History

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    HISTORY|FOUNDERS|IDEALS|LIFELONG LEARNING|SYMBOLS


     

    HISTORY

    Founded on January 2, 1897, Alpha Omicron Pi began as a dream by 4 young college women to continue their friendship throughout life. One of AOII’s founders, Stella George Stern Perry, wrote in 1936, “We wanted a fraternity that should carry on the delightful fellowships and cooperation of college days into the workday years ahead and to do so magnanimously. Above all, we wanted a high and active special purpose to justify existence and a simple devotion to some worthy end."


    Stella’s wish for AOII then, remains AOII’s wish for her members today: “May you have the joy in it all, dear children, that we (founders) have had all the way! May you love one another as happily always as we four have done in a life-long fellowship without a break! And may your descendants in Alpha Omicron Pi bring to you the glory that you yourselves are to us today!"

 

  • SYMBOLS

    The Badge 
    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.


    The Color
    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.

    The Jewel
    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 New Member Pin
    The binding together of wheat into a sheaf in the new member pin represents individuals bound by the common bond of Alpha Omicron Pi.


    The Rose
    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 Wheat
    The wheat indicates usefulness 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.


    The Panda
    While not an official symbol, the Fraternity and our chapters consider the Panda to be its mascot.


  • FOUNDERS

     

     

    Helen St. Clair Mullan

    A true scholar with a keen mind, Helen was destined to become a great lawyer. She was the organizational genius of the group and gave AOII its Constitution and Bylaws. As AOII’s third National President, she installed many of the early chapters and promoted expansion. As the mother of two daughters, she was also prominent in New York education, serving on the Board of Education and as a Trustee of Barnard College.  She was also a gifted musician.


    Stella George Stern Perry

    Stella was well-known for her literary talents. She was the first president of Alpha Chapter, the first National President of AOII and was elected Historian of AOII for life. Most of the information we have about the early history of the fraternity is due to Stella’s writings. Artistic, dramatic and idealistic, she gave AOII’s Ritual simplicity and tolerance. Her work was well done as AOII’s Ritual is unchanged since 1897.


    Elizabeth Heywood Wyman

    Bess, as she was usually called, was outstanding in education, social welfare and as a writer. Bess was the 13th National President of AOII. Prior to that she spent five years as AOII’s first Registrar and established the Central Office. She was always helping others. Her quiet confident manner came from an inner strength. She gave AOII sympathetic understanding, kindness, gentleness and conscientious leadership.


    Jessie Wallace Hughan

    Jessie distinguished herself as a teacher and writer. She was a gallant crusader for any cause she felt was just. She was a true philanthropist and a dynamic leader. Jessie gave AOII depth and sincerity.

     

     

    IDEALS

    Mission Statement

    “Women Enriched through Lifelong Friendship.”


    The Object Of Alpha Omicron Pi

    The object of the 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 interest 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 prestige or advancement of the Fraternity or any of its chapters.


    Our Values

    We are inspired and committed to our founding principles and are guided by the following values:

    • trusting and respecting each other
    • building lifelong friendships
    • contributing time, talent and financial resources
    • promoting integrity
    • developing leaders
    • striving for excellence
    • encouraging innovation and creativity
    • using teamwork and collaboration
    • acting philanthropically
    • being a living example

     

    LIFELONG LEARNING

    One of our collegians described her AOII experience in this way, "I joined AOII to meet people, to make friends, and it was the right thing to do. But it became much more than that, I learned leadership skills, study habits, social skills, and gained self-esteem. My eyes were opened to a whole new world of possibilities."