By Sally Cutler (Alpha Chi, Butler University), Historian and Archivist
While we may take the growth of Alpha Chi Omega in terms of collegiate chapters almost for granted, our alumnae chapters have also long played a pivotal role in the Fraternity’s continued evolution. In Alpha Chi Omega’s early years, for example, it became obvious to the Fraternity’s leadership that there was tremendous untapped potential in engaging the ever-growing number of alumnae members.
In 1902, Alpha Chi Omega’s Constitution was revised to allow for the chartering of alumnae chapters. In 1904, the Fraternity went a step further, indicating that alumnae chapters would be represented at national conventions with a voting delegate. And in 1906, legislation was passed providing for a separate form of charter for alumnae chapters.
Our pace-setting alumnae in the Chicago area were ready for this new experience and facet of Alpha Chi Omega membership. Around 1903, alumnae of the Gamma chapter at Northwestern University began holding social gatherings to remain connected following their graduation – just like our current alumnae who seek out ways to engage with other alumnae and keep Alpha Chi Omega as an important part of their lives. On the first Saturday of each month, these Gamma chapter alumnae from the Chicago area would meet at the tearoom of Carson Pirie Scott & Company department store.
On May 23, 1906, Chicago-area alumnae were able to gather more formally, this time at a women’s club in the Chicago northern suburb of Evanston, Illinois. They held a business meeting, elected officers and signed the charter. Before the formal meeting, they enjoyed some lighter moments by entertaining the undergraduate members of the Gamma chapter and playing cards. To round out a busy day, they held an informal banquet that night, complete with scarlet and olive décor, carnations, Alpha Chi songs and toasts. And so Alpha Alpha, our first alumnae chapter, was born.
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Alpha Alpha set the pace for the alumnae chapters to come. The same year, the Beta Beta alumnae chapter in Indianapolis, Indiana was chartered (with Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham as a charter member!). By 1925, there were 19 chartered chapters, and the number continued to grow year after year. Today, Alpha Chi Omega has nearly 170 alumnae chapters. The focus can be based on location, chapter of initiation or an area of special interest. Some are even virtual!.
Through our alumnae chapters, Alpha Chi Omega sisters maintain the bonds of sisterhood as part of the Fraternity’s lifelong experience. Of course, alumnae chapters are just one way that sisters remain connected to Alpha Chi Omega. Our sisters continue their membership journey by participating in the ways that fit their lives at different times and phases. This can be by volunteering, participating in our many programming initiatives, reuniting with large or small groups of sisters or celebrating sisters as they reach membership milestones.
Would you like to learn more about Alpha Chi Omega alumnae chapters? Explore the Chapter Search directory on My Alpha Chi and find a chapter to join today!
And you can learn more about all aspects of the alumnae experience on our website.