History
ΧΩ UC Davis
Chi Omega has a rich history dating back to its founding at
the University of Arkansas on April 5, 1895. At that time, there
was no Greek-letter society for women at the institutional
collegiate and university level in the south. It all began when
four young women, Jobelle Holcombe, Jean Vincenheller,
Ina May Boles, Alice Simonds were eager to have the same
sense of belonging and status that fraternity men enjoyed.
With the help of Dr. Charles Richardson- a local dentist,
friend, and Kappa Sigma officer- these women began
establishing the traditions and friendships in which Chi
Omegas share today.
the University of Arkansas on April 5, 1895. At that time, there
was no Greek-letter society for women at the institutional
collegiate and university level in the south. It all began when
four young women, Jobelle Holcombe, Jean Vincenheller,
Ina May Boles, Alice Simonds were eager to have the same
sense of belonging and status that fraternity men enjoyed.
With the help of Dr. Charles Richardson- a local dentist,
friend, and Kappa Sigma officer- these women began
establishing the traditions and friendships in which Chi
Omegas share today.
The organization grew locally that first year with 11 out
of the 14 original members returning to the university in
September of 1895. During this time, Chi Omega began to
acquire a reputation for determination and poise, and for
doing things well. Chi Omega started to expand into every
part of the country and whenever a new chapter was
installed, members in other chapters wore Chi Omega's
colors beneath their pins and sent letters of welcome and
congratulations.
Chi Omega now has over 300,000 initiates and 171
collegiate chapters making it the largest women’s fraternal
organization in the world.
Chi Omega is committed to developing six purposes
within its members: Personal integrity, Excellence in
academic and intellectual pursuits, Inter- generational
participation, Community service, Leadership
opportunities, and Social enrichment.
You can visit our national website for more information:
of the 14 original members returning to the university in
September of 1895. During this time, Chi Omega began to
acquire a reputation for determination and poise, and for
doing things well. Chi Omega started to expand into every
part of the country and whenever a new chapter was
installed, members in other chapters wore Chi Omega's
colors beneath their pins and sent letters of welcome and
congratulations.
Chi Omega now has over 300,000 initiates and 171
collegiate chapters making it the largest women’s fraternal
organization in the world.
Chi Omega is committed to developing six purposes
within its members: Personal integrity, Excellence in
academic and intellectual pursuits, Inter- generational
participation, Community service, Leadership
opportunities, and Social enrichment.
You can visit our national website for more information:
