Alpha Omicron Pi
Encyclopedia
Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women's fraternity
promoting friendship for a lifetime, inspiring academic excellence and lifelong learning, and developing leadership skills through service to the Fraternity and community. ΑΟΠ was founded on January 2, 1897 at Barnard College
on the campus of Columbia University
in New York. Its founders were Stella George Stern Perry, Helen St. Clair Mullan, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, and Jessie Wallace Hughan
. The four founders met in the Columbia Law Library to begin their fraternity and to forever seal their friendships and the friendships of all future members. Today, Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women's fraternity, with 189 collegiate chapters and 320 alumnae chapters in Canada and the U.S.A. Its international headquarters is located in Brentwood
, Tennessee
and it is a member group of the National Panhellenic Conference
, which is the governing council of the 26 member women's fraternities and sororities.
Like many other Greek organizations for women, Alpha Omicron Pi is a fraternity, not a sorority, although both terms are often used. The term sorority was not yet in widespread use at the time of Alpha Omicron Pi's founding, and therefore it is officially a "fraternity for women."
National Expansion of the women's fraternity began in 1898. The resulting chapter was Pi Chapter at New Orleans' Sophie Newcomb College (part of Tulane University). Stella Stern, who was then the President of Alpha Omicron Pi, contacted a New Orleans classmate, Evelyn Reed, who expressed compatible ideas about fraternities. Evelyn's sister, Katherine Reed, became the first pledge of Pi Chapter. After being initiated by Stella, she found others to initiate.
The Founders of ΑΟΠ:
Alpha Omicron Pi has only one color, cardinal. It is the color of the Fraternity flower, the ruby and the ribbon sometimes worn under the badge to welcome a new collegiate chapter.
Alpha Omicron Pi has only one jewel, the ruby
. The occasional use of pearls or diamonds in special badges has no significance or special meaning.
To Dragma, translated as "the sheaf", is the name of the fraternity's magazine. The name was selected for three reasons: because it is a reminder of the common interest which unites all AOIIs; because it is a record of accomplishment, or harvest; and because it fittingly describes the purpose of such a publication, the uniting of members through communication. It is published three times per year, and has won numerous awards since its inception. Most recently, in 2008, To Dragma received the Fred F. Yoder Award for overall excellence.
A sheaf of wheat is a common symbol in AOII, found in our new member pin, the rings for the chapter president, alumnae chapter president and International president. The binding together of wheat into a sheaf in the new member pin represents individuals bound by the common bond of Alpha Omicron Pi. The wheat indicates usefulness in its harvest.
The Nineteenth Century French rose, General Jacqueminot, a deep red rose, was chosen as the flower of Alpha Omicron Pi because its color is the symbol of the central and essential virtue of the Fraternity. Its choice had no connection with any legend, poem or story. This strong red rose, with its overtones of courage and vigor, was selected for its richness of color and fragrance, combines with softness and modesty of bearing. The Jacqueminot Rose is not available at most florists, so any deep red rose which is available may be used.This rose is also significant because it has no thorns all the more welcoming for the members and new members.
While not an official symbol, the Fraternity and our chapters consider the Giant Panda to be its mascot because it is the only animal that does not have any natural enemies.
Believing in their beginnings in Greek tradition, ΑΟΠ does not have a coat of arms
, but uses a Jacqueminot rose
as their symbol. A coat of arms is a medieval or masonic tradition, and therefore has no roots in the Greek tradition. ΑΟΠ is the only Greek organization without a coat of arms.
The fraternity teaches its members never to use the abbreviations "AOPi" or "AOTT," but instead always to use "AOII" or "ΑΟΠ."
The fraternity awards an annual prize to the organization's outstanding chapter, the Jessie Wallace Hughan
Cup.
Though Arthritis Research is the international philanthropy, chapters often support other local or national causes.
AOII's original philanthropy was the Frontier Nursing Service which brought essential health services to the poor in Appalachia.
The Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation offers support in the following areas:
Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities are fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students. In Latin, the term refers mainly to such organizations at colleges and universities in the United States, although it is also applied to analogous European groups also known as corporations...
promoting friendship for a lifetime, inspiring academic excellence and lifelong learning, and developing leadership skills through service to the Fraternity and community. ΑΟΠ was founded on January 2, 1897 at Barnard College
Barnard College
Barnard College is a private women's liberal arts college and a member of the Seven Sisters. Founded in 1889, Barnard has been affiliated with Columbia University since 1900. The campus stretches along Broadway between 116th and 120th Streets in the Morningside Heights neighborhood in the borough...
on the campus of Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
in New York. Its founders were Stella George Stern Perry, Helen St. Clair Mullan, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, and Jessie Wallace Hughan
Jessie Wallace Hughan
Jessie Wallace Hughan was an American educator, a socialist activist, and a radical pacifist. During her college days she was one of four co-founders of Alpha Omicron Pi, a national sorority for university women. She also was a founder and the first Secretary of the War Resisters League,...
