coat of arms includes a square shield, a crest, and a scroll. The shield displays an open 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 our open motto, "Together let us seek the heights."
Badge The Alpha Chi Omega badge is a lyre. The design is a replica of a harp in keeping with our musical interests. In Greek mythology, the first instrument played by the gods on Mt. Olympus was a lyre. The design includes 22 pearls held within the lyre's golden frame and a banner employing our Greek letters across the three chords in the center.
Fast Facts
In-Depth AX 
