The History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity: 1935-1960

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1935-1960

THE HISTORY OF ALPHA CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY 1935–1960 Ninth Edition by Sally Mathis Cutler (Alpha Chi, Butler University) Published by Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity 2019

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CONTENTS •

7...... SETTING THE SCENE 9...... THE TIMES • World War II •

An Evolving Relationship

19.... THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION • Dollars and Cents • Lifeline to our Members The Lyre • Central Office • Alpha Chi Omega’s Role in the National Panhellenic Conference

49.... OUR ALUMNAE SISTERS • The Founders’ Lasting Legacy • Leaders - The National Presidents • Award of Achievement •

Alumnae Clubhouse

59... ALTRUISM – ESSENTIAL TO THE SISTERHOOD 63.... DIAMOND JUBILEE 67.... CONVENTIONS AND COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS 86.. COLLEGIATE CHAPTER LISTING

31.... COLLEGIATE MEMBERSHIP AND GROWTH • Our Newest Members • Growing Our Chapter Roll • Chapter Operations • Recruiting Our Members • Housing and the Undergraduate Experience

89.. ALUMNAE CHAPTER LISTING

Beta Mu Chapter President Ona Kay Lee September 1953 Lyre (Vol. 57, No. 1)

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Photo taken at the 29th National Convention in June 1953. September 1953 Lyre (Vol. 57, No. 1)

SETTING THE SCENE

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et’s imagine (or, for some, remember) what it was like to be a woman living in the United States during the years 1935-60. You would have experienced the challenges brought on by the Great Depression, when 25% of the labor force was unemployed and hourly wages dropped 60%. In 1938, Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act, which established minimum wages and prohibited child labor. You would see Prohibition repealed in 1933.

You would learn of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and have your life touched in innumerable ways by America’s declaration of war on Japan and Germany and the ensuing fighting on two fronts. You saw, or became one of, the women staffing factories previously manned by men. Rosie the Riveter came to represent the female workforce to you. The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (later knows as WACs), the Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) and the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARS) were all formed. You saw rationing instituted. Gasoline, shoes, meat, coffee, butter, cheese and sugar were controlled by ration books, gas cards and a point system. In 1945, you would have celebrated the end of the war.

You saw medical care change dramatically when penicillin, used by the military during the war, became available to civilians. The polio vaccine was developed in 1955.

Perhaps you would have participated in a Shirley Temple lookalike contest, listened to Little Orphan Annie on the radio, or watched Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable, James Cagney, Judy Garland and Bing Crosby at your local movie theater. You might have enjoyed a movie at one of the 2,000 drive-in theaters built between 1947 and 1950. Perhaps your family moved to a newly developed suburb where you may have joined your local Girl Scouts troop, taken ballet lessons or gone on a family camping vacation.

Before the vaccine was developed, the fear of polio spread across the country. These tips for avoiding the disease were By the mid-1950s, you were listening to rock and roll music and shared with our members. April 1949 Lyre (Vol. 52, No. 3). watching television. The number of television sets soared from 3.1 million sets in U.S. homes to 32 million by 1955. You may have enjoyed American Bandstand, which began airing nationally in 1957, or a favorite quiz show. Maybe in the late 1950s you experienced “cramming,” where you attempted to cram as many people or objects into a small space like a phone booth. Or you may have joined the Hula-Hoop craze. And you may have been exposed to cultural shifts and innovation by artists such as Jackson Pollack, comedy duo Nichols and May, and actor Marlon Brando.

In larger world issues, you saw war again when, in 1950, Communist North Korea invaded South Korea. Communist Russian troops occupied most of the peninsula, and for the second time in five years, the U.S. was at war. You watched as Senator Joe McCarthy conducted Senate subcommittee hearings to seek out Communists.

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SETTING THE SCENE

Numbers from June 1959 indicated nearly a million to be exact. fraternity women —

929,514

You witnessed the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that racial segregation in the public schools was unconstitutional. You would have seen Rosa Parks refuse to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus, followed in 1956 by Martin Luther King, Jr. leading a boycott in Montgomery against segregation on local buses.

Alpha Chi Omega—Early in this Era Fresh from the 1935 Golden Jubilee celebration of Alpha Chi Omega’s first 50 years, the Fraternity was strong, growing and proud. The 1937 National Convention, held in Glacier National Park in Montana, was described in The Lyre: “There was about this convention a delightful spirit of happy friendliness not often felt in so large a group.

Convention provided pleasure for those present and accomplishment for the general fraternity.” And it was made even sweeter by the attendance of three of the living Founders—Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University), Bertha Deniston Cunningham (Alpha, DePauw University) and Estelle Leonard (Alpha, DePauw University). Due to poor health, Founder Nellie Gamble Childe (Alpha, DePauw University) was unable to attend.

MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS 1934-35 Initiated members: 768 Collegiate membership: 1,753 Collegiate chapters: 58 Alumnae chapters: 39 Alumnae clubs: 53 Total membership: 13,991

Motion Pictures – The Cutting Edge of Technology From June 1946 National Council meeting minutes comes this tidbit: There was a general discussion of Fraternity Education programs for active chapters and alumnae groups. It was recommended that motion

1950-60 Initiated members: 1,995 Collegiate membership: 4,982 Collegiate chapters: 92 Alumnae chapters: 7 Alumnae clubs: 153 Total membership: 48,239

pictures be made of the Founders, of the MacDowell Colony, and a composite reel of national conventions be prepared, the pictures to be made available to active chapters and alumnae groups.

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THE TIMES WORLD WAR II AN EVOLVING RELATIONSHIP

Photo taken at the 29th National Convention in June 1953. September 1953 Lyre (Vol. 56, No. 1)

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WORLD WAR II

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here was no escaping the vast and inevitable impact World War II would have on college students in the United States and on fraternal organizations. National President Ruth Miller Winsor’s (Phi, University of Kansas) report in June 1942 laid bare the realities of wartime and its effects on Alpha Chi Omega: Deeply troubled as we were by the fateful conditions of the world when we parted company after our meeting at National Panhellenic Congress in November 1941, none of us had the least inking with what startling suddenness our lives would be changed as of December 7, 1941. All of our planning since then has been on a different scale, just as our thinking and planning during this meeting must be.

We know the value of fraternity. Our appreciation of Alpha Chi Omega and the friendships given us increase with each hour of work. Fraternity now has the chance to prove its lasting value for all time to come. In addition to Alpha Chi Omega’s practical ideals, based on the reasoning that the welfare and development of the individual are of utmost importance, we have directed our undergraduates toward the realization of their responsibility to society. Such responsibility, first to be shown in chapter and college loyalty and later in alumnae life, is evidenced in the usefulness of one’s citizenship. In this respect, we have conceivably gone ahead of modern educational methods which tend to focus the attention of the individual a bit too much upon the personal.

Small wonder then that many young people find it confusing when called upon with the suddenness of a thunderbolt to make serious personal sacrifices for the welfare of their nation and the world at large. It is a glowing tribute to the entire fraternity system to watch the unhesitating ease with which our members swing into action. We behold the sudden evolution from

carefree college folk into a nation of clear-eyed, grimly determined individuals intent upon doing their duty no matter what dislocation to personal lives—proof enough that the teachings of fraternity have taken root.

Each and every area of Fraternity operation was affected

by World War II. The 1943 National Convention was a “working convention,” and the 1945 National Convention was canceled, with delegates electing national officers by mail. Travel restrictions impacted volunteers’ ability to visit chapters, as passenger space was reserved for military personnel. Province gatherings were curtailed. Many alumnae volunteers were forced to resign their positions as their husbands went to war or as they enlisted in the military themselves (including two National Council officers). Food and gasoline were rationed.

From The History of Alpha Chi Omega One Hundred Years: As in the Depression years not so far distant, the inability to meet in convention with all its opportunities for interaction of the membership tested the ties that bound the sisterhood…Especially during the war years of her six-year tenure (National President) Power worked to keep the fraternity on an even keel. She would try, for example, to keep national officers in office in spite of their personal difficulties and even heartaches.

World War II and the College Campus National President Ruth Miller Winsor was forthright in her evaluation of conditions created by the war. In June 1942, she remarked, “In the years just ahead of us we may learn to do with substitutes for many things.

However, there is not now and never will be a substitute on the market for hard work. Each of us has assumed new duties and responsibilities in our home and community life, well aware that these must not allow our work for Alpha Chi Omega to suffer.”

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In her 1944 report to the membership, Winsor shared these observations: This second year of war has found us in a much better condition and far more able to meet the changes brought by the accelerated educational program than during the first year. There continued to be rapid and unexpected changes, uncertainty, and a groping for satisfactory methods of approach to new problems. However, the panic which gripped all campuses during the first year of war had subsided to a marked degree, thinking had become clarified, and adjustments could be made with more dispatch.

Campus schedules and budgets were in flux, however, with different school-term start times than usual, pledging and initiations taking place at varying times, and a more rapid turnover in membership as some undergraduates left school or transferred to other campuses, and some joined their fiancés at military bases and still others accepted jobs in the war industry.

During the war, some chapter houses fell into various states of disrepair since materials and repair workers were scarce.

And, of course, no new houses could be built. But chapters managed to get by and adapt, and morale seemed to remain high even as students’ lives were touched personally by worry and loss. As Winsor described, “Fortunately, youth adjusts readily, and for the most part the new order is now going ahead as a matter of course.”

Volunteerism ran high in collegiate chapters, with members supporting the Red Cross, selling war bonds, working in nursery schools and financially contributing to war causes.

With many male students away at war, Alpha Chi Omega undergraduate students took on campus leadership roles

that had typically been held by the male students. National President Gladys Drach Power (Nu, University of Colorado Boulder) noted that even after the return of the war veterans, “The women have kept some of their wartime prominence.

And they have kept it on an eminently satisfying basis—that of doing such good jobs that men are still willing to vote them into positions of responsibility.”

The war also opened the eyes of Fraternity leaders to a rapidly evolving world and compelled them to consider the possibilities it afforded organizations like Alpha Chi Omega. Following the war, Alpha Chi Omega’s leadership noted that despite the tumult the world had experienced, the Fraternity experience was still strong and valued.

In her 1949 report, Power summarized her hopes for Alpha Chi Omega’s future: The National President would like to express her belief in the future of Alpha Chi Omega, which she has had the privilege of serving for the past twelve years. She knows its strength, and believes that its destiny is to remain among the finest and the strongest. She believes it because she knows that destiny is what we make it—no more and no less—and that the loyalty of its members is enough to provide the necessary individual thought, individual initiative, an active public service. She believes it because she knows that destiny is not written in the stars, but in the minds and hearts of the membership and is hammered out by work, self sacrifice, courage, and the kind of practical faith that moves mountains.

World War II and our Alumnae Even before the United States entered the war, Alpha Chi Omega National Defense Chairman Polly White Houser

“In her entire defense plan, Alpha Chi Omega, one of the leaders in the fraternity world in meeting an issue vital to our common destiny, promises to accept the challenge of the times, to become literally a watchdog of democracy, so that we may have the God-given opportunity to improve that democracy.”

– National President Ruth Miller Winsor (Phi, University of Kansas), November 1941

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of the war zone by enacting a $2,000 bomb-shock relief program for children in England, the program to be administered by the British War Relief Society.

The success of the fundraising efforts for these children was then channeled into a new, more localized national war project: a nursery school for war workers’ children who were directly impacted by the effects of the war. Congress had passed the Lanham Act, which provided funds for nursery schools and thus addressed a growing need to provide day care for children whose fathers were serving in the war and whose mothers were now working in defense factories and other jobs.

Alpha Chi Omega was poised to join this cause and pointed out in a November 1942 Lyre article, “For what is the use of fighting the bloodiest battle in the world’s history on all foreign fronts so that our children may have a good tomorrow, if we fail on the home front to equip them for that world?”

(Alpha Psi, UCLA, who later affiliated with Epsilon, University of Southern California) urged members to recognize the need “in these years of international upheaval for fraternity women to meet the challenge of the times,” and alumnae chapters and clubs were urged to have a defense chairman in place to encourage the groups to support local defense needs and the Red Cross.

During the war, emphasis was placed more on relevant war activities than on increasing alumnae membership in organized Alpha Chi Omega chapters and clubs. As explained in The History of Alpha Chi Omega One Hundred Years, delegates to the 1941 National Convention sought out ways to look beyond the needs of the Fraternity: As those who had gathered little more than two decades before (and some perhaps for the second time now), the conventioneers turned their attention to wartime needs to which they might contribute. They chose to aid children

After conducting extensive research and wading through the corresponding red tape, Detroit, a war industry center and an area with a large number of active Alpha Chi Omegas, was chosen as the site for the nursery school to be sponsored by the Fraternity. Hortense Miller Adams (Theta, University of Michigan) was instrumental in the organization and execution of the nursery school, which was originally known as the Cass Community Center Nursery School and later as the Church of the Angel Nursery. Alpha Chi Omega funding went toward renovations of the facility, as well as equipment and supplies. The Fraternity also later opened three nursery schools in Milwaukee.

In addition to contributing to the Fraternity’s collective efforts to support the war, alumnae served as individuals, as well. Hundreds enlisted in the armed services. They aided their local Red Cross organizations. They worked in defense plans, hospitals and service organizations.

There are numerous stories and examples of individual Alpha Chi Omega alumnae who chose to serve. In fact, there were so many that it was impossible for their involvement in wartime efforts to be fully documented and communicated

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to other members. According to the January 1943 issue of The Lyre: Although we realize how keen is the interest of all Alpha Chi Omegas in reports and pictures of those in the WAVES, the WAAC, and the other services, it is impossible at this time to present a comprehensive picture…the officers assigned to new duties, and the recruits in training, have little time during the crowded hours of their day to write stories and to pose for pictures; the work for which they enlisted comes first, and we would not have it otherwise.

Just a few of the hundreds of Alpha Chi Omega alumnae who supported war efforts are as follows: • Elizabeth Budd (Epsilon, University of Southern California) was editor of The Lyre and a National Council officer when she joined the Navy in 1943.

• Corporal Germaine Laville (Beta Gamma, Louisiana State University) died in 1944 attempting to save the life of another female Marine when fire broke out at the training camp where she was teaching.

• Florence Kevins Murray (Lambda, Syracuse University) was a lieutenant colonel in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and later became a judge on the Rhode Island Superior Court.

• Nancy Wallace West (Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota) became president of Women’s Air Raid Defense (WARD) in Hawaii after losing her husband in the war.

•N ational President Ruth Miller Winsor (Phi, University of Kansas) volunteered with the Red Cross and completed nurse’s aide training.

“The past decade has been one of darkness, and the new one upon which we are entering brings hope and renewed opportunities. We are proud that Alpha Chi Omega has stood the test of the war years, that we have held to our faith and ideals, and that we have contributed through the efforts of our individual members, our active chapters, our alumnae, and the national organization.”

– National President Gladys Drach Power (Nu, University of Colorado Boulder), November 1945

• Roberta Sandoz Leveaux (Beta Zeta, Whitman College) served in the British Air Transport Auxiliary, transporting fighter planes and bombers.

•B ernice Phelps (Alpha, DePauw University) was supervisor of the Red Cross hospital service at a military and naval base in New Guinea.

Just After the War—A New Normal Peace brought many changes to college campuses. As war veterans returned to school, enrollments increased and housing overcrowding became acute. Many housing units formerly occupied by female students were now needed for men, and some campuses increased quotas for the women’s groups to shift housing from the universities to the Panhellenic chapters, leading to the need for remodeled or expanded chapter houses.

It was generally a period of growth for Alpha Chi Omega and the country following World War II, with larger pledge classes and new chapters, and campuses making enhancements to their physical plants. Enrollment decreased slightly, which had the positive effect of easing crowding in housing facilities.

From the January 1949 issue of The Lyre, an interesting take on the times from Transportation Manager Marguerite Graham (Omicron, Baker University): election is over, President Truman is about to be The inaugurated for another four years, Princess Elizabeth has presented the United Kingdom with a son, and now we can turn our thoughts to other things. Pleasant thoughts they are too, because June 1949, means Convention Time for Alpha Chis, and Convention Time means that your Transportation Manager is lining up the best possible trip, via Special Train, at the lowest possible figure.

As war came again in 1950, this time in Korea, National President Mildred Estabrook Scott (Pi, University of California, Berkeley) drew on the Fraternity’s experience in wartime issues: “Now, as before, we have gone through a certain war hysteria on our collegiate campuses brought about by draft calls, the imminence of universal military training, and enlistment in the services of our country…

Alpha Chi Omega maintained its stability before, and we will carry on in the present situation, ready to do our part.”

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Interesting Careers and Alumnae

From the April 1945 Lyre profile of alumnae in the field of journalism: Call them what you will—journalists, ladies of the press, “paper dolls”—women have established themselves in the profession of journalism, and many are there to stay, even after the return of thousands of men who have gone into the armed forces. Small weeklies and dailies have been taken over completely by women, and publication goes on. Newspaperwomen are capably filling positions as columnists, reporters, photographers; and they are stepping into staff vacancies heretofore considered pure masculine domain.

