Chi Omega Background

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.

The organization grew locally that first year with 11 out of the 14 original members returning to the university in September of 1985. During this time, Chi Omega began to acquire a reputation for determination and poise, and for doing things well.

Chi Omega was founded with the intent of becoming a national organization and it expanded naturally and easily into every part of the country. Whenever a new chapter was installed, members in other chapters wore the colors beneath their pins and sent letters of welcome and congratulations.

By 1904, Chi Omega extended through Texas, Nebraska, and California, and far north as Virginia and Washington D.C. The Fraternity realized the need to enter the Northeast, and over the next few years founded chapters in Pennsylvania, Maine, and New York City.

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.

Over the last century, Chi Omega has grown to an organization with over 300,000 initiates from over 170 collegiate chapters.