Name: The Founders chose "Alpha" the first letter of the Greek alphabet because they were forming the first fraternity in the school of music. Since they thought they might also be founding the last such fraternity, "Omega" also seemed appropriate. "Kai," meaning "and," was added to form the beginning and the end. "Kai" was soon changed to "Chi," a letter of the Greek alphabet.

Founded: 1885, Depauw University Greencastle, Indiana

Members: Alpha Chi Omega now has 135 chapters across the nation with over 210,000 active members.

Symbol: Lyre

Gem: Pearls

Colors: Scarlet Red and Olive Green

Flower: Red Carnation

Philanthropy: Domestic Violence (national), YWCA and Wesley Foundation  (local)

Open Motto: “Together let us seek the heights”

-Famous Alpha Chi’s:

Trista Rehn (Alpha Mu, Indiana University): ABC’s original Bachelorette.

Meredith Monroe (Upsilon, Millikin University): Appears as Andie McPhee on the T.V. series “Dawson’s Creek.”

Deidre Downs (Zeta Lambda, University of Virginia): 2005 Miss. America, she raises awareness and research funds for children with cancer.

Condoleezza Rice (Gamma Delta, University of Denver): Currently Secretary of State under George W. Bush. Formerly National Security Advisor under George W. Bush.

Laura Innes (Gamma, Northwestern University): Appears as Dr. Carries Weaver on the T.V. series “E.R.”. She has been nominated twice for an Emmy award for her performance on the program.

Alma Gates Scroggins (Alpha Upsilon, University of Alabama): Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CNN.

Carol Reihme Duvall (Beta Epsilon, Michigan State University): Host of “The Carol Duvall Show” on the Home and Garden Television Network.