A Different Kind of Convention—1943 Due to wartime conditions, what was to be the 25th National Convention in July 1943 was titled instead “Business Meeting and Training School for National Officers.” Held in Chicago, a smaller number of members were registered, accommodations were far from plush and business was conducted in three short days. Still, according to The Lyre, attendees “returned home with the inspiration and the information that will enable them to lead Alpha Chi Omega through the next two years of uncertainty and adjustment.”

And while there were fewer social events at this convention and no Convention Transcript, special exhibits, postconvention tours or sports events (which were evidently a usual part of conventions at the time), sisterhood still prevailed. Founders Bertha Deniston Cunningham and Estelle Leonard attended, and Nellie Gamble Childe and Olive Burnett Clark sent greetings.

Traditional and meaningful elements of conventions were part of the program, including the Olympian Dinner, a lecture on the proper presentation of the Ritual, a model chapter meeting and the Reunion Dinner. Fittingly, the theme of one luncheon was patriotism and service.

Topics addressed during the business sessions included the effects of war on the membership and the organization’s finances, the adoption of the nursery school war project, reorganization of alumnae groups, and the role of alumnae in the rushing process. National President Ruth Miller Winsor explained, “The decision of the voting membership to hold a combined business meeting and training school will tend to strengthen Alpha Chi Omega.

It is expected that each of us will leave this meeting better equipped to meet the urgent problems which confront us.”

Special speakers at this convention included fraternity man and dean of students at the University of Tennessee, Dr. John L. Moseley, and Davis G. McCarn, counselor to women at Northwestern University. Dean Moseley reminded members that difficult times were not new to fraternities and sororities but that the groups must remain faithful to the “eternal, memorial, and intangible qualities of fraternity.” McCarn spoke to the issues facing college women during war times.

According to The Lyre, delegates “stuck to the business at hand until the last note of ‘Long Have I Cherished’ died away on banquet night,” but the lasting bond of sisterhood was still to be found. One collegiate delegate, after exclaiming about the inspirational national officers, the sisters ready to provide answers to any and all questions, and the work of the convention, summed up her convention experience by saying, “Even if I were a gifted writer, I don’t think that I’d be able to put down even half of what convention meant to me.”

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November 1942 Lyre (Vol. 46, No. 1)

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AN EVOLVING RELATIONSHIP

The UCLA campus in 1949

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n her message to the membership in November 1937, National President Minerva Osborn Donald (Pi, University of California, Berkeley) outlined the tenuous relationship between fraternal groups and university administrations with this description: Periodically, in the history of the world, certain

institutions have been assailed, particularly during periods of economic disturbance. During the last few decades the American colleges and universities have been criticized for not equipping the graduates adequately for careers of usefulness, for not having given, along with a degree, a philosophy of life that would make them valuable members of society, strong enough to withstand the vicissitudes of economic upheavals.

Donald went on to explain that both the National Interfraternity Conference and the National Panhellenic Congress (which became the National Panhellenic Conference in 1945) had taken these concerns seriously

and were working to address them and to strengthen relationships with college and university leaders. She acknowledged a “great need for better understanding between fraternity leaders,” recognizing the delicate balance between local campus decisions and customs and national intervention and supervision.

While seeing no need to justify the existence of fraternities and sororities, Donald acknowledged the importance of being mindful of a changing educational landscape. She also did not shirk from groups’ responsibility to determine their own futures, stating, “Any challenge to our way of meeting the situation comes from within, and with full knowledge of the need, the solution can be found. We shall not wait for destiny to provide the good life but shall make ourselves the agents of destiny to achieve that end.”

The National Council stated in 1945 that the extreme stress of the war years had brought even greater scrutiny

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“One of the criticisms of fraternities is that only a small proportion of students enjoy membership and share benefits. Is there justification for the idea if all cannot have a part, none should have the privilege? Because only a small percentage of high school students are able to continue with higher education, is that reason for discontinuing colleges and universities? If it is granted that there is any worth or value in the small friendly group, that it contributes anything at all to the right philosophy of living, then should it not be encouraged and fostered? Is a college doing its part in education unless it tries to arrange similar opportunities for all students that want or need it?”

– National President Minerva Osborn Donald (Pi, University of California, Berkeley), November 1937

to fraternities and sororities, but perhaps at the same time fostered even stronger support from Alpha Chi Omega alumnae.

At the 1949 National Convention, Deane W. Malott, chancellor of the University of Kansas, shared reasons why he was a proponent of fraternities and sororities: • The benefits of self-governing living • Organization-provided housing • Volunteer and alumnae advisory support • Source of campus leadership • Training ground for personal growth • Permanent campus home alumni could return to He also addressed a number of pressing challenges: • Chapter loyalty versus university loyalty • Concerns regarding membership selection • Being regarded as exclusive • A lack of openness with university administrators • Unnecessarily complex rules and regulations • Allowing small problems to become large issues when not addressed early enough In his closing remarks, Malott challenged the attendees, stating, “Sorority women have the stamina, the capacity, the background, the upbringing—all of the equipment for high leadership. They need exercise only the will to catalyze these qualities, the initiative to bring them into action. The challenge is there for those who will take it.

Who knows? It might be Alpha Chi Omega.”

Gladys Drach Power played a unique role in the Fraternity’s leadership, serving as National Panhellenic Conference delegate after having served as National President. She maintained that while anti-fraternity agitation was real, the fear that the groups would be abolished on campuses was likely unfounded.

Power said, “They are much too firmly entrenched in the educational system of this country, and most colleges are too dependent upon them for the housing of students, for group activities, for campus leadership, and for the stimulation of cultural and scholastic achievements.”

She expressed her support, saying, “We are making a valuable contribution to the lives of our students and to our colleges.”

The president of Willamette University, Dr. G. Herbert Smith, spoke at Alpha Chi Omega’s 1953 National Convention, sharing his perspective that attitudes toward fraternal groups by administrators ranged from ignoring the groups to tolerating them, to taking them for granted, to recognizing them as a major part of campus life. He also urged stronger communication between fraternity leaders and campus administrators. Smith said, “This is the ‘golden age’ of fraternities…A fraternity can contribute much to the college if it lives up to its own basic ideals.”

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“The present greatest need is for each alumna and undergraduate to keep informed as to the national aspects of the Fraternity, its policies and practices. Not only will this help to clarify any local situation, but the true picture of Alpha Chi Omega which will emerge from such a study will be a subject for pride and approbation. In a time of confused and divisive thinking, ignorance can be a fatal weakness. May the membership of our Fraternity avoid it.”

– National Panhellenic Conference Delegate Rosita Hopps Nordwall (Epsilon, University of Southern California), June 1954

After a series of unflattering articles about fraternity/sorority life were published in national magazines, this Lyre article called for members to encourage publicity of the positive aspects of the experience - or no publicity at all. April 1940 Lyre (Vol. 43, No. 4)

Additional issues began surfacing by the mid-1950s, and in 1956, Power described “anti-fraternity agitation” on the East Coast, based on charges of racial and religious discrimination by fraternities and sororities.

Alpha Chi Omega remained committed to its policies of non-discrimination while also standing firm on the organization’s Constitutional rights to select its members.

But the concept of fraternity would come under intense scrutiny and fierce criticism as social unrest grew in the country.

A June 1956 report by Rosita Hopps Nordwall (Epsilon, University of Southern California) in the Heraeum included a section titled “That Word ‘Discrimination,’” in which she described how this particular word had become “an area trapped with emotional atomic bombs and hard for even the most agile and wary minded to negotiate” and representative of a complicated issue with no simple answers or solutions. As NPC delegate, Nordwall asked that “thoughtful consideration be given to this discussion and that every effort be made to fully understand fully the implications of some of the seemingly ‘easy’ solutions of this difficult problem.”

This was but the beginning of a long period of unrest and questioning, and, as Nordwall said without being overly dramatic, “The battle lines of the ‘60s were being drawn.”

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THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION DOLLARS AND CENTS LIFELINE TO OUR MEMBERS - THE LYRE CENTRAL OFFICE ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S ROLE IN THE NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE

Olive Burnett Clark (seated left) hosted the Beta Beta (Indianapolis, Indiana) alumnae chapter around Founders’ Day. Playing the piano with her is Estelle Leonard, joined in song by Alpha Chi (Butler University) chapter pledges Patricia Lyons Pointer (left) and Beverly Brantner Price. Photo by George Tilford for Indianapolis News, reprinted in the December 1951 Lyre (Vol. 55, No. 2)

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lpha Chi Omega entered this era in its development with a strong financial foothold. According to National President Minerva Osborn Donald in her 1938 report to the membership, “From a reliable source has come the information that Alpha Chi Omega is probably the only fraternity that does not receive into the National Treasury some amount from each initiation fee.” Instead, a pledge fee and per capita dues served as the Fraternity’s main sources of income at the time. The organization worked diligently to keep overhead and travel expenses in line so that as much money as possible could be spent to support collegiate chapters.

At the collegiate chapter level, strengthening finances became an ongoing focus and goal, with increased emphasis placed on the value of alumnae as financial advisors to chapters. The December 1958 issue of The Lyre even included an article titled “Wanted—Your Financial Problems” with an offer of assistance from National Treasurer Marian McKee Smith (Alpha Nu, University of Missouri), who was described in the article as Alpha Chi’s “Dear Abby” of chapter finances. Headings in the article reflected the ups and downs of managing chapter finances and included “Always A Solution” and “Are You Misunderstood?”

At the national level, the 1941 National Convention delegates approved a constitutional change to centralize all

Fraternity funds and hire a paid central office staff member who would be responsible for the Fraternity’s accounting and bookkeeping.

National President Ruth Miller Winsor described the need for this shift, explaining, “At a time when the financial structures of the world are tottering about us we must exert every effort to guard our funds and to plan wisely that they may grow in the future. It is with a thrill of pride that we pass on to you the praise of Alpha Chi Omega’s internal organization given by one of the financial experts consulted last summer. He called it a ‘beautiful working set-up, proper distribution of personnel, in fact everything to the good, and your problem is a relatively simple one.’”

As national treasurer from 1937-43, Gladys Drach Power (who would become National President in 1943) took on what she considered to be her most impactful work for the Fraternity: centralizing the organization’s funds under a new structure designed to provide greater security and a stronger financial basis going forward. New bookkeeping systems were implemented, and a full-time accountant was hired for central office. A new investment fund, the General Treasury Reserve Fund, was established, and a new plan for the payment of life alumnae dues to be paid at the time of initiation was created.

In theory, alumnae were also to pay per capita dues, but records indicate that most were not doing so. In fall 1950, the Fraternity communicated with all alumnae, encouraging them to pay the national life alumnae dues, and the results were positive. As National Treasurer Ruth Tewinkel Suppes (Rho, University of Washington) noted, “Activities in the field of National Life Alumnae Dues have proven to the National Treasurer that most alumnae pay willingly, when they understand exactly what these dues are and how they are used.”

National Treasurer Marian Smith (right) and Accountant Elinor Howe reviewing accounts at the central office. December 1958 Lyre (Vol. 62, No. 2)

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LIFELINE TO OUR MEMBERS - THE LYRE

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ational Editor Elizabeth Budd (Epsilon, University of Southern California) described the role of The Lyre in her 1941 Heraeum report, emphasizing its importance “since the objective of any fraternity magazine is to place before the membership of the fraternity as well as the fraternity world in general the undertakings, interests, accomplishments, and matters vital to the organization.”

Alpha Chi Omega continued to value the importance of this outreach and educational tool, but World War II impacted The Lyre just as it touched all aspects of the Fraternity. In November 1942, Budd, after lending her editorial and writing talents to 21 issues of the magazine, enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the War Department in Washington, D.C. She bid farewell to Lyre readers, saying, “During the busy days that are ahead my thoughts and good wishes shall be with Alpha Chi Omega. Even though my first duty now is to the Navy, my loyalty and devotion to Alpha Chi Omega are constant and unchanging.”

Paper shortages and a resulting sharp increase in paper costs meant fewer pages in the magazine and led to some disappointed members whose submissions weren’t able to be included due to space limitations.

Still, according to National Editor Ina G. Bonney (Phi, University of Kansas) in her 1943 report, “In spite of this limitation, The Lyre still carries a more voluminous chapter letter section than magazines of other NPC groups.” But these years, even those directly following the end of the war, would still challenge and vex the editors. Number of pages, budget, available paper weights, how to include as many submissions as possible, how to best communicate with the growing membership base—it was a seemingly unending series of questions.

Content Through the Years The January 1935 issue of The Lyre featured: • More than 20 pages devoted to the topic of “Hobbies” • Poems by Alpha Chis • “A Famous Alpha Chi on Lecture Tour” (Dorothy Thompson, Lambda, Syracuse University) The March 1960 issue of The Lyre featured: • A preview of the Diamond Jubilee Convention • Our third chapter in Wisconsin (Delta Lambda, Ripon College) • A report on collegiate chapter activities with exchange students and other international programs Change of address request from April 1940 Lyre (Vol. 43, No. 3) and table of contents from January 1935 Lyre (Vol. 38, No. 2)

ACW History • 21 • Volume 3

LIFELINE TO OUR MEMBERS - THE LYRE

Ads run in the Lyre for printed copies of The Symphony and for L.G. Balfour Company, the official jeweler of Alpha Chi Omega. January 1939 Lyre (Vol. 42, No. 2)

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LIFELINE TO OUR MEMBERS - THE LYRE

Always known to be a vital communication link for members, The Lyre was professionalized even more with a 1951 National Convention decision to set up a department of publications in central office, with journalist Ann Hall (Alpha Chi, Butler University) being named the director shortly thereafter. Hall proudly reported in June 1956 that every collegiate chapter, including three newly chartered chapters, had contributed to the quarterly magazine. Not surprisingly, the most common refrains in her annual reports to the membership in the Heraeum were “More Pages Needed” and “Space at a Premium.”

From the 1956 Heraeum: The LYRE staff and the Banta Company were quite proud of the magazine’s December cover, obtained from a color negative made the year before of the doorway and Christmas tree of Central Office. After a little research had confirmed what we already suspected, that the LYRE’s budget could not survive the expense of a four-color cover, Banta tried out a new process (at least new for any sorority magazine) combining red and green in such a way that the appearance comes close to a four-color effect.

Although the process can only be effective on pictures with a certain color scheme, and although it cannot be used on pictures with people in them, it offers possibilities for other attractive covers, now and then, at not much extra expense. We got a special rate on this one, under the heading of “experimentation.”

From The Lyre, November 1947: The editor is often asked

the question, “What is the procedure for sending photographs for the LYRE?” Send them, by all means; the illustrations add immeasurably to the interest of the magazine. Good glossy prints are always desired; papier-mâché matrices cannot be used. The photographs should be fully identified, with complete names and chapters. Type the copy. Mail the photographs flat, with plenty of cardboard to prevent bending. Do not ask the photographs be returned; it is impossible to return all, and few are worth returning after the engraver trims and mounts them.

The Symphony In June 1956, the National Council voted “that the National President be authorized to investigate the matter of having the Alpha Chi Omega My Symphony copyrighted.” And in April 1957, the National Council voted “that, in order to secure a copyright for the Fraternity Creed, My Symphony, the title be changed to read, The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega.”

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Scenes of the headquarters office building. September 1961 Lyre (Vol. 65, No. 1)

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CENTRAL OFFICE

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hrough her role as national secretary, Mildred Blacklidge (Alpha, DePauw University, who later affiliated with Kappa, University of Wisconsin – Madison) oversaw the central office’s operations through much of the 1930s. According to an article in the November 1935 issue of The Lyre: The phenomenal upbuilding of the work of Central Office is a credit to the insight and awareness of possibilities which Mildred keenly portrays. The promptness with which all fraternity members are dispatched by her and the expert manner in which she handles the important position of Business Manager of the LYRE both tell of exacting devotion and business perfection.

Hannah Keenan (Alpha, DePauw University) served as an assistant to Blacklidge, and they worked together as the office moved into the Chamber of Commerce Building in Indianapolis. In October 1937, Hannah Keenan began her long, devoted tenure as director of the central office. The daughter of Founder Bessie Grooms Keenan, she made her own lasting impact on the Fraternity, serving in this role until 1966 and establishing herself as an Alpha Chi Omega “encyclopedia.”

Organization of the Organization While Alpha Chi Omega did not seek change for the sake of change, there were numerous opportunities to revisit and rethink how the organization was structured and managed. Titles changed, provinces were reassigned and redistributed, and consultants were brought in to advise the Fraternity as Alpha Chi Omega grew and campus conditions evolved.

Constitutional changes were adopted, as well, that would shape the future of the organization. Some noteworthy examples: 1937: The national secretary would no longer be a paid officer, and the director of central office position was established.

