Chi Omega History

Jobelle Holcombe, Allie Simonds, Dr. Charles Richardson, Jean Vincenheller and Ina Mae Bowles

Chi Omega Fraternity was founded at a time when women were just becoming visible on our nation's university campuses. These early collegiate women were destined not only to manage home and family--they would establish a foothold as leaders in the community and the business world. It was a time of tremendous intellectual growth and personal challenge for these pioneers...and they recognized the need for a strong system of support from both friend and mentor.

To value the talents of women...to encourage them in realizing their greatest potential. These are the principles upon which Chi Omega was founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas. Now, over a century later, these founding principles are just as relevant.

Today, Chi Omega is the largest women's fraternal organization in the world with 240,000 initiates and over 170 collegiate chapters. Since its beginning, Chi Omega has nurtured its members by providing them with unique opportunities in leadership, in scholarship, and in life-long friendship. Ours is a distinguished history...and our most vital role has been the preparation of young women to achieve their highest possible aspirations.

--Taken from www.chiomega.com

T I M E L I N E

• 1895 Chi Omega Fraternity was founded at the University of Arkansas, by Jobelle Holcombe, Jean Vincenheller, Ina May Boles, Alice Simonds, and Dr. Charles Richardson. Constitution and Ritual are written and first badge is crafted by Dr. Charles Richardson.
  
  
• 1898 First Governing Council is elected.
  
  
• 1899 First Issue of The Eleusis is printed, edited by Ida Pace Purdue, Psi Chapter. Governing Council members serve as chapter visitors.
  
  
• 1900 First alumnae chapter is organized by Fayetteville, Arkansas;Clara Earle, Psi Chapter presides. Chi Omega's first Convention is held at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.
  
  
• 1901 Extension Committee is established, enabling the Fraternity's growth through the addition of chapters.
  
  
• 1902 Official Crest is designed and adopted.
  
• 1903 First Chi Omega songbook is compiled by Jessie Parker from Lambda Chapter.
  
  
• 1904 First Chi Omega pledge pin is designed by Julia Winchell, Xi Chapter, and adopted by vote of Convention delegates.
  
  
• 1905 First edition of The Mystagogue is printed, edited by Mattie Craighill, The Eleusis editor, Sigma Chapter. Official Council Ring is designed by founder Ina May Boles. Chi Omega has seventeen active chapters from coast to coast.
  
  
• 1906 Jewels of the official badge are restricted to pearls and diamonds; size of badge is standardized.
  
  
• 1908 Social Service projects are required of active chapters.
  
  
• 1910 Vocational guidance program is developed for active chapters "to assist women to prepare for economic condition they must face." Mary Love Collins elected S.H; she served until 1952 when she retired to become administrative counselor.
  
  
• 1915 Chi Omega's first Executive Headquarters is established in Lexington, Kentucky --pioneering the use of office space among all national women's fraternities.
  
  
• 1920 Christelle Ferguson, Psi Chapter, becomes the first chapter visitor. Still growing, Chi Omega now has forty chapters.
  
  
• 1926 Executive Headquarters moves to Cincinnati, Ohio, remaining there for next sixty-eight years.
  
  
• 1930 National Achievement Award is established and the first major award in the United States recognizing outstanding women. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt served on the selection committee for this prestigious award. Greek Theater is dedicated to the University of Arkansas.
  
  
• 1935 First Firesides are held to train chapter officers and advisors.
  
  
• 1945 50th Anniversary Celebration - five decades after its founding, ninety chapters share the Chi Omega bond.
  
  
• 1970 75th Anniversary Celebration -three-quarters of a century old, Chi Omega now boasts 154 chapters.
  
  
• 1972 Mary Love Collins Memorial Scholarship is established to defray the cost of graduate school expenses.
  
  
• 1973 Executive Headquarters moves to Carew Tower in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
  
  
• 1980 Elizabeth Carmichael Orman Scholarship is created to defray the cost of senior year expenses.
  
  
• 1982 Chi Omega Foundation is established. Christelle Ferguson Leadership Fund is established to underwrite the cost of leadership training programs for active chapter officers, advisors, and alumnae.
  
  
• 1984 Chi Omega Care Series is introduced to provide an in-depth study of contemporary issues such as substance abuse and eating disorders.
  
  
• 1986 Regional Alumnae Directors (RAD's) are appointed to coordinate alumnae activities in six regions. Executive Headquarters moves to a new suite in Carew Tower; a computer system is brought in-house to improve member services. First Chi Omega Foundation president appointed. First Chi Omega Foundation Capital Campaign is announced.
  
  
• 1988 Rush Team is establishes to assist chapters. Advisor Training Workshops are inaugurated.
  
  
• 1989 CHI O CREATIONS, Chi Omega's exclusively owned and operated mail-order boutique, is created.
  
  
• 1992 Governing Council and Chi Omega Foundation announce plans to build an Executive Headquarters in Memphis Tennessee.
  
  
• 1995 Chi Omega celebrates its centennial with over 215,000 initiated sisters and over 170 active chapters.

• To contact Chi Omega National Headquarters, call (901) 748-8600