Alpha Chi Omega was founded at DePauw University on October 15, 1885, as a music sorority. The Delta Pi Chapter was established at UT on October 22, 1961. Since there was not room in Sophronia Strong Hall for additional chapter rooms, Alpha Chi Omega and Alpha Gamma Delta shared a house at 1809 Yale Avenue (now Volunteer Boulevard). Alpha Chi Omega had the first floor, which was devoted to a living-dining room combination, a chapter room, and a powder room.
The symbol of the fraternity is the golden lyre, and the jewel is the pearl. The colors are scarlet red and olive green; the flower is the red carnation; and the open motto is Together Let Us Seek the Heights. The national philanthropy of the fraternity centers on programs that seek to eradicate domestic violence, and the principal philanthropy on the local level is the YWCA.
In February, Alpha Chi Omega celebrates MacDowell Month in recognition of its first altruistic project, an artists’ colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire. The month serves as a time for collegians and alumnae to celebrate fine arts heritage. Hera Day and Founders’ Day are also important celebrations. Prominent members of the national organization include Condoleezza Rice; Marilyn Quayle; Laura Innes (Dr. Carrie Weaver, on the television program ER); and Alma Gates Scroggins (executive vice president and chief financial officer of CNN).
Construction on Alpha Chi Omega’s house in Sorority Village began in summer 2011. Architects were Duane Stone and Associates and Weeks, Ambrose, McDonald, Inc. The 14,000-square-foot building provides housing for 52 collegiate members. Its cost was $4,085,000.