1951: The position of national editor was removed from the National Council, and a department of publications at central office was established with a full-time director.

1953: The National Panhellenic Conference delegate was made a voting member of the National Council.

A September 1954 Lyre article marking Keenan’s 25th year as director of central office explained: Today “Miss Keenan” is “National” personified to 78 collegiate chapters and thousands of alumnae. Central Office, occupying spacious quarters on the tenth floor of the building, includes all membership files, chapter records and mailing lists, supplies, and equipment.

Fraternity accounting is done here, and mimeographing of letters, bulletins, and reports.…Miss Keenan is the efficient director of this business center, assisted by Miss Elinor Howe, accountant; two full-time and two parttime office workers.

commented, “We can set up a central office too, but we have no Hannah Keenan to put into it.”

Keenan was a rare gift to Alpha Chi Omega. According to a November 1943 Lyre article, another Panhellenic group

A stronger financial structure was put in place with the hiring of a full-time accountant at the central office, a

1960: The National Council retained the management consulting firm Booz, Allen and Hamilton to assess the Fraternity’s operations. This led the way for an enlarged National Council, an increase in central office staff, and a shift in corresponding roles and responsibilities.

ACW History • 25 • Volume 3

CENTRAL OFFICE

Traveling Secretaries—The First Paid Chapter Consultants Chapter consultant, resident consultant, collegiate field consultant, national collegiate field consultant—it’s an Alpha Chi Omega position that’s been known by many names (and acronyms) over the years. And while in 2019 15 women are lending their leadership skills and expertise to this role, it all started in 1955 with one alumna, Charlene Moore Simpson (Chi, Oregon State University), when the National Council created the traveling secretary position, noted as “full-time fraternity work!” in The Lyre.

Hannah Keenan

position first held by Vivian McCarty May (Alpha Mu, Indiana University) and then by Elinor Howe (Alpha, DePauw University), who said, “I came as temporary help and stayed 30 years.”

In 1951 a department of publications was established in the central office. Also that year, National President Mildred Estabrook Scott, stated, “To Hannah Keenan, our director of central office, and her staff, we owe a large debt of gratitude for so willingly and ably complying with the many requests made by the members of National Council and all other officers of the Fraternity.”

In 1960, the Fraternity purchased its first headquarters building, a former residence at 3445 Washington Boulevard in Indianapolis, which would house the central office until 1974.

From The Lyre, January 1947: “Visitors to Central Office always receive a warm welcome; the staff is never too busy to stop and explain for a visitor just how the wheels are turned.”

In her Report to the Membership in June 1956, Keenan said: “A fraternity office is unique in that the management usually remains the same year after year while the officers of the fraternity change rather frequently.”

What qualities were required for a traveling secretary?

According to National Collegiate Vice President Burnette Grimes Jones (Omega, Washington State University), “A successful applicant must have shown leadership on her own campus, rank high scholastically, have a good record of chapter responsibility, have been well liked in her chapter, be recommended by the dean of women, chapter adviser, province president, and chapter president.”

Early traveling secretaries sometimes spent as long as four to six weeks at one chapter. Simpson traveled all across the country by train, taking advantage of travel time to complete her chapter reports on a portable typewriter.

Faythe Luther Vorderstrasse (Alpha Rho, University of Idaho, who later affiliated with Chi, Oregon State University) visited more than half of the collegiate chapters during her two years as a traveling secretary. She chronicled the “life of a traveling secretary” for The Lyre in 1959 and described life on the road: “The

most stimulating thing about this job is its lack of routine. When traveling my time is my own. This means no ‘quitting time’ schedule, but work and fun are often mixed throughout the day and evening. A great deal of chapter business can be accomplished over a cup of coffee, and your traveling secretary drinks lots of coffee! One of the greatest satisfactions of a chapter visit is being able to leave feeling that one has made a new group of friends. A return visit, to many groups, is almost like going ‘home.’”

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June 1937 Lyre (Vol. 40. No. 4)

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S ROLE IN THE NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE

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eatrice Herron Brown (Alpha, DePauw University), Alpha Chi Omega’s delegate to the National Panhellenic Congress (changed in 1945 to National Panhellenic Conference) from 1925-45, described the 1936 meeting of the Congress as “marked by sincere friendliness, complete cooperation, and earnest, progressive thinking and action.” She reported in 1938 that one topic of interest to the Congress was “protection of fraternity insignia and unauthorized, and not always authentic, publicity.” She further remarked, “As one looks back over the years, we do see progress. May the future relationships hold even more ‘abundant life’ for all fraternities!”

As the April 1938 issue of The Lyre related, the NPC groups are “so closely interrelated in aims and responsibilities that disaster to one is immediately reflected in the affairs of the others. The prosperity of each therefore becomes the concern of all.”

Past National President Gladys Drach Power served as NPC delegate from 1950-53, and for the first time, the NPC delegate served as a member of the National Council.

Power served for several years as chairman of the NPC Committee on College Panhellenics and was a consultant to the NPC Executive Committee and to the NPC joint committee with the National Association of Deans of Women on college Panhellenic affairs.

While serving as NPC delegate, Power noted, “There is not only a need for co-operation, but there is also an interdependence of groups that demands understanding, if the fraternity system is to progress and continue to be a force in the educational world. At the present time, statistics prove that the majority of college students are members of one of the so-called social fraternities, and the system is continuing to grow rapidly through the broadest extension program in its history. Yet the changes in the educational

system are also setting up currents of change within the minds of the students and college administrators, and hence in the fraternity system itself.”

Because leadership of NPC rotated among the member groups, the opportunity to guide the conference was a special, unique opportunity for Alpha Chi Omega— and it required the same type of representative. In 1957, National President Ruth Tewinkel Suppes (Rho, University of Washington) reminded the membership of Rosita Hopps Nordwall’s unique talents, saying, “May Alpha Chi Omegas everywhere recognize an added responsibility for high-minded, ethical Panhellenic relationships, during the coming two years when we are so privileged to show our fair and honest standards at this high administrative level.

Probably no one in the Fraternity would be better fitted to bring the Panhellenic world fair decisions, clear thinking, and leadership capabilities than is our Mrs. Nordwall.”

Nordwall served as NPC treasurer from 1953-55, secretary from 1955-57 and chairman from 1957-59. As NPC delegate, she found a rapidly growing fraternity system, noting, “We cannot deny that the various pressures brought to bear on the fraternity system may produce some changes in the years to come, but such growth hardly bears those prophets of doom who foresee the ending of the system.”

Upon taking on the role of NPC chairman, Nordwall said, “In a very real sense it is Alpha Chi Omega who will be chairman of NPC and not an individual. Therefore, may we refer again to the need for informed and responsible citizens. Whether we serve as collegiate or alumnae delegates to Panhellenic or just participate in general Panhellenic membership, the standards of Alpha Chi Omega find expression through us, and in this transitional and highly critical period of history the course we take can be decisive.”

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S ROLE IN THE NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE

Issues of freedom of association, membership selection, and the inherent value and role of the fraternal experience were all raised during the late 1950s. The conference passed a Statement of Rights and Declaration for Freedom, which stated: WHEREAS, Each National Panhellenic Conference fraternity is a self-constituted voluntary association administered through democratic action at regular national conventions in order to perpetuate personal friendships and to serve college institutions and their women students effectively; and, WHEREAS, The NPC recognizes that there exists a reciprocal responsibility between national organizations and local chapters, whose charter legalizing its name and functions has been granted in good faith by the national fraternity to the chapter as custodian of the founding principles and purposes of the national fraternity;

RESOLVED, NPC affirms that a continuing spirit of mutual respect and appreciation, co-operation, loyalty and expression of ideals form the basis of success for each fraternity as a whole; further

RESOLVED, NPC urges each member organization to emphasize this important relationship of trust and understanding of common purpose.

Other issues with which NPC grappled during Nordwall’s term as chair included the role of college Panhellenics (and their association with the universities and lack of interaction with NPC), expansion (and the fact that not all of the NPC groups were successful in this endeavor), the influx of new chapters on campuses that had previously been teachers’ colleges, and increasingly complex rushing procedures.

As the decade closed and the 1960s began, Nordwall’s report to the membership brought into sharp focus the issues facing fraternities and sororities, stating, “Legislation and edicts regarding discrimination on the basis of race or religion continue unabated.”

Rosita Hopps Nordwall, Panhellenic delegate for Alpha Chi Omega at the time of this picture in 1957.

Zeta (New England Conservatory) The Zeta chapter at the prestigious New England Conservatory in Boston was established as Alpha Chi Omega’s sixth chapter. As described in The History of Alpha Chi Omega One Hundred Years, “The event came at an exciting time in the history of women; the installation of this appropriately music-minded chapter in 1895 occurred on the threshold of the twentieth century, when young women were gaining a refreshing awareness of their potential for personal fulfillment—many who then enjoyed the challenges and achievements of the educational process would be leaders in the celebration of feminism in the decades to come.”

But as the fraternal system grew and evolved, Alpha Chi Omega and fellow members of the National Panhellenic Conference worked together to standardize the requirements for established chapters. One ruling required that undergraduate chapters be part of four-year institutions, and the conservatory was not such an institution. Since the conservatory did not meet the National Panhellenic Conference requirement of offering a full academic degree,

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ALPHA CHI OMEGA’S ROLE IN THE NATIONAL PANHELLENIC CONFERENCE

the Fraternity had to make the difficult decision to close the Zeta chapter as of June 1950.

According to the Heraeum, “This action was taken with sincere regret. Deep appreciation is expressed to the officers and alumnae who so wisely guided this chapter to a close, devoid of any bitterness and with a complete understanding that both actives and alumnae will always remain loyal members of Alpha Chi Omega.”

While the revocation of Zeta’s charter indicated Alpha Chi Omega’s commitment to the spirit of interfraternal cooperation, it was a difficult decision, and especially sad.

After all, it had been based at an institution reflecting the Fraternity’s musical roots, and many notable and outstanding members were Zeta alumnae, including Marian Nevins MacDowell, wife of composer Edward MacDowell and founder of the MacDowell Colony, and two National Presidents, Evangeline Bridge Stevenson and Gladys Livingston Graff, along with many other national and province officers.

The History of Alpha Chi Omega: 1885-1985

“Think what it would do if the student culture accepted the idea that the end result of education is a greater knowledge of our cultural heritage, more highly cultivated tastes and interests, greater mental flexibility, greater understanding toward others. If the fraternities could help their members to have more insight into themselves, more awareness of inner life, to be more independent, more self confident and realistic…they could transform a college campus and perform high service to high values indeed.”

– Rosita Hopps Nordwall (Epsilon, University of Southern California), September 1957

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COLLEGIATE MEMBERSHIP AND GROWTH OUR NEWEST MEMBERS GROWING OUR CHAPTER ROLL CHAPTER OPERATIONS RECRUITING OUR MEMBERS HOUSING AND THE UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE

1943 Alpha Gamma chapter pledge class

OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

The Beta Chi pledge class of 1944. November 1944 Lyre (Vol. 48, No. 1)

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he assimilation of new members (known as pledges until the mid-1990s), has been, as all members can attest, one of the organization’s most vital and complex functions. In 1937, National President Minerva Osborn Donald shared her own unique perspective on the matter with the membership: Honesty compels me to admit that Alpha Chi Omega chapters have not yet reached the Utopian state. A few are blessed with serene existence but too few realize the necessity for greater unselfishness of purpose—for individual effort that gives each member the individual impetus to new growth. Even though some effort has been made in the assimilation and training of newly pledged members, we still fall far short of perfection. It is the sincere wish of the Council that we may formulate the promotion

of a wiser plan of orientation, a more understanding recognition of aptitudes and interests in new members, a more thoughtful program for the development of the individual. There is still need for thought of the duties and responsibilities of alumnae advisers.

A valid concern among Greek groups at this time was that they were not initiating enough of their pledges. At this time, approximately 60% of pledges were being initiated. In 1938, Western Counsellor (and future National President) Ruth Miller Winsor pointed out, “We need to find out why we fail to initiate such a large percentage of our pledges and we must question all phases of fraternity life in relation to this. Is it poor rushing, poor recommendations, poor adjustment to college and chapter life?”

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OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

Ongoing efforts to recruit members who would succeed academically in college impacted the area of pledge guidance and retention. This was vitally important, since in the 1950s the average annual turnover in a chapter could be as high as 50%.

Collegiate Chapters Interesting Statistics from the 1942 Heraeum: Forty-three

chapters have radios, 38 have phonographs, Xi chapter at Lincoln, Nebraska, has a machine owned by the Bell Telephone Company, and they call in for requests. Forty-four report theater and concert facilities, and 37 have art collections in their cities.

Bjorg Tromborg, Alpha chapter pledge from Oslo, Norway. March 1951 Lyre (Vol. 54, No. 3)

In 1958, the Fraternity implemented a minimum scholastic requirement for pledging to ensure that academically qualified students were being pledged, and it also required study hours to maximize pledges’ scholastic achievement and, in turn, improve initiation rates. Alumnae advisors providing increased assistance with the support of pledges was credited with improving the Alpha Chi Omega experience for the newest members, as well.

As chapter sizes grew and students’ academic and social schedules became fuller, Alpha Chi Omega placed a newfound focus on this function of chapter life. Ensuring that members would succeed academically was a high priority, and in 1956, the National Council recommended that a pledge who did not attain the chapter’s scholastic requirement for two semesters, or the equivalent, be denied renewal of her pledge. Determining how best to support pledges as they made their way as college students – along with ensuring strong academic achievement of chapters – would be an issue requiring ongoing assessment and development.

Of the 44 chapters, 33 were strong in activities, 7 were average, and 4 were weak. All of the four that are weak have a requirement, and enforce it by charts, check-ups, and initiation requirements.

Three have no limit on the number of activities, and the fourth is limited by the point system of the college.

Thirty-four chapters have their own libraries. One

other chapter was starting one, and still another hoped to soon. One chapter has the excellent idea of having each senior present a book to their library. In this way their library facilities are being constantly increased. Almost all of the chapters received one or more magazines a month, and several belong to a Book-of-the-Month Club.

The results appeared to be positive, and two years later, National President Burnette Grimes Jones reported that the increased emphasis on scholarship had led to higher initiation rates and a more committed collegiate membership.

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GROWING OUR CHAPTER ROLL

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s the Fraternity moved into the mid-1930s, Extension Chairman Mildred Blacklidge noted: “There is no subject more discussed in fraternity circles than expansion. Expansion has a close connection with the vitality of the fraternity itself.” The following year, Extension Chairman Dorothy Brown Reitz (Beta Delta, College of William & Mary) described the situation from her perspective: Expansion holds the interest of all fraternity members possibly more so today than ever before. The fast changing social order in which we are living will reflect its trends in all universities and colleges. Fraternity fields desirable for expansion are in many cases already overcrowded and over organized. In many other desirable schools their respective administrations are definitely opposed to their local organizations becoming affiliated with national ones, or the locals are not yet ready for nationalization.

There are, however, requests from petitioning groups which must be rejected because they do not meet with the extension policies of Alpha Chi Omega.

It is necessary in the future for the chairman of extension to watch very closely the new fields in colleges open for expansion, particularly state supported schools and state teachers colleges which are fast becoming liberal arts colleges.

Following the conclusion of World War II, college enrollment was high and, accordingly, so was chapter growth. Alpha Chi Omega practiced what the organization described as “extension with restraint,” understanding that new chapters required a strong foundation and a tremendous amount of nurturing.

Extension Chairman Agnes Thumser Rutledge (Alpha Nu, University of Missouri) described the evolving methods of selecting groups to come onto a particular campus, as well as the expectations of the administrators: In some cases they choose a group or groups which they will permit to come. Their method of doing this is to require a written petition which must be accepted by the Student Life Committee or some similar organization. In some instances they have gone so far as to invite groups to establish chapters on the campus providing that the invited group will comply with certain requirements, usually regarding housing and co-organizers. There is one other factor which plays a most important part is the attitude of the faculty toward a petitioning group. That is the strength and interest of local alumnae.

In 1942, National President Ruth Miller Winsor reported that even during difficult war-time conditions, which were marked by decreasing enrollment, budgetary constraints and transportation issues, Alpha Chi Omega was growing: “Our extension plans succeeded beyond our wildest expectations. In a year when most fraternity groups were retrenching, Alpha Chi Omega has installed two new chapters in schools of the highest possible standing.”

Beta Upsilon chapter members from April 1942 Lyre (Vol. 45, No. 3)

ACW History • 34 • Volume 3

June 1960 Lyre (Vol. 63, No. 4)

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June 1960 Lyre (Vol. 63, No. 4)

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GROWING OUR CHAPTER ROLL

In 1948, National President Gladys Drach Power noted in her address to the membership that, “Extension of fraternities continued at a surprising rate, with chapters being established in many schools never before open to national fraternities.” Generally, the pace of extension slowed in the early 1950s, due in part to decreased enrollment of women in colleges in the United States and Canada and corresponding limits on chapter sizes and the number of NPC groups on campuses. Still, colleges and universities needed fraternities and sororities to help provide housing for students, and the idea of living in a sorority house was gaining appeal among young women.

