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The Founding
Our Founders on their Graduation Day
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on January 2, 1897 at Barnard College of Columbia University by four young women - Helen St.
Clair Mullen, Stella George Stern Perry, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, and Jessie Wallace Hughan. One of the founders, Stella,
is quoted as saying, "“We wanted a fraternity that should carry on the delightful fellowships and cooperation of college
days into the workaday years ahead and to do so magnanimously. Above all, we wanted a high and active special purpose to justify
existence and a simple devotion to some worthy end.”
Alpha Omicron Pi has since grown to over 137,000 members and 180 collegiate chapters. The oldest active chapter is the
Omicron Chapter located at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Our headquarters is located in Brentwood, Tennessee, just
outside of Nashville.
AOII International Headquarters, Brentwood, Tennessee
Our Symbols
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This is the Badge of Alpha Omicron Pi. The badge of Alpha Omicron Pi is composed of the three initial letters of the three
words of the Motto, superimposed one upon the next in order, which gives the Fraternity its name. Badges may be worn by initiated
members only. Lending or giving the badge to any person not a member of the Fraternity is prohibited. 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. A bubble pin guard may be slipped on the pin bar for safety.
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Alpha Omicron Pi has only one color, cardinal. It is the color of the Fraternity flower, the Jacqueminot Rose, and the
Fraternity jewel, the Ruby. It is the Heart Color.
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Alpha Omicron Pi has only one jewel, the ruby. |
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The binding together of wheat into a sheaf in the new member pin represents individuals bound by the common bond of Alpha
Omicron Pi. |
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The wheat indicates usefullness in its harvest. The binding together of the wheat into a sheaf gave Alpha Omicron Pi the
new member pin, the name for the magazine, and the rings for the president and international president. |
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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. |
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The Panda is the Fraternity's unofficial mascot. |
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To Dragma is the Fraternity's magazine. TO DRAGMA, the Greek, is translated as "the sheaf." The name was selected
for three reasons: because it is a reminder of the common interest whch 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.
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