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Alpha chapter (DePauw University, 1920. Hannah Keenan, daughter of Founder Bessie Grooms Keenan, is pictured in the fourth row, far right. Hannah went on to become director of central office from 1937-66 as well as archivist. Hannah identifed the chapter members on the back of the photograph.
July 24, 1946 founder Estelle Leonard's (Alpha, DePauw University) voice can be heard describing a (violin) piece she composed for a student. This video was created in celebration of MacDowell month 2016. Filmed in Meharry Hall, DePauw University where the musical piece would have been performed.
Fall of 2019, 15 women from Alpha, DePauw University gathered to celebrate their 50th year of sisterhood.
This 1/2-inch badge belonged to Katherine McReynolds Morrison, a member of Alpha (DePauw University) chapter initiated in 1887. The badge is 10-karat gold and features 26 turquoise stones.
The only original badge known to still be in existence, this badge belonged to Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham (Alpha, DePauw University) and was created in 1885. The 3/4-inch badge features 28 pearls and seven garnets. Unlike many later badges, which feature twisted lyre strings, the strings on this badge are flat. Each new chapter is presented a replica of this badge for the chapter president to wear during her term. The president's badge is then passed from president to president.
Established in 1914, the Award of Distinction was to recognize the 29 sisters who served overseas in World War I. In 1924, the criteria was broadened to include sisters who had given “constructive service to the Fraternity.” Marian McDowell was the first to receive the new award in 1926. At the 1935 National Convention, each of the four living Founders were presented an award. Nellie Gamble Childe's award was donated to the national archives upon her death. The award was designed by Hungarian-American sculptor Julio Kilenyi.
DePauw Day was a special excursion during the Centennial Celebration, the 44th National Convention. With more than 1,700 attendees, members had to be led in groups so everyone could enjoy the experience. This keychain was supplied in the registration packet and indicated which group each member would travel with to DePauw that day.
History, heritage and purpose of Alpha Chi Omega was the central theme for the 1985 trip to the founding site, DePauw University. This letter walked attendees through the program of the day and instructions on how to keep with their group. One side features the instructions and welcome letter while the other is a map of the campus.
Alpha (DePauw University) chapter members pose together for a formal portrait. Altah Devore Evans (Alpha, DePauw University) is identified as the woman second from the left in the back row.
A group of six pose together at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Alpha (DePauw University) chapter house. They include Hannah Keenan (Alpha, DePauw University, left), Ardath Yates Burkhart (Alpha Beta, Purdue University, third from left), Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University, third from right) and Harriette Dresser Crabill (Alpha Beta, Purdue University, right).
Anna Ryan (Wells) (Alpha, DePauw University, left) poses with Alpha Chi Omega Founders Olive Burnett (Clark) (Alpha, DePauw University, center) and Bertha Deniston (Cunningham) (Alpha, DePauw University, right).
Alpha (DePauw University) chapter members pose together for a formal portrait. Four of the women are identified: Lillian Moore Cottingham (Alpha, DePauw University, upper right corner), Anna Allen Smith (Alpha, DePauw University, second row, left), Daisy Steele Wilson (Alpha, DePauw University, lower left corner) and Mary Janet Wilson (Alpha, DePauw University, lower right corner).
Anna Allen Smith (Alpha, DePauw University) lived her entire life in Greencastle, Indiana, and was childhood friends with Bessie Grooms Keenan (Alpha, DePauw University and Olive (Ollie) Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University). She was always interested in music and was the youngest student to do advanced work at DePauw's School of Music. She was just 15 years old when Alpha Chi Omega was founded. Anna was the Founder most associated with Alpha chapter and until her untimely death in 1932, she knew every initiated Alpha (all 700 of them).
When Bertha Deniston Cunningham's (Alpha, DePauw University) parents decided their musically advanced daughter should continue her studies at DePauw, she had to play for Dean Howe to determine just how advanced she was. She went on to become the envy of the school’s music students because of her composing skills. She also was an accomplished performer and successful teacher in the School of Music for 10 years. Hers is the only one of five original badges that exists today.
Estelle Leonard (Alpha, DePauw University) entered university hoping to make a living as a musician. Most of her time was spent practicing or studying. She also served as Dean Howe’s secretary for two years. Though she had serious goals and a “dignified appearance,” she was known for playing practical jokes on her colleagues. She graduated in 1891 and had a full career, teaching music, publishing piano compositions and reporting for the local newspaper. Long involved with Alpha Chi Omega, she attended more conventions than any other Founder. She was described in our 1948 History as “distinctly modern in her ideas” and as having “developed independence, decision, and a rather bohemian attitude.”