Extension was a complex issue, with a number of factors to be considered. Many local sororities were seeking national affiliation, but, according to the 1935 report of Power when she was National Panhellenic Conference delegate, the conversion from local sorority to chapter of national organization did not always go smoothly: “A lack of welldefined policies and a misunderstanding of approved procedures on both old and new campuses have brought many such problems. Part of this is due to the opening of the former A.E.S. Conference campuses (Teachers Colleges) and a difference in the procedures ordinarily followed by that organization and by the National Panhellenic Conference.”

The work of National Secretary Bernice Abbott Cope (Alpha Chi, Butler University) in evaluating options for extension was described by National President Ruth Tewinkel Suppes in 1954 as “thorough, painstaking and intelligent” during a period Cope referred to as “phenomenal in its intensity and broadness.”

And the process was indeed changing. According to Cope’s 1957 Heraeum report, “The past procedure of silently waiting until a group petitioned a national fraternity for

affiliation is nearly reversed now. Officers of national women’s fraternities visit campuses as soon as permission for the visit is authorized by the administration of the college—and it has been rumored that over-enthusiasm has taken some officers to campuses even before that date.

Alpha Chi Omega has maintained the ethical procedure of completely co-operating with the administrative officers of every college or university whether or not the Fraternity might be interested in establishing a chapter.”

“Expansion holds the interest of all fraternity members possibly more so today than ever before.

The fast changing social order in which we are living will reflect its trends in all universities and colleges.”

– Extension Chairman Dorothy Brown Reitz (Beta Delta, College of William & Mary)

Although relationships between national organizations and campuses were increasingly intricate by the late 1950s, with pressures and questions being raised about membership selection processes, extension continued at a strong rate.

Increasing enrollment and the desire of long-established local groups to seek national affiliation also meant more opportunities to add to the Alpha Chi Omega chapter roll. When making extension decisions, Alpha Chi Omega focused on a number of factors, including the need for another group on campus, the administration’s attitude toward fraternities and sororities, a favorable housing situation and local alumnae support. The era finished out with NPC Chair Rosita Hopps Nordwall noting that the 1950s had been a strong decade for expansion of women’s fraternities in general, with one chapter being installed every 10 days for the past 10 years.

ACW History • 37 • Volume 3

Psi (University of Oklahoma) chapter members Dorothy Simpson (left) and Dorothy Savage Hammert performing in a university event. September 1949 Lyre (Vol. 53, No. 1)

ACW History • 38 • Volume 3

CHAPTER OPERATIONS

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hen it came to undergraduate chapter operations, National Counsellor Ruth Miller Winsor found a great deal about which to be optimistic in 1937, reporting: “My heart lifts with high hope for the future progress and prosperity of Alpha Chi Omega. There is renewed optimism and a great eagerness among our active girls to make Alpha Chi Omega a living and vital force in universities and colleges where we are represented.”

Then, as the growing possibility of war loomed over the country, Western National Counsellor Agnes Thumser Rutledge shared this observation in 1939: In these trying times the necessity of training for citizenship and leadership in a democracy is glaringly important to everyone…The chapters of Alpha Chi Omega have not reached the Utopian state, but with the undergraduates striving for individual growth and harmonious group living, and with the continued guidance of these chapters by the alumnae advisers, the province presidents, and the Council, the future is bright and challenging.

Scholarship The war years found uneven scholastic achievement by undergraduate members. While fewer opportunities for social activities may have offered more time for study, some felt that the aura of looming uncertainty had a negative impact on academic motivation.

In an article in the April 1945 issue of The Lyre (interestingly titled “Has Your Scholarship Gone to War?”), Chairman of Academic Standards Margaret Weldon Olson (Chi, Oregon State University) implored chapters to remember that, “It is only through a high level of mental ability that we as a nation shall be able to occupy and retain the high place in the family of nations which we all know we rightly deserve.” She also pointed out that, “rather than explaining a period of low scholarship in the house by saying that it was during the war,

you can point with pride to an outstanding record and say, ‘Yes, that record and all our war activities, too.’”

After the war, however, scholarship trended upward. A number of factors contributed to this: campuses now did not allow students with poor grades to remain in school, more emphasis was placed on prospective members’ grades before pledging, and alumnae advisors were placing greater emphasis on scholarship with chapters.

In the 1955 Heraeum, National Collegiate Vice President Burnette Grimes Jones proudly reported 48 Phi Beta Kappa members and 91 Mortar Board members. She, along with the entire national organization, implored chapters to carefully select qualified members and to continue to support the members’ academic endeavors.

Jones said this of the renewed emphasis on scholarship: acceptance of this program by our chapters has been The very interesting. Some resented it bitterly, many found that it followed closely the programs they had already set up on a local basis, and the majority were very pleased that the Fraternity had taken this forward step to demand the highest quality of her membership.

More detailed scholastic policies and greater guidance— including a new National Scholarship Program introduced in 1957—also contributed to more academic success for undergraduate chapters.

Campus Leadership Fraternity leaders urged undergraduate members to actively participate in campus activities and organizations outside of Alpha Chi Omega. As National Counsellor Ruth Miller Winsor explained in 1938, “It seems fair and just that Alpha Chi Omega continue to point out the value of scholastic achievement and the necessity for real participation in the life of the campus.”

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CHAPTER OPERATIONS

“Today, the average college student is a mature acting, direct thinking individual who realizes the value and necessity of a well rounded education as a background for intelligent acceptance of citizenship and its responsibilities. It is understood that correct scholarship attitudes, participation in extracurricular activities, as well as social contacts, are recognized factors in personal development. But no more so than the ability to live successfully with others, to assume and carry out responsibility, and to co-operate with a group, which is the basis of fraternity living.”

– Noted by the national counsellors, The Lyre, January 1949

50 Years at Northwestern The April 1941 issue of The Lyre shared news of the golden anniversary celebration of Gamma chapter at Northwestern University—a formal banquet held at the Orrington Hotel in Evanston, Illinois, with two of the seven founding chapter members among the 250 in attendance and featuring entertainment by the “Gamma octet.”

In 1940, Western National Counsellor Agnes Thumser Rutledge described the leadership roles being taken on by undergraduate members, who were making their mark as presidents of women’s student government associations, Mortar Board members, varsity debaters and editors of school publications.

“In these trying times the necessity of training for citizenship and leadership in a democracy is glaringly important to everyone. Alpha Chi Omega is stressing this type of training through the education of its chapter officers and through the participation of its members in the worthwhile campus organizations.”

Alpha Chis at the Associated Women Students’ Western Regional Conference.

September 1956 Lyre (Vol. 60, No. 1)

National Collegiate Vice President Burnette Grimes Jones remarked in 1957, “Alpha Chi Omega rightfully is making many fine contributions to the college community in its unselfish achievements. Even with their busy extracurricular life, many chapters still find time to give service through altruistic projects co-operating with alumnae in many of them.”

State Days and Province Meetings Known through the years as province conventions, province meetings, state days or district days, these gatherings of undergraduate and alumnae members were popular events, with full agendas and lively “talk fests.” Topics covered a wide range of programming areas: pledge guidance, scholarship, finances, membership selection and gracious living. Although the gatherings had to be canceled for the year 1943-44 due to the war and emergency measures in place, the events soon returned, and, although their popularity ebbed and flowed during the era, they were seen as an important part of Fraternity growth and education.

In the September 1950 issue of The Lyre, National Vice President Vera Arnold Willis (Mu, Simpson College) remarked on the success of state days, saying, “Whatever the program or wherever the location, one spirit dominated all. Friendliness, the very soul of fraternity, was in high place at each state day…It brought understanding and patience to the college girls for the foibles of alumnae, and gave to alumnae tolerance for the whims of youth. Friendliness is the keynote and the essential at state days.”

At their height in the early 1950s, state days were held in as many as 30 states, with some 3,000 members attending in a single year.

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RECRUITING OUR MEMBERS

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lpha Chi Omega, its leaders and its members have long understood the special challenges and rewards associated with selecting new members. In 1937, National President Minerva Osborn Donald made a point that seems like a “tale as old as time,” saying: “Preliminary planning, advance recommendations, and a sane state of mind even during the very busy days of entertainment and selection, these will make of such an experience a valuable bit of character development.”

As the rushing process became more formalized over the years, Donald also noted that chapters were in need of greater guidance and support in the selection of members. She pointed out that undergraduate members who had “never before been required to choose and judge their companions are faced with the need of evaluation, not for their personal desires alone but for something bigger than themselves—the good of the group.”

Emphasis in membership selection continued to move toward a prospective member’s academic achievements, leadership skills and commitment to the Alpha Chi Omega experience. Competition for members became keener as the number of Panhellenic groups on campuses increased, requiring chapters to “up their game” and to better plan and execute their recruitment efforts.

The issue of determining optimal chapter sizes and the National Panhellenic Congress’ role in the process began to take shape. The system of setting quotas for the number of pledges a chapter could take was considered at the time to be in the experimental stages. One version of chapter quotas in the mid-1930s determined that chapter sizes were to be based on the number of women students enrolled on a campus, with a Goldilocks-type ranking of “large,” “intermediate” and “small” campuses.

Against the backdrop of World War II, Fraternity leader Elizabeth Rhodes Dalgliesh (Alpha Epsilon, University of

Pennsylvania) described the role of Greek life by saying, “The value of fraternities has been challenged on many occasions—never more than today when we are in the midst of a world torn by war, hatred and greed. College groups have always stood for more than fun, pin wearing and dates, although their underlying purpose has often been obscured by those things which seem to be more apparent to the uninitiated. Today we have a chance to prove fraternity’s real worth.” Increased emphasis in membership selection was placed on scholastic achievement and potential, leadership ability, and alumnae recommendations.

The term used at the time, “rush,” may itself have been, as National Panhellenic Conference Delegate Gladys Drach Power put it, “unfortunate,” since it could be viewed as implying a process of haste and lack of careful attention. As she said, it should instead be “a period of earnest endeavor to become acquainted with entering students and to attract them through kindness, helpfulness, friendliness and graciousness toward fraternity membership.”

In the early 1950s, Alpha Chi Omega found that some campuses were keeping pledge quotas and total chapter sizes low, as new groups were added to existing Panhellenic systems and because some administrators felt that smaller groups were better equipped to meet members’ needs. Uneven campus enrollments also led to increased competition for new members.

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Fraternity leader Gladys Drach Power expressed her views on the process and its limitations, saying, “We can go on year after year accepting outmoded methods of rushing, antiquated quota systems, and a serious unbalance of chapter sizes on the campus, but so long as we are not affected by it adversely, we close our minds to the needs for a change, and even vote against any changes that are proposed by others.”

During this time, collegiate chapters relied heavily on input from alumnae and an elaborate system of state and local rush information boards.

The following piece from the March 1954 issue of The Lyre makes a plea for alumnae to provide collegiate chapters with information on prospective members: May 1954 Lyre (Vol. 57, No. 4)

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Rushing techniques and processes soon became more structured, planned and sophisticated. Although the national Panhellenic organizations made the case for simpler rush rules and procedures, in many cases the process actually became more formal and complex, with sometimes elaborate skits and songs. According to the report of National Rushing Chairman Claire Hyde McCarthy (Rho, University of Washington) in 1957, “Several clever skits and a variety of song parodies have been added to the collection of party plans that range from the lovely, formal type of tea to the most informal type of costume party.” And more organized rush assistance was being offered by the national organization through visits, workshops and sessions at state days and province gatherings.

But when to hold rush was the question. What was considered the optimal timing? In 1940, NPC stated that it would be “open-minded on rush systems and while encouraging early rushing for a majority of schools, nevertheless accept deferred rushing where it works satisfactorily and also encourage experiments toward better and simpler rushing systems.” Generally, though, NPC preferred an early, short rushing period. Though the pendulum swung toward deferred (spring) rush in the late 1940s, it swung back to early (fall) rush in the early 1950s.

recommendation chairmen. For the alumnae? Complete and return information promptly and accurately. And don’t wait for a request; submit “unsolicited recommends.”

Alpha Chi Omega’s host institutions would soon raise the issue of discrimination by fraternal groups. As noted in the December 1951 issue of The Lyre, “Alpha Chi Omega has no discriminatory clause in its Constitution and ByLaws, but, like any organization (fraternal or otherwise) in these United States, we value the right to choose our membership, even as every individual has the right to choose his or her friends.” Movement toward deferred rush on more campuses was in some cases driven by antifraternity sentiment that was growing as the 1960s came into view.

NPC Delegate Burnette Grimes Jones reminded the membership of the organization’s basic right to choose its members, and that “The Constitution of Alpha Chi Omega, like the majority of constitutions of other national fraternities, does not limit membership by reason of race, color or creed.” But the scrutiny of fraternity membership

The role of alumnae recommendations in the rush process would give rise to a variety of issues and opinions in the coming years. How much input was too much or too little? Was the alumnae input invaluable or did it take away from the collegians’ right to choose their members?

Did alumnae feel that their recommendations were being carefully considered by the chapters? Certainly chapters were hoping to receive specific, meaningful information about prospective members.

Pleas were made to both the collegiate chapters and the alumnae, which seemed rather simple and straightforward on the surface for a topic that was actually quite “loaded.”

For the chapters? Please request information as early as possible and work through the network of city and state

Lambda Chapter’s Sweete Shoppe Costume Party in the March 1954 Lyre (Vol. 57, No. 3)

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selection practices was only just beginning and would remain an issue to be, understandably, grappled with.

NPC Delegate Rosita Hopps Nordwall in 1956: We all would question any regulation which would limit the right to be educated or to earn based on race or religion, but we also question the right of individuals outside our groups to insist that we allow them to dictate to us regarding the make-up of what is essentially a family group. Isn’t this the other side of the coin when it comes to freedom of association? These same people would resent our assumption of the right to dictate as to the people with whom they should associate.

There is no simple answer, but we can reach regimentation and infringement of personal liberties from one side or the other of a circle. In asking for greater rights for minority groups do we endanger the rights of all?

Sorority membership is not based on negation but on affirmation. They are not against anyone, but they do believe the United States Constitution gives them the rights to choose their membership as wisely as we know how and within the framework of their hopes and purposes of their organizations.

Your delegate asks that thoughtful consideration be given to this discussion and that every effort be made to understand fully the implications of some of the seemingly “easy” solutions of this difficult problem.

Phi chapter rush week skit starring Mary Ann Harris as Tinker Bell, Karen Hilmer as Peter and Gretta Reetz as Wendy. March 1954 Lyre (Vol. 57, No. 3)

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This cover of the June 1956 Lyre (Vol. 59, No. 4) displays a drawing by Marie Haasch Whitesel (Alpha Rho, University of Idaho) depicting, according to the explanation printed in the issue, “two pledges and an active (their mystagogue no doubt) meeting at the doorway of an Alpha Chi house.”

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September 1955 Lyre (Vol. 59, No. 1)

HOUSING AND THE UNDERGRADUATE EXPERIENCE

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raternity and sorority housing and the host universities have been deeply intertwined for most of Alpha Chi Omega’s existence, filling a critical need yet providing a sometimes uneasy interdependence. Early chapter houses fulfilled an unmet demand by colleges and universities to provide housing for women students. As university enrollments swelled following World War II, the fraternal system provided much-needed housing—a good news/ bad news situation. While more students and prosperity were positives for fraternities and sororities, there was still uncertainty about the future size and type of student bodies and the associated need for housing.

Marriage and Membership During wartime, the National Council reaffirmed its position to allow married members to live in chapter houses if their husbands were “overseas or living in distant parts of the country.” In 1955, National Collegiate Vice President Burnette Grimes Jones reported that college enrollments were stable but Alpha Chi Omega collegiate membership was slightly increasing, with the number of members being granted inactive status decreasing by a third. From her 1955 Heraeum report: Teaching

off campus, nurses training and marriage seem to be the major reasons for this status. Marriage, unless it can be proved that true financial hardship is involved, is not a basis for Inactive Status.

The National Council continued to review the recurrent matter of married members and determined in 1956 that these members would automatically be placed on alumnae status unless they stated that they preferred to remain active in the chapter. All other members who were regularly enrolled were to maintain active membership, eliminating the inactive status.

In her 1950 report to the membership, National President Mildred Estabrook Scott explained: war years had hampered all building programs, The and the rising costs of building in the past war years had dimmed the hopes of many. The sudden decision to remodel or build new houses, despite the continued high costs, was forced on these chapters to meet critical housing shortages on some campuses and to accommodate increased membership on others. Perhaps the most important phase of this building activity has been its relation to supplement the local financing obtained.

