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.