. The four founders met in the Columbia Law Library to begin their fraternity and to forever seal their friendships and the friendships of all future members. Today, Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women's fraternity, with 189 collegiate chapters and 320 alumnae chapters in Canada and the U.S.A. Its international headquarters is located in Brentwood
Brentwood, Tennessee
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 23,445 people, 7,693 households, and 6,808 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 7,889 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 94.63% European American, 1.89% African American,...
, Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
and it is a member group of the National Panhellenic Conference
National Panhellenic Conference
The National Panhellenic Conference , founded in 1902, is an umbrella organization for 26 national women's sororities.Each member group is autonomous as a social, Greek-letter society of college women and alumnae...
, which is the governing council of the 26 member women's fraternities and sororities.
Like many other Greek organizations for women, Alpha Omicron Pi is a fraternity, not a sorority, although both terms are often used. The term sorority was not yet in widespread use at the time of Alpha Omicron Pi's founding, and therefore it is officially a "fraternity for women."
History
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded January 2, 1897 by four women: Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair Mullan, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman and Stella George Stern Perry. Within one week of the founding of Alpha Omicron Pi, the four founders used their initiation Ritual for the first time, initiating Anne Richardson Hall.National Expansion of the women's fraternity began in 1898. The resulting chapter was Pi Chapter at New Orleans' Sophie Newcomb College (part of Tulane University). Stella Stern, who was then the President of Alpha Omicron Pi, contacted a New Orleans classmate, Evelyn Reed, who expressed compatible ideas about fraternities. Evelyn's sister, Katherine Reed, became the first pledge of Pi Chapter. After being initiated by Stella, she found others to initiate.
The Founders of ΑΟΠ:
Symbols
The Alpha Omicron Pi badge comprises the Greek letters, Α (Alpha), Ο (Omicron), and Π (Pi) superimposed on each other with a ruby at the Apex of the A (Alpha). Badges may be worn by initiated members only. If it is worn with another pin, it is to be placed above it and to the right. No other pin, badge, insignia, such as a fraternity pin, Greek letter indicating the name of a chapter or a symbol denoting an office, may be attached to the badge in any way, whether by a chain or by hanging it on the fastener.Alpha Omicron Pi has only one color, cardinal. It is the color of the Fraternity flower, the ruby and the ribbon sometimes worn under the badge to welcome a new collegiate chapter.
Alpha Omicron Pi has only one jewel, the ruby
Ruby
A ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum . The red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires...
. The occasional use of pearls or diamonds in special badges has no significance or special meaning.
To Dragma, translated as "the sheaf", is the name of the fraternity's magazine. The name was selected for three reasons: because it is a reminder of the common interest which unites all AOIIs; because it is a record of accomplishment, or harvest; and because it fittingly describes the purpose of such a publication, the uniting of members through communication. It is published three times per year, and has won numerous awards since its inception. Most recently, in 2008, To Dragma received the Fred F. Yoder Award for overall excellence.
A sheaf of wheat is a common symbol in AOII, found in our new member pin, the rings for the chapter president, alumnae chapter president and International president. The binding together of wheat into a sheaf in the new member pin represents individuals bound by the common bond of Alpha Omicron Pi. The wheat indicates usefulness in its harvest.
The Nineteenth Century French rose, General Jacqueminot, a deep red rose, was chosen as the flower of Alpha Omicron Pi because its color is the symbol of the central and essential virtue of the Fraternity. Its choice had no connection with any legend, poem or story. This strong red rose, with its overtones of courage and vigor, was selected for its richness of color and fragrance, combines with softness and modesty of bearing. The Jacqueminot Rose is not available at most florists, so any deep red rose which is available may be used.This rose is also significant because it has no thorns all the more welcoming for the members and new members.
While not an official symbol, the Fraternity and our chapters consider the Giant Panda to be its mascot because it is the only animal that does not have any natural enemies.
Believing in their beginnings in Greek tradition, ΑΟΠ does not have a coat of arms
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
, but uses a Jacqueminot rose
Rose
A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers are large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows...
as their symbol. A coat of arms is a medieval or masonic tradition, and therefore has no roots in the Greek tradition. ΑΟΠ is the only Greek organization without a coat of arms.
The fraternity teaches its members never to use the abbreviations "AOPi" or "AOTT," but instead always to use "AOII" or "ΑΟΠ."