In the mid-1950s, chapter houses were being remodeled, properties purchased, and houses planned and built. Many of the chapter houses had been built in the 1920s and 30s, and much-needed repair work had not been able to be completed during the war. Building costs rose after the war, furthering the delay in giving the facilities the attention they needed. National President Gladys Drach Power had her own way of describing the prickly and competitive issues related to housing: Perhaps

there is a chapter on a campus that really needs a new house, and the alumnae finally get enough money together to build it. It is the last word in houses on the campus, and it is also the last word in chapter debts

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undoubtedly! But that debt and the burden it places on the chapter for many years to come makes no difference.

There is another chapter on the campus whose house may have been the last word 15 years ago. It is still a lovely house and it is debt free, but that makes no difference, either. The girls in that chapter look upon the chapter with the new house with envy; they shake their heads and say, “We just can’t compete with that.”

The 1953 report of the Anna Alta Loud National Fund Committee stated: The commitments built up during war years increased to gigantic proportions until, in 1949, it became vital to the welfare of the Fraternity to reverse our process and make every financial effort to help those chapters needing some aid in refurnishing, rebuilding, enlarging, or building new houses. Other funds within the Fraternity have been loaned to this housing fund at 5% interest to satisfy these demands because of the committee’s conviction that adequate housing is one of our greatest assets in developing strong and satisfied chapters.

To help provide for ongoing improvements needed in local chapter houses, the National Council voted in 1955 that all collegiate chapters must maintain a building and decorating fund. One of the stated objectives of the Fraternity in 1955 was that adequate and attractive housing be secured for chapters, and policies were established outlining the appropriate and necessary steps for house corporations as they pursued housing and attempted to keep in step with other groups on their respective campuses. Chapters were encouraged to obtain loans at the local level for new or remodeled housing, with alumnae contributing whenever possible.

Chief among housing trends was the dependence of college administrators on fraternity and sorority housing for students. But schools were also building dormitories of their own, as well as other student centers, and Alpha Chi Omega had to provide corresponding improved housing. As the Housing Committee pointed out: House corporations are now faced with problems of

correcting the conditions of poor lighting, poor heating, fire hazards, inadequate sleeping and study space, and above all, inadequate space in proportion to the number of girls housed now and the number expected to be housed in the face of increasing enrollments and larger chapters.

At the local level, house corporations were saluted by the national organization as the “unsung heroines” who managed the demands of housing on the local level.

National President Rosita Hopps Nordwall noted in the September 1959 issue of The Lyre: “The problem of housing will continue to give headaches to the fraternity system,” noting that “it really is big business in terms of money and of scope.”

An Ideal Housemother Printed in April 1937 issue of The Lyre, one of the qualifications for a housemother, according to Fraternity Month: She should have such a keen appreciation of the desirable things her girls do that they will cease to do the undesirable ones.

Beta Sigma Housemother DeHas kibitzes on a card game in the pine-paneled library. September 1955 Lyre (Vol. 59, No. 1)

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OUR ALUMNAE SISTERS THE FOUNDERS’ LASTING LEGACY LEADERS - THE NATIONAL PRESIDENTS AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT ALUMNAE CLUBHOUSE

Olive Burnett Clark at Convention in 1953. September 1953 Lyre (Vol. 57, No. 1)

THE FOUNDERS’ LASTING LEGACY Published in The Lyre, April 1936:

ever worried her or made her angry, and never did I hear her speak unkindly of anyone. She was just herself, gentle, kind, and almost too generous, never quite serious— “tranquil” is the right word to use for her expression and manner. Life was good and she loved every minute of it.

A Song of Optimism Oh! Alpha Chis, when tasks are hard, And the goal seems far away And the gloomy clouds come in between To dim the day, Then merry hearts must sunshine bring Dispelling the shadows so Alpha Chis Ever shall laugh Ever shall sing.

Loss of Founder Estelle Leonard From the June 1955 issue of The Lyre: Miss Estelle Leonard, one of the seven Founders of Alpha Chi Omega, died March 3, in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Indianapolis, 4 days after suffering a broken hip. She was 95 years old…When Miss Leonard attended her last Alpha Chi Omega Convention, in 1951, she held the record of having attended more conventions than any other member—14 in all between 1897 and ’51.

Oh! Alpha Chis ‘neath sun or rain Seek the heights with hearts afire With loyal love for the red and green, And Golden Lyre.

Illustrious years must radiance bring With courage and faith, so Alpha Chis Ever shall laugh Ever shall sing.

– Estelle Leonard, Founder

Loss of Dr. James G. Campbell The April 1948 issue of The Lyre noted the January 12, 1948 death of Dr. James G. Campbell at the age of 85. Dr. Campbell, a member of Beta Theta Pi, had suggested to the seven young women who became Alpha Chi Omega’s founding members that they form a fraternity, and he assisted the Founders in organizing the fledgling group.

Loss of Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham (Alpha, DePauw University) From the December 1950 issue of The Lyre, written by Founder Olive Burnett Clark: This, the sixty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Alpha Chi Omega, is saddened by the death October 2 of our beloved Bertha Deniston Cunningham….Nothing

Loss of Founder Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University) From the 1957 Heraeum: The past year has brought the Fraternity a very grievous loss, in that our greatly beloved Founder, Olive Burnett Clark passed away April 18, 1957. All who knew Mrs. Clark will echo the words of our remaining Founder, Nellie Gamble Childe, when she said, “How sad that we must lose Olive Burnett Clark, for she completely epitomized all the high concepts of Alpha Chi Omega.”

Perhaps the most appropriate tribute that the Fraternity could ever pay Mrs. Clark would be that each of us strive sincerely to live up to the high ideals she exemplified and which she, and the other six Founders, gave the Fraternity.

November 1945 Lyre (Vol. 49, No. 1)

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Loss of Founder Nellie Gamble Childe (Alpha, DePauw University) The last of the seven Founders, Nellie Gamble Childe passed away on June 7, 1960. From the September 1960 issue of The Lyre: A naturally quiet and retiring person, she seemed reluctant to accept the special tribute Alpha Chi has always reserved for Founders. However, she never lost interest in Alpha Chis and followed fraternity “doings” through the LYRE and through letters and cards from members.

Founders’ Memorial Carillon The Fraternity wanted to create a lasting memorial to our Founders on the DePauw campus. Delegates to the 1955 National Convention determined that memorial bells, funded largely through individual donations, would be the most appropriate way to pay tribute to Alpha Chi Omega’s musical heritage and founding at DePauw. By June 1959, the Founders’ Memorial Committee could report that nearly $18,000 was “in the bank” for the project, with some $2,000 in pledges due.

From left to right: June 1943 Lyre (Vol. 46, No. 4) and June 1960 Lyre (Vol. 63, No. 4)

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Working with DePauw to identify the best type of structure to house the bells required time and planning. While Fraternity leaders had hoped to dedicate the bells as part of the 1960 Diamond Jubilee Convention, it was not possible, as DePauw was considering long-range building plans for the campus, including determining the most suitable site for the bell structure.

And so, the delegates to the Diamond Jubilee Convention in 1960 passed this resolution: WHEREAS:

A resolution was adopted at the last convention “That a tower with bells be given to DePauw University as a Memorial to the Founders of Alpha Chi Omega,” and W HEREAS: DePauw University has informed us of their long-range building program which plan will preclude the acceptance of a tower at this time, and WHEREAS:

The National Council has given careful consideration to the financial aspects resulting from this existing condition and therefore recommends that the money involved, plus the accumulating interest, be held in the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation until such time as a decision upon its use for a Memorial is made and WHEREAS: The Alumnae Delegates in their meeting

have concurred in the recommendation of the National Council, therefore: B e It Resolved: That all the money contributed for the Bell Tower for a Founders’ Memorial at DePauw University remain in the Foundation to draw interest, all of which shall be kept intact until such time as fitting memorial for the aforesaid purpose may be accomplished.

Winter 1967-68 Lyre (Vol. 80, No. 1)

The Founders’ Memorial Carillon was dedicated on October 9, 1976 as part of DePauw University’s Performing Arts Center.

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LEADERS - THE NATIONAL PRESIDENTS Minerva Osborn Donald (Pi, University of California, Berkeley), 1935-39 Described by her West Coast Alpha Chi Omega sisters as an “ideal alumna,” Minerva Osborn Donald served as an advisor, alumnae chapter president, home association president and province president before becoming active at the national level as national vice president and ultimately National President.

During her national presidency, the position of a paid director of central office was created, and the Founders’ Fellowship for graduate or creative work in the fine arts was established.

Donald was severely injured in a fire in July 1938 while vacationing, and while she continued her volunteer work for the next year, she was unable to attend the 1939 National Convention. Agnes Thumser Rutledge presided in her place.

Donald addressed the convention body via a telephone message broadcast during the final banquet. According to The Lyre, “During the long and painful days of her recovery, Minerva’s intense interest in fraternity affairs has never flagged; her keen mind and strength of will have guided us throughout her illness. She was an inspiration to those who have worked with her.” Minerva Osborn Donald passed away in November 1948.

“As intangible as the rainbow’s arc is the spiritual benefit from fraternal experience. Many of us will acknowledge the very deep impression and influence of our three golden precepts.”

– Minerva Osborn Donald, 1937

Ruth Miller Winsor (Phi, University of Kansas), 1939-43 A Phi sister described Ruth Miller Winsor this way: “Deep loyalties, unfailing tolerance, an ever friendly response to the needs of others—these great qualities Ruth possesses in goodly measure; but it is that inner radiance, that ‘joie de vivre,’ that makes a gathering incomplete until her arrival, that causes every contact with her to make life seem richer, fuller, more vital, that endears Ruth to a troubled world and makes her gay smile seem a benediction to those legion of us who are proud to call her friend.” As a province president and a national counsellor, Winsor was able to observe the state of Alpha Chi Omega’s undergraduate chapters firsthand.

A believer in what she described as “the interdependence of human beings,” during her national presidency she worked closely with the membership, other fraternal groups and university administrators to further the vision of Alpha Chi Omega and the Greek system as a whole during a time of turmoil that was unfolding in the world around them. A dedicated volunteer and community leader, Winsor also found time to volunteer for the Red Cross and to complete nurse’s aide training. Ruth Miller Winsor passed away in January 1996.

“Until the nations of this earth can meet as we met in fraternity and can convey that spirit of mutual self respect and real brotherhood, only then may we have peace which is based upon that justice which establishes good will among men.

May you keep ever before you the truth and the symbolism of those simple words, ‘Loyally yours in the Bond.’” – Ruth Miller Winsor, June 1943

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Six of seven Alpha Chi Omega Drach sisters attended the 1949 convention: (left to right) Beatrice Drach Scott (Nu), Dorothy Drach Abbot (Nu), National President Gladys Drach Power (Nu), Gertrude Drach Pyron (Nu), Mildred Drach (Nu) and Mary Drach Heald (Gamma Theta). Unable to attend was Winifred Drach Deal (Gamma Theta). Gertrude Drach Pyron traveled the longest distance to convention, flying from London, England. September 1949 Lyre (Vol. 53, No. 1)

Gladys Drach Power (Nu, University of Colorado Boulder), 1943-49 Gladys Drach Power served for 16 years on the National Council – as national treasurer, three terms as National President and as National Panhellenic Conference delegate – and was a highly regarded and respected leader in the Greek world. The first Alpha Chi in a family of seven daughters, she was described by fellow Alpha Chi Omega sisters as “a trained business woman with unusual ability, keen judgment, and vision; one who

has profound and thorough knowledge of fraternity.” A geologist, Power was chief assistant to the head of the U.S. Geological Survey. Gladys Drach Power passed away in September 1985.

“We believe in Alpha Chi Omega, we have made it a part of our lives, and it has given us something that is fine and beautiful and lasting. What we see is a fraternity that is old, both in organization and financial security; that is strong, both in citizenship and leadership, and that is lovely, both in friendships and in ideals.” – Gladys Drach Power, September 1953

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Mildred Estabrook Scott (Pi, University of California, Berkeley), 1949-53 During Mildred Estabrook Scott’s term as National President, many collegiate chapter houses were remodeled and expanded to meet the demands of larger student bodies and Alpha Chi Omega members. During this time, the National Panhellenic Conference delegate became a member of the National Council and the Lyre editor became a central office staff position. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Scott served on the National Council for 10 years, holding the positions of national secretary and western counsellor prior to becoming National President. Mildred Estabrook Scott (who later remarried and took the last name Siegmann) passed away December 1976.

“Because the continued strength of our fraternity lies in properly and wisely guiding our collegiate chapter members, great emphasis must be placed on correlating the many phases of chapter operation, such as membership selection, proper study habits, and fine campus relations with other Panhellenic groups, as well as helping our girls become well integrated citizens of our great country.” – Mildred Estabrook Scott, June 1951 Ruth Tewinkel Suppes (Rho, University of Washington), 1953-57 A highlight of the national presidency of Ruth Tewinkel Suppes was the installation of seven collegiate chapters during her term. Suppes worked to improve chapter housing, seeing that the Fraternity provided as much funding as possible. At the 1955 National Convention, Suppes introduced the plan for the Founders’ memorial at DePauw.

She received the Alpha Chi Omega Award of Achievement in 1964 in recognition of her expertise in the study and collection of antique glassware. Ruth Tewinkel Suppes passed away in August 1997 at the age of 101. “‘Together let us seek the heights’ is not just a favorite phrase but is the keynote of all efforts of this National Council.”

– Ruth Tewinkel Suppes, June 1954 Burnette Grimes Jones (Omega, Washington State University), 1957-60 Burnette Grimes Jones served as advisor to the Omega chapter at Washington State University, president of alumnae chapters in Spokane and Pullman, province president and western counsellor before becoming National President. During her service as National President, she oversaw a major reorganization of the Fraternity’s volunteer structure and the purchase of the first Alpha Chi Omega headquarters building. Following her presidency, she continued on the National Council as National Panhellenic Conference delegate. Burnette Grimes Jones passed away in May 1999.

“Alpha Chi Omega believes that she has a right to choose her friends and members within the bounds of good sense and good taste; recognizing this right of freedom carries with it, as do all freedoms, a great responsibility.” – Burnette Grimes Jones, September 1959

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AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT

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lpha Chi Omega’s Award of Achievement was established in 1955 to honor alumnae who have gained eminence and distinction in their chosen fields.

It was presented for the first time at the 1955 National Convention. Honorees receive a gold medallion of the same design as the Fraternity’s former Distinguished Service Medal.

1955 Recipients of the Award of Achievement •D orothy Thompson Kopf (Lambda, Syracuse University), journalist •H elen Cheyney Bailey (Alpha Epsilon, University of Pennsylvania), educator •S ue Margaret Cousins (Alpha Phi, The University of Texas at Austin), editor •H elen Mulford Thompson (Alpha, DePauw University), leader in the American symphony orchestra movement

More About Sue Margaret Cousins Sue Margaret Cousins was an accomplished writer and editor. An English major at The University of Texas at Austin, Cousins began her career as editor of The Southern Pharmaceutical Journal and a writer and poet, with pieces published in magazines like Good Housekeeping, The Saturday Evening Post and The Christian Science Monitor (as well as The Lyre, which featured her first published poem).

A prolific writer, Cousins wrote three books and hundreds of short stories. She established a long, successful career in publishing and writing, working as a senior editor at Doubleday, on the staff at Life and later becoming associate editor and ultimately managing editor of Good Housekeeping. She also authored several novels and biographies for children.

Cousins died in 1996.

More About Dorothy Thompson Kopf Dorothy Thompson Kopf was a trailblazing journalist whose syndicated “On the Record” column ran for more than 20 years. Thompson was married at one time to writer Sinclair Lewis and was a columnist and writer on international issues. She also had a radio program and was a regular contributor to Ladies’ Home Journal. In 1939, she was recognized by Time magazine as the second most influential woman in America next to Eleanor Roosevelt.

From her final column: “I have had wide experience of a century unique among its predecessors in the velocity of social, political, and economic change.”

Kopf died in 1961.

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ALUMNAE CLUBHOUSE

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or many years, the Fraternity worked, planned and dreamed of establishing a home where sisters could grow old together. Sometimes termed “the homestead,” a committee was originally formed in 1937 to investigate its feasibility. Alumnae Clubhouse Chairman Mary H. Carter (Alpha Kappa, University of Oregon) provided background on the project in the June 1944 Lyre: During the chaotic conditions of the past ten years, an increasing number of our older alumnae have found that precious possession, security, slipping from them. In addition, many older women, alone in the world and not wanting to live with their children and relatives, have been trying to find comfortable, attractive homes that provide associations and proper care. As result of this two-fold need, the Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Clubhouse Project, called The Homestead, came into being.

All aspects of such a facility were considered, from where it might be located, to how many Alpha Chi Omega alumnae it should house, to how it would be financed, to what it would be named. There were so many questions to be considered.

