Rieth, Amy DuBois

From collection Member List

Rieth, Amy DuBois
Born in Nokomis, Illinois in December 1869, Founder Amy DuBois (Alpha, DePauw University) was only 15 years old when she came to DePauw. In addition to being young, Amy was slight in stature, vivacious, "quick of step and action" and mischievous. Amy studied piano and voice in the School of Music and was known as "the little girl with the big voice."

Amy served as the first treasurer of the Fraternity, elected on October 19, 1885, and also as recording secretary later in that first year. Although it is unclear why, Amy left DePauw after only one year. It may have been the expense or the distance from her family, who had recently moved to Colby, Kansas. After leaving school, she joined her family in Kansas and taught music there. In 1888, she married Julius F. Rieth, and their only child, Lelia, was born the next year. When the family moved to Crete, Nebraska, Amy became the assistant director of music at Doane College, a position she held for four years. Later, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Amy kept in touch with the Xi chapter (University of Nebraska - Lincoln) for many years. She continued to teach privately in Lincoln, but due to her delicate health and the necessity of taking care of her invalid mother, she was eventually forced to abandon her musical activities.

The other six Founders never saw Amy again after she left DePauw. This was said to have been "a bitter disappointment for them, for they loved her dearly, and never forgot her, or lost touch with her, in spite of the miles between them." Amy DuBois Rieth died at the age of 45 on August 12, 1915, two weeks after having undergone a serious operation.

SHARE THIS PROFILE

Related Items

Alpha Chi Omega Founded
Alpha Chi Omega Founded
Seven female students at the DePauw University School of Music meet with Dean James Hamilton Howe at his invitation to begin the process of forming "a society for musical and social improvement."
The First New Members
The First New Members
In the fall of 1885, the seven original founders invite eight friends from the School of Music to join Alpha Chi Omega.
Amy Dubois Rieth, Founder Burial Marker
Amy Dubois Rieth, Founder Burial Marker
DATE OF BIRTH: December 31, 1869 DATE OF DEATH: August 12, 1915 CEMETERY Wyuka Cemetery 3600 O Street Lincoln, NE 68510 Section 2, Lot 5546 (7 rows down), SP-7
The Early Years, Video
The Early Years, Video
Hear from our Founders about the beginning of our sisterhood at DePauw University. This presentation was shared in celebration of Alpha Chi Omega's 125th anniversary.
Founders Forum at Headquarters Photograph
Founders Forum at Headquarters Photograph
In 2006, The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation built and dedicated the Founders' Forum on the headquarters property. There were seven pillars on the outside featuring the signature of each Founder. The large sculpture in the center represented ...
Amy DuBois Rieth Emerging Leader Award, 2023, photograph
Amy DuBois Rieth Emerging Leader Award, 2023, photograph
The Amy DuBois Rieth Emerging Leader Award honors a current member who has been initiated no more than 12 months prior to her nomination for this honor, named for one of Alpha Chi Omega's Founders. 
Postcard written by Founder Amy DuBois Rieth, 1910
Postcard written by Founder Amy DuBois Rieth, 1910
Founder Amy DuBois Rieth sent this postcard to Mabel Harriet Siller, author of the 1916 editon of The History of Alpha Chi Omega fron her home in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is dated May 16, 1910. 
Alpha Chi Omega Goes Public
Alpha Chi Omega Goes Public
The members of the new women's fraternity, Alpha Chi Omega, announce their presence by parading across campus to attend chapel at Meharry Hall in East College.
Alpha Chi Omega Golden Jubilee Program, June 26, 1935
Alpha Chi Omega Golden Jubilee Program, June 26, 1935
This program is for Homecoming Day of the 1935 National Convention, which took place at DePauw University where the Fraternity was founded. It includes a poem by Founder Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University), the words to the To...
DePauw University Soiree Musicale Program, 1886
DePauw University Soiree Musicale Program, 1886
Alpha Chi Omega was formally celebrated in a Soiree Musicale performance on February 6, 1886 in the DePauw University Music Hall. Dean James Hamilton Howe performed, with the assistance of Founder Amy DuBois (later Rieth), soprano.