Alpha Omicron Pi History

Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women's fraternity founded on January 2, 1897, at Barnard College at Columbia University in New York City. In 1898, national expansion began. Now, in the year of our 100th anniversary, AOII has over 170 chartered collegiate chapters in 39 states and Canada and over 230 chartered alumnae chapters. Over 100,000 women, collegiate and alumnae, represent a full range of diverse backgrounds and interests.

 

Alpha Omicron Pi was founded by Stella George Stern Perry, Elizabeth Heywood Wyman, Jessie Wallace Hughan, and Helen St. Clair Mullan.
In 1939, Stella George Stern Perry spoke these words as she explained the reasons for the founding of this fraternity:

AOII Founders


"We wanted a society that should continue our companionship through life, and extend the like joys to others, usefully, unselfishly, and without pettiness.

We wanted to be sure of a democratic fraternity, democratic in choosing members, democratic in internal government, so that all members to come must share our responsibility and feel bound to exercise for themselves the motives that impelled the founders.

We especially wanted no snobbery, no ostentation, no extravagance, no silly "superiorities", no trivial limitations, nothing based only on "society" in the narrow sense, nothing good excluded on financial, religious, or other factitious grounds, one with it's members chosen for character."

"We formed AOII to continue the friendships we made in college throughout our lifetimes."

Here at Chi Theta Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi, we take our Founders very seriously.  Each year, we celebrate them for a day of fun and learning called Founders Day.  We honor these women for all that they did and all that they took into account when forming Alpha Omicron Pi.

 

You can also learn more about Alpha Omicron Pi at alphaomicronpi.org

Our Founders

  • Helen St. Claire Mullen

    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.