Would a new facility be built, or would a current building be remodeled to meet these specific needs? Would a temporary facility be rented? How would the facility be funded? Who would be eligible to live in the facility? Would husbands be admitted? What would be the ideal location—West Coast, East Coast, Florida, the Midwest? Ultimately, according to an update in 1945, “…alumnae throughout the country favored the year-round climate of southern California.”

The demands of wartime subdued the enthusiasm of many members for a project of this scope. However, by the mid1940s, momentum built again for the project, which, it was hoped, would provide gracious living and companionship to aging alumnae.

and necessary elements of the home—some practical, some more fanciful, and all inherently representative of the times: Among features suggested by alumnae for the clubhouse are sunny, private bedrooms; private or semi-private baths; lounges; library; music room; card room; garden; elevator, if the building is of more than one story; chapel, station wagon; rooms for private entertaining, in addition to the large dining room; infirmary; rooms for transient Alpha Chis; kitchenettes on each floor where tea can be brewed or a snack concocted; craft gift shop; apartment and business office for the hostess or manager.

Founder Olive Burnett Clark made her support of the project clear in a letter to alumnae published in the November 1944 Lyre, and through a gift given in memory of her daughter, Maryellen (Alpha, DePauw University). In 1947, alumnae provided input via a questionnaire, freely sharing their preferences on architecture, types and sizes of bedrooms, size and capacity, health requirements or services to be available, financing and fees.

In 1950, the Fraternity announced that Santa Barbara, California, had been identified as the ideal site for the clubhouse. Still, lingering concerns remained regarding high real estate costs, legal issues and the difficulty in determining long-term costs. At the 1951 National Convention, the decision was made that the official Alumnae Clubhouse

“It may be sentiment, it may be memories; but you have only to think of our congenial, happy times together. You have only to think of our three beloved members who have gone from us - then I am sure you will want to make our ‘Rocking Chairs’ a symbol of everlasting unity and an unforgettable name.”

What were members looking for in this home? An article in the January 1945 issue of The Lyre laid out the most desirable

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– Olive Burnett Clark, November 1944 Lyre

ALUMNAE CLUBHOUSE

Committee would become inactive.

Still, some research continued to be conducted as it related to social issues and needs, as well as state laws and regulations.

In tribute to Founder Olive Burnett Clark’s belief in the idea of the clubhouse, the 1960 National Convention body adopted this resolution: WHEREAS, A motion was adopted at a previous Convention that an Alumnae Clubhouse Fund be established to receive allocations from the Alumnae Projects Fund and contributions for the purpose of building an alumnae clubhouse; and WHEREAS, The Alumnae Projects Subcommittee has made an extensive survey and finds the project impractical and impossible at this time; therefore, Resolved, that the money allocated and contributed for the purpose of building an alumnae clubhouse be invested in the Alta Allen Loud National Fund at the current rate of interest, and that the interest derived therefrom be used for assistance to alumnae of Alpha Chi Omega who may prove in need of aid; further,

RESOLVED, That the name Alumnae Clubhouse Fund be changed to The Olive Burnett Clark Alumnae Fund.

November 1939 Lyre (Vol. 43, No.1)

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ALTRUISM - ESSENTIAL TO THE SISTERHOOD

(Left to right) Gladys Head, Hermaine Wade and Evelyn Johnson review items in the self-help toy exhibit at New York State Day. March 1952 Lyre (Vol. 55, No. 3)

ALTRUISM - ESSENTIAL TO THE SISTERHOOD Cerebral Palsy Program Members of Alpha Chi Omega have long found service to others – on Hera Day and throughout the year – to be one of the most fulfilling and meaningful parts of their membership. During World War I, for example, members reached out to support French children who were orphaned during the war. During World War II, members supported nursery schools serving families with parents serving in the war or working on the home front.

The November 1947 issue of The Lyre explained how the Fraternity chose its next altruistic project: Two years ago, as the demands of the war-time nursery school project dwindled, Mrs. Darrell R. Nordwall, national vice-president and chairman of the fraternity altruistic committee, began concentrating her efforts on finding a project for Alpha Chi Omega that (1) would be work with children, (2) could be a co-operative endeavor both active and alumnae groups, (3) would meet with the approval both of our own members and of others as a worthwhile and important work, and (4) could be tied up with some organization that had trained specialists to aid and guide us, save us the expense of large administrative overhead, and thus make it possible to use every dollar for the benefit of those we wished to help.

The Delta Delta (West San Fernando Valley, California) and Alpha Kappa Alpha (Pasadena, California) alumnae chapters led the effort to adopt the cause of cerebral palsy, and by unanimous vote of the 1947 National Convention delegates, the Fraternity began its support of the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults, assisting at the local and national levels by funding scholarships and providing equipment and service locally. This provided members the opportunity to reach out to children who were suffering from and to educate members and the public about cerebral palsy.

The Fraternity made an initial gift of $5,000 to provide fellowships and scholarships that would enable doctors,

A child with cerebral palsy, the altruistic project selected in 1947. March 1952 Lyre (Vol. 55, No. 3)

therapists and educators to further their study of work with children with cerebral palsy. In May 1948, the first scholarships were granted. In her 1948 report to the membership, National President Gladys Drach Power commented on the success to date of the project, saying, “It is very heartening to note that this enthusiasm extends to all parts of the country, includes all age groups, and has stimulated the work of alumnae groups, active chapters, and mothers’ clubs.”

At the 1951 National Convention, delegates voted to expand support by making self-help toys designed to provide both entertainment and orthopedic value for affected children. A popular “traveling toy exhibit” helped collegiate and alumnae chapters promote the project, and members created the Toy Book, which included patterns, instructions and photographs of the toys.

Ellen Drake MacMillan (Alpha Beta, Purdue University), the initial chair of the national committee overseeing the program, pointed out the rewarding nature of the project.

“This fraternity has never had a stronger appeal for its members, or that has met with a more enthusiastic response.

Large clubs and small, in cities and in towns, north, south,

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east, and west, wherever Alpha Chi groups are located, have become vitally interested, and best of all, active in working to help provide a better life for cerebral palsied children.”

According to the report of the Cerebral Palsy Project Committee in 1959, cerebral palsy was becoming more prevalent partly because it affected premature babies whose lives, thanks to medical advances, were being saved, but with cerebral palsy as a resulting complication.

Financial contributions provided scholarships and gifts to Easter Seals, schools and orthopedic hospitals. Members stuffed envelopes for Easter Seals, raised money for equipment, made toys and more. The membership was kept informed of the Cerebral Palsy Project and Easter Seals support, which was benefiting families in need and providing positive recognition for Alpha Chi Omega, through regular updates in The Lyre. In the first 10 years of support of the philanthropy, the Fraternity had donated $194,525, in addition to thousands of hours of volunteer service.

The MacDowell Colony Alpha Chi Omega continued to support the Peterborough, New Hampshire, MacDowell Colony and its Star Studio – the organization’s first philanthropy – through financial donations supporting both the upkeep of Star Studio and artist fellowships. The property sustained extensive damage from a 1938 hurricane, and colony founder Marian Nevins MacDowell described the appearance of the Star Studio grounds as having been “robbed it of all the beautiful forest in which it stood. Now, it has a different beauty but one of great charm. It now looks like a little cottage surrounded by lilac and other bushes.”

of materialism we certainly need to foster the arts, and so many of our past and creative workers have gotten their start at the Colony…I think Marian MacDowell is one of the greatest women of our times!” And in 1955, the Fraternity marked Marian MacDowell’s 95th birthday with a $1,000 “birthday gift.”

In 1954, MacDowell and the story of the colony were featured in a nationally televised program, “Lady in the Wings,” with an on-camera appearance by MacDowell, then in her late 90s.

In August 1956, MacDowell, who had started the colony in honor of her late composer husband, Edward MacDowell, died at the age of 99. Described as “inimitable” and “gallant,” MacDowell wrote a letter to the Fraternity shortly before her death in which she expressed her appreciation to the organization, saying, “My warmest wishes go to every Alpha Chi Omega, and my deepest appreciation for all you are doing. I can never thank the sorority enough for the trust and faith you had in what seemed to most of the world a fantastic and impossible scheme.”

As pointed out in The Lyre following her death, “She was referring to the colony but it was the glowing spirit and never-dismayed qualities of Marian MacDowell herself which made the colony possible and inspired others to want to have a part in making it a success.”

While difficult economic circumstances challenged the colony at times, it was able to keep its place as a nurturing environment for artists. This was partly due to the sustained generosity of Alpha Chi Omega members, some of whom were even able to take advantage of an opportunity to visit the colony as part of a 1947 post-convention tour.

A rallying cry from Fay Barnaby Kent (Delta, Allegheny College) in The Lyre in 1952 went like this: “In this time

Star Studio

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Photo from the Diamond Jubilee DePauw Day program

DIAMOND JUBILEE

DePauw Day program from the Diamond Jubilee

I

n June 1960, on the cusp of its 75th anniversary, Alpha Chi Omega was “wedged propitiously between the fifties, era of growth and relative stability, and the sixties, an eventual painful reforging of the Fraternity’s selfimage at the fires of militant criticism,” according to The History of Alpha Chi Omega One Hundred Years.

Alpha Chi Omega was hardly resting on the laurels and accomplishments of the previous seven-plus decades, however. The National Council’s motto heading into the

75th anniversary celebration, after all, was, “Think Big, Act Big.” According to the September 1960 issue of The Lyre: “From

1950 to 1960 Alpha Chi Omega installed 22 new collegiate chapters, six alumnae chapters, and 57 alumnae clubs. During the same period the total of initiated members rose from 31,093 (June 1, 1950) to 48,135 (June 1, 1960). And, of course, the rate of membership growth was faster in the late fifties as many more collegiate chapters were adding to the figures whenever initiation time rolled around.”

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The 32nd National Convention, a Diamond Jubilee, found more than 600 full-time attendees and 150 additional part-time attendees coming together at the historic French Lick Sheraton in French Lick, Indiana, for an ambitious event led and organized by Convention Manager Ardath Burkhart (Alpha, DePauw University).

Special events in French Lick included the following: • A festive “Hoosier Howdy” luncheon sponsored by the Beta Beta (Indianapolis, Indiana) alumnae chapter • A Carnation Banquet with a keynote address by Past National President Beatrice Herron Brown (Alpha, DePauw University) and carnation corsages for all in attendance • Recognition of convention Olympians (those who had attended four or more conventions) and Olympian pledges (those who had attended three conventions) • Installation of the Delta Nu (Iowa State University) chapter performed by members of the Alpha (DePauw University) chapter and the Alpha Mu (Indiana University) chapter • Stunt Night, with rush skits as the evening’s entertainment • Reunion Night, including recognition of the best table decorations (kudos went to the Florida province and the Alpha chapter) • The Jubilee Banquet, with recognition of 50-year members, along with presentation of the Hera Head to National Council members, province service pins, and National Council Trophies. Director of Central Office Hannah Keenan was rewarded for her 31 years of service with a trip to Europe. Five alumnae were named recipients of the Award of Achievement.

Fraternity Business Fraternity business was a key part of the Diamond Jubilee Convention and put forth constitutional changes and extensive organizational restructuring designed to better manage Alpha Chi Omega’s growth and the inevitable challenges the organization would face going forward.

These amendments were predicated on recommendations surfacing from months of study by Chicago-based management consultants Booz, Allen and Hamilton. The reorganization was accepted by the voting delegates, and the expanded slate of 10 National Council members was unanimously passed.

Iota (University of Illinois) chapter won a Council Trophy, scholarship trophy, and, along with Gamma chapter, award for best skit.

The National Council now included: •N ational President •N ational collegiate vice president •N ational alumnae vice president •N ational secretary-treasurer •N ational Panhellenic delegate •N ational collegiate membership development director •N ational collegiate extension director •N ational rush director •N ational alumnae membership director •N ational altruistic director Jessie Fanyo Payne (Upsilon, Millikin University) was elected National President. According to the National Nominating Committee, “She was elected national alumnae vice president in 1957 and fulfilled the duties of this office with a keen sense of organization and a warm charm. Realizing this wealth of endowments, the members of the committee deem it a privilege to present Mrs. Payne for the high office of national president of Alpha Chi Omega.”

Payne described the organizational changes as being intended to “expand and enhance the program fields in collegiate and alumnae areas, and to budget and consolidate funds to support these programs.”

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A Trip to DePauw Convention attendees made a special trek to the Fraternity’s founding site, DePauw University, with an impressive caravan of 14 buses making their way through the Indiana countryside. At DePauw, special activities included the following: • Rededication of the bronze tablet marking the Fraternity’s founding, now being displayed at the original site of the music school • A luncheon at the union • A tour of the Alpha chapter house • The performance of a special pageant entitled “Alpha Chi Omega, Written On My Heart,” a recreation of the Fraternity’s founding, at Meharry Hall The 1960 Diamond Jubilee served a distinct and meaningful purpose for Alpha Chi Omega. Members marked and celebrated the Fraternity’s first 75 years of existence and its unique founding principles, while also preparing as best they could for dramatically changing times and the unknown of the next 75 years and beyond.

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(Above left) The Convention Chorus, under the direction of Nan McLaughlin. (Above center) Nan McLaughlin, Alpha Mu. (Above) The Diamond Jubilee logo.

CONVENTIONS AND COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS 1936-39 1940s 1950s

Alpha Chi Omega’s four living Founders at the 1941 National Convention: Nellie Gamble Childe, Estelle Leonard, Bertha Deniston Cunningham, Olive Burnett Clark. November 1941 Lyre (Vol. 45, No. 1)

CONVENTIONS AND COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Attendees at the 1937 National Convention in Glacier National Park. November 1937 Lyre (Vol. 41, No. 1)

1936-39 National Council Meeting, June 10-15, 1936: BookCadillac Hotel, Detroit, Michigan • It was determined that $10,000 of the Estelle McFarlane Dunkle Loan Fund would be set aside to form a new fellowship, with interest from the $10,000 to be awarded for the first time at the 1937 National Convention.

• The addition of two provinces was approved to provide better distribution of chapters.

National President’s Report: • At least 1,800 members attended one of the nine province conventions.

• Programs were being presented monthly in open chapter meetings, replacing the former system of Fraternity examinations.

• The Fraternity expected to have an active Mother’s Club in every active chapter.

• Careful selection of prospective members, based not on superficial judgment during a hectic rushing season, but upon recommendations from actives or alumnae who know the fine qualities of the candidate, would insure growth for all.

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National Council Meeting, June 21-26, 1937: Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park, Montana • The National President was authorized to investigate the legality and advisability of incorporation for the Fraternity.

• Local chapters and their deans of women were instructed that they should assume responsibility for selection and dismissal of chaperons.

• It was determined that an article and a resolution on the U.S. Constitution’s sesquicentennial would appear in the fall issue of The Lyre.

22nd National Convention, June 28-July 2, 1937: Many Glacier Hotel, Glacier National Park, Montana • Minerva Osborn Donald presided; 420 were in attendance.

• A model initiation ceremony was held, with eight candidates initiated. Founder Olive Burnett Clark handmade the silk robes used in the ceremony.

• A revised constitution was adopted.

National President’s Report: • The report expressed the need for better understanding between college administrators and Fraternity leaders.

• It also recognized that local campuses determine the form fraternity life takes. “The policies of groups, their attitudes toward scholarship, the problems that arise during the selection of new members…these are matters which should be approached locally by the chapters on that campus by undergraduates, alumnae, and administration working together.”

• The National President communicated that the Fraternity must continue to improve in assimilation of newly pledged members.

Extension Chairman’s Report: • Members were showing a strong interest in extension.

There was a marked increase in inquiries from local groups and deans of women.

National Council Meeting, October 12-17, 1937: Panhellenic House, Beekman Tower, New York, New York • Hannah Keenan was to be director of the central office.

• The L.G. Balfour Company was authorized to manufacture

the official badge in not less than 10K gold.

• A booklet of policies and procedures was to be assembled and, if financially advisable, edited and published.

National Council Meeting, June 1-7, 1938: Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park, California • Chief emphasis for the next year was agreed to be development of scholarship chairmen in chapters.

• The Founders were to be invited as guests of the Fraternity to the 1939 National Convention.

National President’s Report: • Many members received recognition through honoraries such as Mortar Board and Phi Beta Kappa.

• The Fraternity’s financial status was sound, with no portion of the initiation fees allocated to the general treasury.

Extension Chairman’s Report: • Due to the large increase in the number of collegiate chapters in the last two years, attention was to be given to assimilation of these chapters before proceeding onto new campuses.

NPC Delegate’s Report: • Topics being discussed by NPC included quota, limitation of chapter size, city Panhellenics, potential larger affiliation of all Greek-letter women, as well as protection of Fraternity insignia and publicity.

National Council Meeting, June 18-24, 1939: The Seigniory Club, Montebello, Quebec, Canada • Regret was expressed over the absence of National President Minerva Osborn Donald, who was unable to attend due to continued illness following a serious accident.

• A committee was to be appointed to investigate the feasibility of life membership for alumnae.