The fraternity awards an annual prize to the organization's outstanding chapter, the Jessie Wallace Hughan
Jessie Wallace Hughan
Jessie Wallace Hughan was an American educator, a socialist activist, and a radical pacifist. During her college days she was one of four co-founders of Alpha Omicron Pi, a national sorority for university women. She also was a founder and the first Secretary of the War Resisters League,...
Cup.
Chapters
Since 1897, Alpha Omicron Pi has had over 141,000 initiates and maintains 188 chapters, with its oldest existing chapter (Omicron) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (founded 1902). The second oldest is Zeta at University of Nebraska Lincoln (founded 1903) and third oldest is Sigma at University of California Berkeley (founded 1907), followed by Delta at Tufts University (founded 1908) and Gamma at University of Maine Orono (founded 1908). Its Alpha chapter at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York closed in 1914 when Greek Life was abolished at the school.Naming
AOII's chapter names are unique compared to other Greek groups. Most sororities and fraternities are named sequentially, with the first chapter being Alpha, the second Beta, and so on. Breaking from this tradition, AOII does not dictate its chapter designations. Each colony of the fraternity selects its own chapter name and corresponding sub-motto. In this way, chapter designations have special meaning for the members. The first four chapters were Alpha at Barnard College of Columbia University, Pi at Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University, Nu at New York University and Omicron at the University of Tennessee. The only chapter of these four that is still active is Omicron.Philanthropy
Alpha Omicron Pi's official philanthropy is Arthritis Research. This cause was chosen because it is the nation's leading cause of disability. Since adopting Arthritis Research as its international philanthropy in 1967, Alpha Omicron Pi has raised over $1.5 million dollars for grants and research.Though Arthritis Research is the international philanthropy, chapters often support other local or national causes.
AOII's original philanthropy was the Frontier Nursing Service which brought essential health services to the poor in Appalachia.
The Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation
Established in 1977, the Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation was created to support the philanthropies and members of the Fraternity. The Foundation provides scholarships, educational grants and aid to sisters while providing the Fraternity with leadership grants and providing arthritis grants. The mission of the foundation is to fund programs that promote intellectual, ethical and leadership development.The Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation offers support in the following areas:
- Diamond Jubilee Scholarships
- Educational and Leadership Grants
- The Ruby Fund
- Endowment Fund
- ArthritisArthritisArthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....
Research
Alpha Omicron Pi's Values
Alpha Omicron Pi has the following values:- "Trusting and respecting each other;
- Building lifelong friendships;
- Contributing time, talent and financial resources;
- Promoting integrity;
- Developing leaders;
- Striving for excellence;
- Encouraging innovation and creativity;
- Using teamwork and collaboration;
- Acting philanthropically;
- And being' a living example."
Notable alumnae
- Mercedes Farhat (Gamma Omicron) — 2008 Olympic Swimmer. Second Women to swim for Libya in the Olympic Games.
- Aneta Louise Corseaut (Rho)-Actress. Best known for role Helen Crump in the "Andy Griffith Show" and 1958's "The Blob".
- Margaret Bourke-WhiteMargaret Bourke-WhiteMargaret Bourke-White was an American photographer and documentary photographer. She is best known as the first foreign photographer permitted to take pictures of Soviet Industry, the first female war correspondent and the first female photographer for Henry Luce's Life magazine, where her...
(Omicron Pi) — photographer and journalist, joined Alpha Omicron Pi while at the University of Michigan. Her works were donated to Alpha Omicron Pi upon her death in 1971, and today are displayed at the international headquarters. - Heather Buck (Delta) - World renowned opera singer.
- Juliana Valencia (Gamma Omicron) 2010 Youtube Sensation
- Wendy ChamberlinWendy ChamberlinWendy Chamberlin is a veteran diplomat who has served in the United States Department of State and USAID, worked for the UN High Commissioner on Refugees , and now serves as President of the Middle East Institute.- US Department of State :...
(Rho) — Former U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan. - Jessie Wallace HughanJessie Wallace HughanJessie Wallace Hughan was an American educator, a socialist activist, and a radical pacifist. During her college days she was one of four co-founders of Alpha Omicron Pi, a national sorority for university women. She also was a founder and the first Secretary of the War Resisters League,...
(Alpha) — founder and first Secretary of the War Resisters LeagueWar Resisters LeagueThe War Resisters League was formed in 1923 by men and women who had opposed World War I. It is a section of the London-based War Resisters' International.Many of the founders had been jailed during World War I for refusing military service...
