AOII History
Founders
Four young women at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York founded Alpha Omicron Pi on January 2, 1897. The founders were Stella George Stern Perry, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, Helen St. Clair Mullan, and Jessie Wallace Hughan
Object
"The object of this fraternity shall be to encourage a spirit of fraternity and love among its members; to stand at all times for character, dignity, scholarship, and college loyalty; to strive for and support the best interests of the colleges and universities in which chapters are installed; and in no way to disregard, injure or sacrifice those interests for the sake of the prestige or advancement of the fraternity or any of its chapters."
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.
Alpha Omicron Pi has only one color, cardinal. It is the color of the Fraternity flower, the ruby and the ribbon sometimes worn under the badge to welcome a new collegiate chapter.
Alpha Omicron Pi has only one jewel, the ruby. The occasional use of pearls or diamonds in special badges has no significance or special meaning.
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.
While not an official symbol, the Fraternity and our chapters consider the Panda to be its mascot.
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. The Jacqueminot Rose is not available at most florists, so any deep red rose which is available may be used.
The binding together of wheat into a sheaf in the new member pin represents individuals bound by the common bond of Alpha Omicron Pi.
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.
AOII Strike Out Arthritis! is the signature philanthropy event of the Fraternity. The event's title states with crystal clarity our goal: to eliminate the disease of arthritis and its debilitating effects on old and young alike.
The AOII Foundation pursues this commitment to prevent, control and ultimately cure, through fundraising for arthritis research grants and educational grants to families to attend camps and seminars that help them cope with the many challenges facing youth diagnosed with arthritis. Funds for these important grants come from generous collegiate and alumnae chapters and individual donors interested in this program area of the Foundation.
Located in Brentwood, Tennesse, AOII's International Headquarters is staffed by more than twenty-five employees who bring to our Fraternity a varied background of talents and professional experience in business, education, non-profit, service and sales. Each staff member is uniquely qualified to serve the Fraternity.
Staff's primary function is to provide stability and support to the membership by maintaining effective operations. From the preparation of annual financial statements, to the daily monitoring of chapter programming, the role of staff is essential to the daily operations of our collegiate and alumnae chapters, as well as to our general membership.
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