23rd National Convention, June 25-28, 1939: The Seigniory Club, Montebello, Quebec, Canada • National Vice President Agnes Thumser Rutledge presided. National President Minerva Osborn Donald’s illness prevented her from attending, but she greeted the convention body via a telephone line.

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• Founders Bertha Deniston Cunningham and Estelle Leonard attended.

• The $300 scholarship to be granted to the MacDowell Colony was to be used for repair of property damage due to a hurricane.

National President’s Address: • “Don’t forget that Alpha Chi Omega is a far bigger thing than any one individual—yet it can only be as splendid as the individuals in its membership. Our strength is in this mutual relationship.”

National Treasurer’s Report: • Fraternity income was derived from only three sources: pledge fee ($5), active per capita ($10), and alumnae per capita (to be $1 per year from every alumna although many were not active members and therefore did not pay).

NPC Delegate’s Report: • Concern was raised about circumvention of rules in rushing and a need to educate actives and alumnae regarding “honest sportsmanship.”

National Council Meeting, October 31-November 5, 1939: Greenbrier Hotel, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia • Moved that specific NPC recommendations regarding Canadian universities be approved.

National Editor’s Report: • The pledge handbooks and the Heraeum were edited.

The cost of The Lyre was cut 8%.

April 1939 Lyre (Vol. 42, No. 3)

1940s National Council Meeting, August 8-16, 1940: Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicago, Illinois • Consideration of life memberships was dropped after study of other NPC groups and potential effect on initiation fees.

• 1941 National Convention dates were set, convention appointments were made, official railroads were selected, and the determination was made that Founders would be invited guests of the Fraternity.

• Preparation was to begin for a new member directory for possible publication in 1942.

National President’s Report: • The National President expressed a need to revitalize the role of alumnae members and bring them closer to Fraternity projects.

• National chairman of publicity and personnel was appointed.

• The National President attended sessions of the National Association of Deans of Women.

Western National Counsellor’s Report: • The focus was on increasing initiation rates and improving pledge programming.

• Participation in campus organizations and cultural events was encouraged.

NPC Delegate’s Report: • Several recommendations were adopted concerning early rushing, rush rules and expansion to teachers’ colleges.

National Council Meeting, July 1-7, 1941: Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, California • More emphasis was to be placed on chapter scholarship.

• Housemothers were to be given written contracts and encouraged to attend summer training schools.

24th National Convention, July 8-13, 1941: Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, California • National President Ruth Miller Winsor presided.

• Changes to the constitution and code were accepted as presented.

• Permanent endowment of MacDowell Colony was to be accomplished by reallocation of funds.

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• National altruistic project for 1941-42 was to be voluntary contributions of $2,000 for a hostel for bomb-shocked children. Money in excess of the amount required for the hostel was to be administered by the Alpha Chi Omega National Defense Committee.

• Extension was extremely successful.

• The Lyre was delayed since it went to the publishers when they were receiving new and unexpected government pamphlets.

• The central office continued to get busier and busier.

National President’s Report: • There was a need for more pride among the membership in Alpha Chi Omega.

• A reemphasis on programming for alumnae was recommended.

• The Fraternity would centralize all funds.

• Campus issues included large enrollments, accelerated living conditions and campus housing, and social programs.

Western National Counsellor’s Report: • Chapters were initiating a higher percentage of pledges— more than two-thirds of those pledged in the last year.

• Chapters were taking on numerous activities in connection with the war.

• The role of alumnae advisors had taken on added importance in the changing times.

National Council Meeting, Nov. 24-26, 1941: Biltmore Hotel, New York, New York • An accountant for the central office was secured. Plans for centralization of the financial system, bookkeeping procedures and investment decisions were outlined in detail.

• A form for housemother applications was to be created, with applications kept on file in the central office for active chapter reference.

NPC Delegate’s Report: • NPC recommendations had been made regarding issues including double preference lists, elimination of extravagance in spending, discouraging publicity for trivial and undignified activities, opposition to bidding and pledging during summer months.

National Council Meeting, June 24-29, 1942: Corner Cupboard, Grand Lake, Colorado • The war project for the coming year was to be raising money for nurseries for American children affected by the war.

• Alpha Epsilon Alpha (Washington, D.C.) alumnae chapter members were to compose the committee to edit a new issue of the song book.

• If a national convention could be held in 1943, it would be held in an accessible inland city.

National President’s Report: • Due to the outbreak of war, planning had to be on a different scale. “Our entire program will have to be flexible enough to permit changes of possibly the most revolutionary nature…We simply learn to cast off the nonessentials and apply ourselves more diligently to the tasks confronting us.”

• Sweeping changes to the financial organization required tremendous time and effort.

Extension Chairman’s Report: May 1953 Lyre (Vol. 56, No. 1) • Fewer openings were anticipated during the next few years as schools faced decreasing enrollments and students had less money for fraternity costs.

National Council Meeting, July 8-14 and 18-19, 1943: Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicago, Illinois • $2,500 was to be raised by voluntary contributions, established as goal for 1943-44 for the Nursery School Project.

• A plan was accepted to divide the U.S. and Canada into alumnae districts, presided over by district chairmen under the direction of the national vice president.

• The role that fraternity would play in the post-war world was discussed.

• Province conventions were to be cancelled for 1943-44.

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25th National Convention, July 15-17, 1943: Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicago, Illinois • National President Ruth Miller Winsor presided.

• Discussion of rushing included these topics: alumnae recommendations, cooperation between alumnae and actives, use of scrapbooks, rushing parties suitable for war times and voting on rushees.

• Discussion of pledge guidance and fraternity education included these topics: mystagogues, pledge scholarship, use of pledge manual, pre- and post-initiation examinations, and methods of presenting the fraternity education program.

• National Defense Committee was to administer contributions to the War Nursery School Program.

National President’s Report: • Obstacles faced in wartime were described, including, “growing panic, reaching hysterical and sometimes nonsensical proportions, now prevalent on college campuses…Rumors have reached such fantastic proportions that at some colleges one hears that all women students are to be transferred to another state campus, that all the dormitories are to be taken over by the Army or Navy so there is no place to live, or that classes for women are to be discontinued altogether!”

• Need was greater than ever for interested and involved alumnae.

• T he central office was increasingly busy, partially due to May 1953 Lyre (Vol. 56, No. 1) establishment of an accounting department.

• “As fraternity members we have something to teach our country and other countries…Until the nations of this earth can meet as we meet in fraternity and can convey that spirit of mutual self respect and real brotherhood, only then may we have peace which is based on that

justice which establishes good will among men.”

National Council Meeting, June 21-29, 1944: French Lick Springs Hotel, French Lick, Indiana • Badges of permanently inactive members were to be held in the central office for two years, after which time they could be sold.

• Equipment was to be contributed to a war nursery school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

• The statement allowing married members to live in chapter houses during wartime, provided their husbands are overseas or living in distant parts of the country, was reaffirmed—the decision was to be superseded by the decision of local campus administrators.

• Alumnae advisory boards were to be made compulsory wherever possible.

• The National Council voted to complete the payment of $5,000 Star Studio endowment to the MacDowell Colony Association.

• A training school for province presidents was held during the meeting.

National President’s Report: • Outlined goals included: Holding history manuscript until a publication date could be set Clarifying policies regarding temporary inactivity, breaking of pledgeship and payment of fees while on probation Holding active chapter workshops Stressing alumnae responsibilities in rushing and extension Continuation of nursery school programs Establishing alumnae advisory boards Dividing central and southern provinces Honoring chapters for high scholastic ranking Granting recognition pins to province presidents Allowing a recognition pin for mothers Cancelling the 1945 National Convention and electing National Council officers by mail War Activities Chairman’s Report: • The War Nursery School had served 40-45 children daily.

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• Collegians and alumnae had been providing volunteer and paid service work—serving as nurse’s aides, working in nursery schools, buying war bonds and giving blood.

National Council Meeting, June 22-27, 1945: LaFonda Hotel, Santa Fe, New Mexico • National Interfraternity Conference, with the help of the National Panhellenic Conference, was to establish a foundation to promote fraternity interests. Alpha Chi Omega was to contribute an amount comparable to other NPC member groups.

• National Council would present a plan for national life alumnae dues to the voting membership.

• Aid was to be given to nursery schools for the duration of the war and as long after as needed.

• Cases of illegal possession of Alpha Chi Omega badges by individuals and businesses were discussed. Cases of infringement were to be reported to the central office.

• A pension fund and reserve for central office employees were established.

• Province presidents who had served a full two-year term were to be eligible for a recognition pin.

National President’s Report: • Army and Navy training units continued on campuses, causing housing to remain overcrowded. In some cases, second semester rushing was curtailed and the number of pledges limited to the number that could be accommodated in houses.

• However, the overall number of membership had increased and many campuses were pursuing extension.

• There was uncertainty about what the future would bring.

Possibilities included: 1) continue at present enrollment levels, 2) further increases, or 3) a post-war depression could lower college enrollment. The Fraternity would choose to expand only to schools which could maintain good prospects for the future.

• Although the fraternity system was being scrutinized by dissenters, alumnae were more supportive than ever.

• War activities created unity in the membership and high morale among students. International paper shortages and other materials caused difficulty, however, for production of the history, The Lyre and the song book.

National Vice President’s Report: • Approximately 25% of alumnae attended alumnae meetings, and half of those paid dues.

• To improve the alumnae organization, a system of district alumnae chairmen was introduced.

National Nominating Committee’s Report: • For the first time, the Fraternity conducted election of national officers by mail due to the war emergency and restrictions on travel, the impossibility of obtaining hotel reservations, and “the general feeling that all conventions should be eliminated.”

National Council Meeting, June 22-30, 1946: The Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada • The 1947 National Convention was to be held at the Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Canada.

• The balance in the War Activities Fund was to be used for continued assistance to the nursery in Detroit, Michigan.

• The National Council affirmed that alumnae chapter or club members must be initiates of the Fraternity and that a group composed of alumnae and mothers of Alpha Chi Omega cannot be recognized as an alumnae chapter or club.

• Since the increasing number of chapters was adding to the work of the national counsellors, a third counsellor was to be elected in 1947.

National President’s Report: • “The sudden advent of peace brought many changes to the college campuses which had not been wholly anticipated.”

Enrollments jumped due to returning war veterans.

Already overcrowded campus housing became even more pronounced. Some colleges lifted pledge quotas, leading to a greater number of pledges and larger chapters.

• Some chapters were planning for new or remodeled houses, but the National Council was faced with uncertainty regarding future size of college enrollments.

• A “swing back” to pre-war traditions and campus activities brought a drop in scholarship.

• NPC and NIC were working in cooperation to combat anti-fraternity agitation.

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January 1947 Lyre (Vol. 50, No. 2)

National Council Meeting, June 16-23, 1947: Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada • The National Council went on record as disapproving of discriminatory chapter bylaws and opposing a constitutional change permitting selection of members by a majority vote.

• Money remaining in the War Activities Fund was to be transferred to the Alumnae Projects Fund.

• The National Council voted to reestablish the awarding of the National Council Trophy Cup on the basis of active chapter cooperation with the central office, province presidents and the National Council.

26th National Convention, June 25-29, 1947: Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada • National President Gladys Drach Power presided; 651 were in attendance.

• Founder Estelle Leonard was present. Greetings were read from Founders Nellie Gamble Child, Bertha Deniston Cunningham and Olive Burnett Clark, who were unable to be present.

• $30,000 from the Alumnae Projects Fund was to be allocated to the Alumnae Clubhouse Fund.

• Work with the National Society for Crippled Children was adopted as a national project.

• A semi-crown pearl badge was made official and to be property of the Fraternity.

• The graduated scale of alumnae life subscriptions to The Lyre was abolished.

National President’s Report: • Regarding the post-war period, “The second year just ended has brought no relief, but on the contrary, has only tended to aggravate an already difficult situation. And yet, for the most part, the chapters have met this situation without complaint.”

• Women continued to hold campus leadership positions that had previously been “entirely or mainly masculine.”

• A change of interest from war activities to possibilities for general service and altruism was noted.

• There was a growing awareness among collegians of their obligation to attain high scholastic standing.

National Vice President’s Report: • Focus was on 1) constitutional change making alumnae districts and their chairmen a definite part of the Fraternity, 2) establishment of national life alumnae dues plan, 3) the search for a national altruistic project.

Eastern National Counsellor’s Report: • Due to housing shortages, colleges reduced the number of women entering. Women’s housing facilities were crowded, resulting in fraternity houses facing lack of space and needed repairs. It was expected that many schools would increase enrollment over the pre-war level.

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Extension Chairman’s Report: • College administrators, recognizing the value of NPC groups and the need to have a sufficient number of groups to accommodate interested women, were encouraging expansion.

National Council Meeting, November 14-16, 1947: Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado • Necessary appropriations for central office remodeling and decorating were approved.

• Chapter houses were required to have adequate fire extinguishers and monthly fire drills.

National Council Meeting, June 12-21, 1948: Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park, California • Finance committee was to retain in the Lyre operating fund the entire amount received from life subscriptions from June 1, 1948-May 31, 1949.

National President’s Report: • A drop in enrollments and easing of crowding, improved scholarship, more settled life, less anti-fraternity agitation was seen.

• Extension continued at a surprising rate, with chapters established at schools never before open to national fraternities.

• There was enthusiastic support of the Cerebral Palsy Project.

• There was increased interest in the MacDowell Colony with release of “colored moving pictures” showing the Star Studio.

• Central office was moved to a larger suite in the Chamber of Commerce building in Indianapolis.

• New edition of the history was published and distributed.

National Panhellenic Conference Delegate’s Report: • Eleven new fraternities were admitted to associate membership in NPC, increasing the number of member groups from 20 to 31.

National Rushing Chairman’s Report: • Although policy required “an alumna recommendation for every girl pledged,” it was difficult to secure recommendations in some parts of the country.

National Council Meeting, June 11-19 and 27, 1949: Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, California • $10,000 from the Alumnae Projects Fund was to be allocated to the Alumnae Clubhouse Fund; $10,000 from the same fund was to be allocated for use for scholarships in cerebral palsy work.

• Advertisements in The Lyre were to be discontinued with the exception of that for the L.G. Balfour Company.

• Recommendations for changes to the constitution and code were approved.

• A training school for district alumnae chairmen and province presidents was held.

• The National Council reiterated that members should not be deprived the privilege of wearing their badges or of having a vote in chapter meetings due to low scholarship.

27th National Convention, June 21-26, 1949: Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, California • National President Gladys Drach Power presided; 987 were in attendance.

• Founder Estelle Leonard was present.

Greetings were read from Founders Nellie Gamble Child, Bertha Deniston Cunningham and Olive Burnett Clark, who were unable to be present.

• Constitution and code changes were adopted.

• Vote of confidence was given to the National Council to make Ritual and bond revisions to be submitted to the voting body of the Fraternity.

May 1953 Lyre (Vol. 56, No. 1)

National President’s Report: • Cerebral palsy support project unified members and broadened the Fraternity’s scope and helped it “become a greater force in the outside world.”

• There was belief that Alpha Chi Omega had one of the most outstanding pledge guidance programs in the fraternity world.

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• Greater emphasis on Fraternity education was recommended, as well as revisions to the the Ritual and bond for the removal of “outmoded features.”

National Vice President’s Report: • In 1939 there were no alumnae districts nor national life alumnae dues, the former having been added to the fraternity organization in 1943, and the latter in 1946. By this point, however, there were six alumnae districts with a chairman in each, and in round numbers 10,000 initiated, both active and alumnae, paid their national life alumnae dues.

Western National Counsellor’s Report: • A lessening of student control, with control centered instead in deans of students or directors of student affairs, was being seen.

No longer did schools have deans of men and deans of women.

• Service had become synonymous with Greek-letter organizations.

National Editor’s Report: • S ince 1943, Lyre publication costs doubled. The number of pages in each issue was reduced.

April 1939 Lyre (Vol. 42, No. 3)

NPC Delegate’s Report: • In some parts of the country there was a trend toward deferred rushing, similar to a movement around 20 years before. NPC, however, supported a short, early rushing season.

National Council Meeting, November 6-12, 1949: Skytop Club, Skytop, Pennsylvania • A national repledging fee of $10 was established.

• With “sincere regret,” the Zeta chapter at New England Conservatory was to be removed from the campus since the conservatory did not meet the requirements of an NPC campus.

1950s National Council Meeting, June 19-29, 1950: Seigniory Club, Montebello, Quebec, Canada • It was determined that an actuarial study of The Lyre should be conducted.

• Finance committee was authorized to purchase property for an alumnae clubhouse.

National President’s Report: • Several chapters were remodeling or building housing due to housing shortages on some campuses and increased membership on others.

• Regret was expressed regarding the closure of the Zeta chapter at New England Conservatory due to NPC requirements.

