Founding

Alpha Chi Omega was originally founded as a musical sorority at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on October 15, 1885. It was here that our founding sisters: Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms and Estelle Leonard, began Alpha Chi Omega.

Our founders chose the name Alpha Chi Omega to show that we would forever be the first and last musical sorority. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last, signifying the meaning behind the name. A few years after our founding, the requirement to be part of the school of music was dropped, but an appreciation of the fine arts has continued as part of our heritage.

USC's Epsilon chapter was the fifth chapter Alpha Chi Omega and was founded on June 16, 1895. We are celebrating 115 years at USC, making us the oldest continuous sorority on campus!

Our colors are olive green and scarlet red, which were chosen to commemorate the Fraternity’s autumn founding in Greencastle, Indiana. Alpha Chi Omega's flower is the red carnation, exemplifying the Fraternity's colors.

Our symbol is the lyre, first instrument played by the gods on Mt. Olympus. This replica of a harp stays true to our musical foundings.

Out open motto is "Together let us seek the heights."