Fun Facts

"Not for college days alone"

HISTORY

April 5, 1895 Chi Omega Fraternity is established with the founding of the Psi Chapter at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.  Constitution and Ritual are written, and Dr. Richardson crafts the first badge.

                            Our 5 founders

Our chapter, Chi Lambda, began as a local sorority, Sigma Tau Beta, until requesting national affiliation with the Chi Omega Fraternity. Chi Lambda was installed by the Delta Kappa Chapter of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on September 28, 1985. Chi Lambda began with eight members and membership has grown to over 70 sisters.

Our Six Purposes

The six purposes have guided Chi Omega women for decades and have brought personal growth to all of its members. These purposes include:

• Friendship

• High Standards of Personnel

• Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship

• Participation in Campus Activities

• Career & Personal Development

• Community Service

As Chi Omegas, we work everyday to live up to the ideals set forth in our 

Symphony. Through our participation in each of our six purposes, we are 

able to foster a well-balanced college experience. We work hard and play 

hard, enjoying all of these experiences with our Chi Omega sisters.

Our Symbols

Chi Omega's Opening Declaration:

"Hellenic Culture and Christian Ideals"
This statement summarized the foundation of Chi Omega. Our members recognize the efforts and enlightenment of the Greek world, and they strive to maintain the values of a Judeo-Christian lifestyle.

Chi Omega's crest was adopted in 1902. Centered on the crest is the white carnation, with the Chi to the left and the Omega to the right of the flower. Above these symbols are both the skull and crossbones and the owl. Beneath the carnation are the fiv e letters, Rho, Beta, Upsilon, Eta, Sigma. All emblems known and loved by Chi Omegas are surrounded by a laurel wreath, used in ancient times by the Greeks to honor scholars and heroes.

Chi Omega's badge is a monogram of the Greek letter Chi superimposed over the Greek letter Omega in raised gold. Set into the letter Chi are fourteen stones, always pearls or diamonds. Rho, Beta, Upsilon, Eta, Sigma are inscribed across the top of the letter Omega. On the right side of the Omega, the badge bears a skull and crossbones; on the left, an owl. The badge was designed by Dr. Charles Richardson, one of the founders. Only initiated Chi Omegas are permitted to wear the badge or crest.

 Chi Omega's pledge pin is a black enamel oval edged with gold; the Greek letters Chi and Omega are found in the center.

Chi Omega's colors are cardinal and straw.

    The owl, an emblem on our Chi Omega badge, is the most recognizable symbol of Chi Omega.

Chi Omega's flower is the white carnation. It was chosen for its pure, delicate whiteness and its rich, refreshing perfume.

   Chi Omega's jewel is the pearl.

Chi Omega's National Philanthropy is the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

SYMPHONY

" To live constantly above snobbery of word or deed; to place scholarship before social obligation and character before appearances; to be in the best sense democratic rather than 'exclusive' and loveable rather than popular; to work earnestly, to speak kindly, to act sincerely, to choose thoughtfully that course which occasion and conscience demand; to be womanly always; to be discouraged never; in a word, to be loyal under any and all circumstances to my Fraternity and her highest teachings; and to have her welfare ever at heart that she may be a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note. "
- Ethel Switzer Howard, Xi- 1909

Famous Chi Os

OTHER CW CHAPTERS IN SC:

Clemson University/Psi Kappa

College of Charleston/Zeta Gamma

Furman University/Epsilon Lambda

University of South Carolina/Eta Gamma