. - Courtney KupetsCourtney KupetsCourtney Anne Kupets is an American gymnast. She is best known for her 2003 and 2004 all-around national championships ; her membership on the 2002 and 2003 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and 2004 Olympic teams; and her individual bronze medal on the uneven bars at the 2004...
(Lambda Sigma) — Olympic and World Champion Gymnast at the University of GeorgiaUniversity of GeorgiaThe University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
. - Teresa LubbersTeresa Lubbers-Family life:Lubbers lives in Indianapolis with her husband Mark Lubbers and two daughters, Betsy and Maggie.-External links:* News report on Lubbers' confirmation* profile...
(Kappa Alpha) — Indiana State Senator 1992—2009, current Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education. - Parvati ShallowParvati ShallowParvati Shallow is the $1,000,000 winner of the reality television series Survivor: Micronesia after receiving votes from Eliza Orlins, Jason Siska, Alexis Jones, Natalie Bolton, and Cirie Fields. She had previously competed in Survivor: Cook Islands where she placed sixth, and later was the...
(Lambda Sigma) — Survivor: MicronesiaSurvivor: MicronesiaSurvivor: Micronesia — Fans vs. Favorites is the sixteenth season of the American CBS competitive reality television series Survivor, being the show's third to include contestants from past seasons, after the all-returning contestant pool from Survivor: All-Stars, and Survivor: Guatemala in which...
winner at the University of Georgia. - Natalie White (Sigma Omicron) — Survivor: SamoaSurvivor: SamoaSurvivor: Samoa is the nineteenth season of the American CBS competitive reality television series Survivor. The season premiered on Thursday, September 17, 2009....
winner. - Debbie MatenopoulosDebbie MatenopoulosThespina "Debbie" Matenopoulos is an American television personality and actress.- Early life :Matenopoulos was born in Richmond, Virginia, of Greek ancestry. Her birth name is Despina Matenopoulos, named after her grandmother...
(Rho Beta) — Television Personality & Actress. - Katy Allen (Xi Omicron) - Wife of 2008 American Idol winner, Kris Allen.
- Janice Mackey FrayerJanis Mackey FrayerJanis Mackey Frayer is a Canadian journalist. She is currently the CTV National News South Asia Bureau Chief based in New Delhi. She was the network's Middle East Bureau Chief from 2003-2009....
(Beta Tau) - TV journalist with CTV National News. - Mary Elizabeth DawsonMary Dawson (Canadian civil servant)Mary Elizabeth Dawson is the current Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner of Canada. She was appointed by the minority Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper on July 9, 2007 as the Conflict of Interest Act came into force....
(Kappa Phi) - The current Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner of Canada. She was appointed by the minority Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper on July 9, 2007 as the Conflict of Interest Act came into force. Mary Dawson was made a Queen’s Counsel in 1978 and was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2007. - Heather WhitestoneHeather WhitestoneHeather Leigh Whitestone McCallum is a former beauty queen who was the first deaf Miss America title holder, having lost most of her hearing at the age of 18 months.-Early life:...
(Delta Epsilon) - Miss America 1995 - Alexa Jones (Tau Delta) - Miss Alabama 2006
- Ashley Davis (Zeta Pi) - Miss Alabama 2010
- Nancy Diehl -Dear (Alpha Phi) -National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, American Quarter Horse AssociationAmerican Quarter Horse AssociationThe American Quarter Horse Association , based in Amarillo, Texas, is an international organization dedicated to the preservation, improvement and record-keeping of the American Quarter Horse. The association sanctions many competitive events and maintains the official registry...
Hall of Fame breeder. - Margaret Tallichet Wyler (Kappa Omicron) - Actress & wife of director William Wyler.
- Kristine Ann Iverson (Theta) - Presidential Nominee as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs
- Nichelle D. Tramble (Lambda Beta) - Author
- Angie GoffAngie GoffAngie Goff is an American broadcast journalist. After spending several years at WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C., Goff joined WRC-TV as a weekend morning anchor in September 2011. Goff also writes the popular blog known for showcasing viewer generated content.Goff joined WUSA-TV in November 2007...
(Gamma Alpha) - News Anchor & Journalist - Ashley CrowAshley CrowAshley Diane Crow is an American actress. She is most known for her role of Sandra Bennet on the television show Heroes.-Life and career:...
(Delta Delta) - Actress - Lucy Somerville HoworthLucy Somerville HoworthLucy Somerville Howorth was an American lawyer, feminist and politician. Howorth was born in Greenville, Mississippi. She is known for her New Deal legislative efforts....
(Kappa) - Lawyer, Feminist & Politician. - Monica Murphy (Kappa Omega) - Professional Crumper Instructor