Alpha Chi Omega: Celebrating Accomplished Alumnae
Alpha Chi Omega (ΑΧΩ), a national women's fraternity founded in 1885 at DePauw University, has a rich history of fostering Real, Strong Women. With over 140 active collegiate and 170 alumnae chapters across the United States, the fraternity has initiated over 1,000,000+ members. Throughout its history, Alpha Chi Omega has produced numerous accomplished alumnae who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article highlights some of these notable women and their achievements.
The Origins and Ideals of Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Chi Omega was established at DePauw University, with the collaboration of James G. Campbell, a Beta Theta Pi, who helped lay out the fraternity's first constitution and by-laws. The founders chose the letters Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω) to signify "the beginning and the end," as they believed they were forming the first and possibly the last music fraternity at the school. The addition of "Kai" (και), meaning "and," completed the fraternity's name.
The fraternity observes several traditions, including Founders' Day on October 15, when sisters gather to celebrate the founding at DePauw University. MacDowell Month in February celebrates the fine arts, reflecting the fraternity's heritage. Since 1911, Alpha Chi Omega has supported the MacDowell Colony, founded by Marian MacDowell, an Alpha Chi Omega alumna. The fraternity also has a strong philanthropic focus, with undergraduate and alumnae chapters dedicated to increasing awareness of domestic violence and supporting victims through various activities and financial aid.
Alumnae Achievers: A Glimpse into Diverse Fields
Alpha Chi Omega has a long list of alumnae who have excelled in various fields, including arts, media, politics, science, and business. Here are a few notable examples:
Arts and Literature
- Bonnibel Butler (Theta): An accomplished illustrator of children's books and magazines.
- Carol Haerer: An artist recognized for her contributions to the art world.
- Nancy Hoyt: A writer and author known for her literary works.
- Marian MacDowell: Founder of the MacDowell Colony, a renowned artists' residency program.
Media and Entertainment
- Laura Berman (Alpha Iota): A relationship therapist and television host of "In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman."
- Carol Duvall (Beta Epsilon, Michigan State): Host of "The Carol Duvall Show" on the Home and Garden Television network.
- Sarah Jones: A cast member on the reality television show "Survivor."
- Jill Hecht Maxwell: A television host in Asia and an MIT alumna.
- Julie Brown (Alpha Psi, UCLA): An Award of Achievement recipient, Brown competed in the first-ever Olympic women’s marathon in Los Angeles in 1984, where she placed 36th. Also won three silver medals at the 1979 Pan-American Games. Following her running career, Julie took on a new career as an attorney.
- Georgie Anne Geyer* (Gamma, Northwestern University): An award-winning writer, author and foreign correspondent, Geyer knocked down barriers for female journalists. She is known for her interviews with international political figures such as Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, Yasser Arafat, King Hussein of Jordan, Muammar al-Gaddafi, the Ayatollah Khomeini and Anwar Sadat. For many years she was a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Daily News. She also authored 10 books, including a biography of Fidel Castro, and addressed Alpha Chi Omega collegians and alumnae during the 2000 National Convention.
- Melissa Donovan d’Arabian (Alpha Iota, University of Vermont): Celebrity chef, Food Network television host, author and speaker, Melissa Donovan d’Arabian has become a highly acclaimed food expert since winning The Next Food Network Star in 2009. Melissa is known for her ability to create budget-friendly, healthy recipes for families. She continues to authentically share her life experiences and expertise on a wide range of topics including food, family and finances while also supporting causes addressing childhood hunger and suicide prevention. Melissa is now pursuing an MFA in theatre management and producing at Columbia University.
- Dan Rather (Texas Omicron Chapter at Sam Houston State University): A journalist and served twenty-four years as news anchor for the CBS Evening News. He is now managing editor and anchor of the television news magazine Dan Rather Reports. He has won numerous Emmy Awards and several Peabody Awards.
- Religion reporter (Alpha Phi, Texas-Austin): Religion reporter for ABC World New Tonight with Peter Jennings and the first full-time religion reporter on national television.
Politics and Public Service
- Condoleezza Rice (Gamma Delta, University of Denver): Served as the first female African-American secretary of state (2005-09), director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University (current) and part owner of the NFL’s Denver Broncos (current). She also served as the first female national security advisor (2001-05) and Stanford University provost (1993-99).
- Sarah Ragle Weddington (McMurry University): White House Director and attorney in the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade.
- Leigh Hildebrand (Missouri Delta chapter at Westminster College): Senate, Hildebrand advises the presiding officer of the Senate on all aspects of Senate procedure and interprets the standing rules and orders, relevant constitutional and statutory provisions, precedents and unanimous consent agreements. She enjoys holding one of the few non-partisan positions on the Hill and being able to truly focus on what is best for the Senate as an institution. She received her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law. In 2013, she was chosen to receive the Alpha Chi Distinguished Alumni Award.
- Carl E. Stewart (Louisiana Gamma chapter at Dillard University): The Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Appointed by President Clinton in 1994, Stewart previously sat on Louisiana’s Second Court of Appeals, and served as an accomplished judge, attorney, prosecutor, and professor. He has been honored multiple times for his commitment to community service, including the Boy Scouts of America’s highest awards for volunteer service. Stewart is the first African American to serve on the Fifth Circuit as it is currently constituted.
Science and Academia
- Dr. Mary Wheat Gray (Nebraska Alpha chapter at Hastings College): A statistician and lawyer whose areas of research include applications of statistics to human rights, economic equity, legal issues, and education. She is the founder of the Association for Women in Mathematics and is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Mentoring. She is the author of two books and over eighty articles, and has lectured throughout the world.
Other Fields
- Clayton C. Anderson (Nebraska Alpha chapter at Hastings College): Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 1998 and began training that year. Prior to being assigned to spaceflight, Anderson served as an aquanaut during the NEEMO 5 mission aboard the Aquarius underwater laboratory, living and working underwater for fourteen days. He was a member of the 2007 Expedition 15 crew and spent 152 days aboard the International Space Station.
- Reuben Ironhorse Kent (Nebraska Delta chapter at Peru State College): A member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and he has displayed his flute-playing and artwork in venues across the country. His works have been featured in several art books and have appeared in collections including the Smithsonian American Indian Art Museum, the Institute of American Indian Arts, the Heritage Museum at Pine Ridge, SD, and the Southern Plains Indian Museum.
- Chief financial officer (Alpha Upsilon, Alabama): Chief financial officer for CNN (Cable News Network).
- Miss America (Gamma Tau, Oklahoma City): Miss America, 1967.
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