About Us

Chi Omega History

Chi Omega has a rich history dating back to its founding at the University of Arkansas on April 5, 1895. Born in the decade following the Civil War, Chi Omega’s four women founders grew to adulthood as a rapidly expanding economy fostered industrialization and urbanization. They were instilled with the spirit of America, with values of independence, pioneering, innovation and adventure.

The Fraternity’s five founders, Jobelle Holcombe, Jean Vincenheller, Ina May Boles, Allie Simonds, and Dr. Charles Richardson, wrote the Chi Omega Constitution and Ritual. Dr. Richardson designed and crafted the first badge out of dental gold.

In the early 1900s, social service was regarded as a collegiate activity of the highest importance and Chi Omegas gave countless hours of time, unbounded energy, and hard-earned monies to their local communities.

In 1909, the Chi Omega Symphony was written in by Ethel Switzer Howard, a pledge of Xi Chapter at Northwestern University. She wrote the poem in preparation for her initiation and felt that the words exemplified goals to which Chi Omegas aspired. Ethel Switzer Howard's Symphony has since become every Chi Omega's creed.

Chi Omega colors: Cardinal and Straw

Symphony

To live constantly above snobbery of word or deed;
to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances;
to be, in the best sense, democratic

rather than 'exclusive',

and lovable 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 Chapter 1904