LOCAL HISTORY
It's hard to imagine, but in 1954 the Board of Trustees of TCU voted to invite national fraternities and sororities on campus despite a student body vote against such an invitation! There was a small article on the back page of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in August of 1954 simply announcing that sororities and fraternities would be invited on campus. Local sorority alumnae mobilized in hopes of having their group selected.
Chi Omega was thrilled to be among the original 5 national women's sororities to be invited to campus. In April of 1955, local alumnae conducted 9 days of rush with the help of Chi Omega collegiates from the University of Texas, SMU, University of North Texas, and University of Oklahoma. The rush "parties" were conducted in the Brown-Lupton Student Center, as there was no Greek housing at that time.
Chi Omega welcomed 19 founding members who formed the first pledge class of the Rho Epsilon Chapter. Congratulatory telegrams poured in from all over the country - hand delivered by a "telegraph boy" who asked one of the alumnae - "Are you Mrs. Omega?” With a full slate of advisors, the original 19 members of Rho Epsilon held their first meeting April 25, 1955 in the Student Union.
In the fall of 1956, Chi Omega was meeting in Jarvis Hall and had grown to 26 members. Dues were $10/semester. By the fall of 1957, each of the sororities was assigned a hall in Colby Dormitory with the hall's lounge serving as a chapter room. In the mid-60's, the Chapter moved into the house that is its home today.
Throughout its history, the Rho Epsilon Chapter of Chi Omega has been known for its strong record of achievements and contributions to TCU, Fort Worth, and national Chi Omega. Scholastically, Chi Omega has always been on top at TCU. The sisters of Chi Omega pride themselves on their commitment to fine scholarship. Just as importantly, Chi Omegas lead and serve at TCU with former student body presidents, over 20 homecoming queens, many cheerleaders, and outstanding students in virtually every campus organization. Involvement in quality activities is a hallmark of being a Rho Epsilon.
Both locally and nationally, Chi Omega enjoys an alliance with Make-A-Wish. Through its annual softball tournament, Frats-at-Bat, Chi Omega has been raising funds for charity since the mid-90's. Each year, the Chapter grants at least one wish to a critically ill child.
Nationally, the Rho Epsilon chapter has received recognition as one of the most outstanding chapters in Chi Omega. The Chapter is a perennial winner of the Award of Excellence and has received national recognition for its outstanding recruitment efforts. Strong alumnae advisors have long been a part of Rho Epsilon's history. Several individual advisors and the entire advisory board have received recognition as the "best in the nation."
In her 52nd year, Chi Omega at TCU is thriving as the largest sorority at TCU with over 160 sisters and is continuing the tradition of excellence born in April 1955. With over 2000 initiated members, Rho Epsilon of Chi Omega is well positioned to prosper for generations to come based on values that stand the test of time and a commitment to the development of each unique sister.
NATIONAL HISTORY
Chi Omega Fraternity was founded at a time when women were just becoming visible on our nation's university campuses. These early collegiate women were destined not only to manage home and family--they would establish a foothold as leaders in the community and the business world. It was a time of tremendous intellectual growth and personal challenge for these pioneers...and they recognized the need for a strong system of support from both friend and mentor. To value the talents of women...to encourage them in realizing their greatest potential.
These are the principles upon which Chi Omega was founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas. The Fraternity’s Five Founders, Jobelle Holcombe, Jean Vincenheller, Ina May Boles, Alice Simonds, and Dr. Charles Richardson, wrote the Chi Omega Constitution and Ritual. Dr. Richardson, a dentist by trade and a Kappa Sigma, crafted the first badge out of dental gold.
Now, over a century later, these founding principles are just as relevant. Today, Chi Omega is the largest women's fraternal organization in the world with 240,000 initiates and over 170 collegiate chapters. Since its beginning, Chi Omega has nurtured its members by providing them with unique opportunities in leadership, in scholarship, and in life-long friendship. Ours is a distinguished history...and our most vital role has been the preparation of young women to achieve their highest possible aspirations.
Throughout Chi Omega's long and proud history, six great purposes have been stressed, principles that guide the direction of every chapter and bring to its members an unequaled opportunity for personal growth and development. Rho Epsilon consistently works to promote these six purposes within our chapter.
FRIENDSHIP The central principle, upon which all others are built. It is the spirit of love, and fun, and family; the security that comes from knowing that there will be sisters who will accept you for who you are throughout your life.
HIGH STANDARDS OF PERSONNEL The element that helps ensure the continuing success of the Fraternity. Chi Omega chapters attract the finest young women who have a strong commitment to success in college and throughout their lives.
SINCERE LEARNING AND CREDITABLE SCHOLARSHIP The ultimate reason for attending college. Chi Omega helps you obtain the finest education possible through academic incentive programs, tutoring, and scholarships from the Chi Omega Foundation.
PARTICIPATION IN CAMPUS ACTIVITIES The element which ensures that Chi Omegas are active participants in the campus community. Involvement in worthwhile campus activities broadens your perspective and gives you experience in working with people of varying backgrounds and interests.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT The preparation for life after college. The Chi Omega Career Development Portfolio, "On the Way Up," prepares our members for beginning their chosen careers. "Crossroads," Chi Omega's network, is our way of linking, assisting, and contacting members who are moving, changing careers, or just need a friend In a new city or town.
COMMUNITY SERVICE The philanthropic activities that contribute to your community's welfare. Chi Omega allows each chapter to select its own philanthropy so that members may work on behalf of organizations in their own community and see the results of their efforts.
Quick Facts About Chi Omega
MASCOT: The Owl
FLOWER: The White Carnation
COLORS: Cardinal and Straw
NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY: The Make-A-Wish Foundation
|