National Council Meeting, April 3-5, 1951: Indianapolis Athletic Club, Indianapolis, Indiana • The National Council voted to recommend to voting members at the 1951 National Convention that there shall be no fixed order of succession in office for the National Council.

• Plans were tabled for Fraternity reorganization until the 1951 National Convention approved or disapproved constitutional changes.

National Council Meeting, June 14-24, July 1, 1951: Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, Virginia • A recommendation was made that making of self-help toys for handicapped children be adopted as part of the National Cerebral Palsy Project.

• The Council Trophy was to be a biennial award made in convention years.

• A training school for district alumnae chairmen and province presidents was held.

28th National Convention, June 25-30, 1951: Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, Virginia • National President Mildred Estabrook Scott presided.

• Founders Estelle Leonard and Olive Burnett Clark were present. A moment of silence was observed in memory of Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham.

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May 1951 Lyre (Vol. 54, No. 4)

• Making of self-help toys for handicapped children was adopted as part of the National Cerebral Palsy Project.

• Changes to the constitution and code were adopted.

National President’s Report: • Numbers were steadily increasing through large pledge classes and the addition of chapters.

• House corporations were providing “adequate housing, tastefully furnished and decorated.”

• There would likely need to be increases in fees voted on by the membership to maintain a continued high standard of operation.

National Council Meeting, November 25-27, 1951: Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, Virginia • Ruth Tewinkel Suppes was appointed colonizing officer for Marshall College.

• A training program for chapter advisors was proposed.

National Council Meeting, June 30-July 8, 1952: Moraine Hotel, Highland Park, Illinois • The solicitation of funds from other Alpha Chi Omega chapters and clubs by house corporations was discussed.

It was reaffirmed that no solicitation of funds be permitted from other than members of the particular chapter.

• A gift of $6,400 for construction of the archives room for the Alpha chapter at DePauw University was approved.

National President’s Report: • Rosita Hopps Nordwall returned to the National Council following an absence of five years.

• Ann Hall was hired as new director of the department of publications in central office.

• Gladys Drach Power was reappointed as chairman of College Panhellenics Committee.

• The decrease in number pledged and initiated was the same as other NPC groups.

• It was recommended to study the three-counsellor system.

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Other Officer Reports: • Gladys Drach Power was selected to represent NPC as speaker for the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of Phi Beta Kappa.

• Pin was to be presented to 50-year initiates attending future conventions.

Resolution of authorization to borrow money, etc., • was made.

National Council Meeting, March 24-27, 1953: Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago, Illinois • “Collegiate” was to be used instead of “active” to designate the college chapters. The term “active” was only be used to differentiate between actives and pledges.

29th National Convention, June 22-July 2, 1953: Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta, Canada • National President Mildred Estabrook Scott presided; 481 were in attendance.

• Cerebral Palsy Project was to be continued.

• The National Altruistic Foundation was established.

• National vice president title was changed to national alumnae vice president. National collegiate vice president position was to replace national counsellor position.

Mail Vote of Voting Body, April 1953 • Amendments to the constitution were passed.

National Council Meeting, June 16-23 and July 3, 1953: Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada • National Council Trophy was to be presented annually.

NPC Delegate’s Report: In New York and New England, agitations against • fraternities had broken out on the basis of race and religious discrimination. A letter was sent from Rutgers University to 300 selected northern and western colleges demanding that action be taken to force the removal of all discriminatory clauses from fraternity constitutions.

• Alpha Chi Omega’s documents contained no discriminatory clauses.

• The threat of communism on college campuses continued. College campus leaders had been deluged with communistic literature.

National Council Meeting, November 5-9, 1953: Huntington Hotel, Pasadena, California • A graduate counselor scholarship of $100 was to be presented to Paula Fix (Tau, Brenau University).

May 1953 Lyre (Vol. 56, No. 4)

National Council Meeting, June 12-19, 1954: Skytop Lodge, Skytop, Pennsylvania • Central office was to be moved from the 10th to the sixth floor of the Chamber of Commerce building to increase space.

• During the establishment of a new chapter, the initiation fee of townswomen selected by the National Executive Committee could be adjusted by that committee, and such fee would be augmented by the Province Fund to equal the national initiation fee.

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• Plans were approved for the formation of National Rushing Committee.

• Plans were formulated to carry on the graduate counselor program.

National Council Meeting, April 4-8, 1955: Hotel Congress, Chicago, Illinois • Awards of Achievement were to be presented at the biennial conventions to eminent Alpha Chi Omegas.

• Pins were to be presented to 50-year initiates attending future conventions.

National Council Meeting, June 26, 1955: The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia • Regarding social conduct, a statement in the P & P: “Alpha Chi Omega insists on the maintenance of high moral standards of conduct at all times. Excessive drinking, misconduct with men, and dishonesty are grounds for permanent inactivity.”

• Requirement was established that all collegiate chapters establish and maintain at all times a building and decorating fund.

30th National Convention, July 5-10, 1955: The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia • National President Ruth Tewinkel Suppes presided; 407 were in attendance.

• Cerebral Palsy Project was to be continued for the next biennium.

• The delegates voted to establish a Founders’ memorial at DePauw University in honor of the seven Founders, to be presented during the Diamond Jubilee in 1960. Funds were to be raised during the next two years, primarily through individual contributions from members.

• News of Founders: Estelle Leonard died at the age of 95.

Nellie Gamble Childe was reportedly in good health and Olive Burnett Clark was ill.

National Council Meeting, November 18-20, 1955: The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia • Detailed report of the extension field was presented.

National Council Meeting, June 15-24, 1956: Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite National Park, California • Criteria for the National Council Trophy were recommended.

• Results of the traveling secretary program for previous year were reviewed and decision was made to continue the program.

• Collegiate chapter charter was revised to substitute “collegiate” for “active” chapter.

• The National Council voted to send special mailing piece to all members appealing for contributions to the Founders’ memorial in the fall near Founders’ Day. NPC Delegate’s Report: • “Discrimination has become a word of great importance in the collegiate world and has been twisted into a new connotative value. Any limitation of any kind which might be interpreted to have racial or religious implications is branded as discrimination and is ‘bad.’”

Alumnae Clubhouse Subcommittee: • Costs of construction and maintenance were delaying the realization of not only the dream for Alpha Chi Omega’s clubhouse, but similar dreams of other women’s organizations.

Housing Committee: • There was a request on the part of many college administrations that sororities furnish more housing in order to alleviate crowded dormitory conditions.

The need for student housing had become so acute that administrations in many cases were cooperating with fraternities to secure added housing.

National Council Meeting, April 8-12, 1957: Indianapolis Athletic Club, Indianapolis, Indiana • The 50th anniversary of the MacDowell Colony and the 100th birthday anniversary of Marian Nevins MacDowell were noted.

• In order to have “My Symphony” copyrighted, the title was changed to “The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega.”

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December 1956 Lyre (Vol. 60, No. 2)

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Mail Vote of Voting Body, 1957: • The constitution was amended to provide for a change in the convention year “by decision of the majority of the voting members” in addition to in the case of a “national emergency.”

National Council Meeting, June 14-20, 1957: Huntington-Sheraton Hotel, Pasadena, California • The National Council would recommend to the convention that a tower with bells be given to DePauw University as a memorial to the Founders in accordance with the motion passed at the last convention.

31st National Convention, June 25-30, 1957: Huntington-Sheraton Hotel, Pasadena, California • National President Ruth Tewinkel Suppes presided; 795 were in attendance.

• A moment of silence was observed in memory of Founder Olive Burnett Clark.

• Due to the observance of the Fraternity’s 75th anniversary, the next convention date was moved forward to 1960.

Accordingly, the term of National Council officers elected in 1957 would be for three years, ending in 1960.

• Support of cerebral palsy was to be continued for the next biennium.

• A resolution was passed indicating that a tower with bells be given to DePauw University as a memorial to the Founders.

• The traveling secretary position established two years prior had proven to be of great value. 1955 graduate Charlene Moore pioneered this work and served for two years.

Faythe Luther accepted the position for the coming year.

NPC Delegate’s Report: • A trend toward “centralization of power in the hands of the student legislature and its attempt to control all phases of student life” was noted. Undergraduate members were urged to become involved in student government organizations.

Director of Publications Report: • The June 1957 issue of The Lyre would include “The Alpha Chi Omega Founding Story” by Olive Burnett Clark, who requested that every member receive a copy of the story. Olive Burnett Clark wrote and edited the story,

helped select the pictures, saw a rough sketch of the cover and layouts, and gave her approval. Her death came less than three weeks after she had completed the reediting.

National Council Meeting, November 8-11, 1957: French Lick-Sheraton Hotel, French Lick, Indiana • Each member of the National Council was to submit a monthly report to the National President.

• The National President would provide a flow-of-work chart for the National Council.

• A magazine agency was established to augment the Alta Allen Loud National Fund.

National Council Meeting, June 11-21, 1958: Mt. Washington Hotel, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire • Steps would be taken to affect dissolution of any existing foundation set up by any Alpha Chi Omega chapter house corporation. No group would be allowed to establish such a foundation in the name of Alpha Chi Omega.

• Alumnae chapters must maintain a minimum membership of 25 alumnae who had paid local and either NLAD or annual national alumnae dues. If they fell under that requirement for two years, they would automatically revert to alumnae club. Each alumnae chapter was required to send an official delegate to each convention. Failure to do so for two consecutive conventions would revert the status to club.

NPC Delegate’s Report: • NPC adopted a Declaration for Freedom and the Statement of Rights, outlining the right of social organizations to choose members on any basis they decide.

• A housing report of NAACP in Champaign-Urbana called upon the administration of the University of Illinois to require integrated housing in sorority and fraternity houses or to remove them from campus.

National Council Meeting, March 23-24, 1959: Knickerbocker Hotel, Chicago, Illinois • A proposal from Booz, Allen and Hamilton was accepted for “a survey covering the conduct of an organization and general management of the executive department and the central business offices.” Cost was to be covered by the fund set aside for the housing of new chapters.

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National Council Meeting, June 10-20, 1959: Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Colorado • The state recommendation chairman position was created to augment the work of obtaining rushing information and recommendations in areas where there was no rushing board or alumnae group.

• Scholarship policies were outlined.

• DePauw University’s president indicated that the proposed tower of bells could not be constructed because of delayed planning by the university. It was decided to use the proceeds from the investment of the Founders’ Memorial Fund in another fitting way until the original plans could be carried out.

• Awards were to be presented to chapter advisers who had served two consecutive terms.

National President’s Report: • The entire National Council visited the MacDowell Colony in the summer of 1958.

NPC Delegate’s Report: • Pi Kappa Sigma merged with Sigma Kappa. Theta Sigma Upsilon merged with Alpha Gamma Delta. The problems of the smaller NPC groups were great and difficult to overcome. “However, we do recognize that there is an increasing need for more groups as campuses increase in size and this is a problem which, unsolved, will do much harm to the fraternity system.”

• Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts required removal of discriminatory clauses or provisions from constitutions of fraternities and sororities. Failure to do so would mean the elimination as recognized student organizations on those campuses.

National Council Meeting, October 5-7, 1959: Lake Shore Club, Chicago, Illinois • The National Council approved in principle the plan for reorganization of the National Council, national officers, committee chairmen and central office.

• Central office was in need of additional space. National President and national secretary were investigating property and possible locations in Indianapolis.

National Council Meeting, November 14-15, 1959: Americana Hotel, Bal Harbour, Florida (special meeting following NPC meeting) • NPCD reported on NPC meeting.

• Award of Achievement was to be awarded at the 1960 National Convention to Catherine Barnes May (Rho, University of Washington), Ardath Yates Burkhart (Alpha, DePauw University), Florence Kerins Murray (Lambda, Syracuse University), Betty Hinckle Dunn (Alpha, DePauw University, who later affiliated with Iota, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) and Norma Lee Browning Ogg (Alpha Nu, University of Missouri).

1960s National Council Meeting, January 20-22, 1960: Indianapolis Athletic Club, Indianapolis, Indiana • Carnation charm was adopted to be presented to chapter advisers who had served a minimum of two terms (four years) in the position.

• Offer of $45,000 was to be made for potential central office at 3445 Washington Boulevard, Indianapolis, subject to proper zoning and adequate financing.

• The organization and management study was reviewed, revised, and forwarded for study and use in writing the new constitution.

National Council Meeting, June 15-21, 1960: French Lick-Sheraton Hotel, French Lick, Indiana • The central office director expressed the need for new employees after the office’s reorganization.

• National headquarters plans were studied and reviewed.

32nd National Convention, June 26-July 1, 1960: French Lick-Sheraton Hotel, French Lick, Indiana • National President Burnette Grimes Jones presided; 628 were in attendance.

The death of Founder Nellie Gamble Childe was • acknowledged.

• The Nominating Committee was elected as part of the rewriting of the constitution. National Council presented slate of nominees, who were elected.

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• A resolution passed indicating that the alumnae clubhouse project was impractical and impossible. The money allocated and contributed for the purpose of building an alumnae clubhouse was to be invested in the Alta Allen Loud National Fund, the interest to be used for assistance to alumnae who may prove in need of aid. The fund entitled Alumnae Clubhouse Fund was changed to The Olive Burnett Clark Alumnae Fund.

• A new constitution was adopted.

• Central Office Director Hannah Keenan, “in grateful recognition of 31 years of devoted and efficient service,” was awarded a trip to Europe on Alpha Chi Omega’s post-convention tour.

• The bid of Charles Brandt Company for $60,856 was accepted, which included the black top for parking to create an addition on the rear of the central office building for the business offices.

• The balance in all funds was transferred to the general treasury fund in conformity with the revised constitution.

• “Only by developing the truly great potentials of the fraternity system and more specifically our own Alpha Chi Omega can we hope to preserve the system.”

National Council Meeting, November 7-9, 1960: Indianapolis Athletic Club, Indianapolis, Indiana • The California system asked all chapters to sign statements to be reviewed annually that they do not discriminate.

All chapters were advised not to sign any such statement hereafter.

• National Council members were unanimous in thinking that local autonomy should not be granted to individual collegiate chapters.

• National Council Trophy was to be awarded annually to the outstanding alumnae chapter and to the outstanding alumnae club. The award would be a leather binder for Ritual material.

National President’s Report: • A professional parliamentarian was engaged to arrange pattern and terminology for a new constitution.

• Policies and procedures manual was created to further explain and implement the constitution.

• “The fraternity system is under attack from various elements, some of whom consider it a barrier to the type of society they are trying to achieve.”

• Hannah Keenan was elected chairman of the executive secretaries at the NPC meeting for the coming biennium.

National Collegiate Vice President’s Report: • After having worked the past year without a traveling secretary, National Collegiate Field Adviser Sue Nighswander (Gamma Lambda, Kent State University) would visit the chapters for 1960-61.

NPC Delegate’s Report: • “We uphold the right, as it is granted in the United States Constitution, for all voluntary associations to set their own standards of membership, regardless of whether we approve of their standards or not. Democratic freedoms belong even to those with whom we disagree.”

Gamma Eta Gamma (Eugene, Oregon) held an Easter sale to benefit the local school for children with cerebral palsy. September 1950 Lyre (Vol. 54, No. 1) ACW History • 83 • Volume 3

CHAPTER LISTINGS 1885-1960 COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS ALUMNAE CHAPTERS

COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS 1885-1960 Active Alpha (DePauw University), Greencastle, Indiana – October 15, 1885 Beta (Albion College), Albion, Michigan – May 27, 1887 Gamma (Northwestern University), Evanston, Illinois – November 14, 1890 Delta (Allegheny College), Meadville, Pennsylvania – January 29, 1891 Epsilon (University of Southern California), Los Angeles, California – June 16, 1895 Eta (Bucknell University), Lewisburg, Pennsylvania – June 16, 1898* Theta (University of Michigan), Ann Arbor, Michigan – November 19, 1898 Iota (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Urbana, Illinois – December 8, 1899 Kappa (University of Wisconsin – Madison), Madison, Wisconsin – December 18, 1903 Lambda (Syracuse University), Syracuse, New York – December 18, 1906 Mu (Simpson College), Indianola, Iowa – May 13, 1907 Nu (University of Colorado Boulder), Boulder, Colorado – September 6, 1907 Xi (University of Nebraska – Lincoln), Lincoln, Nebraska – November 28, 1907 Omicron (Baker University), Baldwin, Kansas – September 17, 1908 Pi (University of California, Berkeley), Berkeley, California – May 7, 1909 Rho (University of Washington), Seattle, Washington – October 14, 1910 Sigma (University of Iowa), Iowa City, Iowa – June 13, 1911 Tau (Brenau University), Gainesville, Georgia – November 24, 1911 Upsilon (Millikin University), Decatur, Illinois – May 9, 1913 Phi (University of Kansas), Lawrence, Kansas – September 15, 1914 Chi (Oregon State University), Corvallis, Oregon – March 19, 1915 Psi (The University of Oklahoma), Norman, Oklahoma – January 14, 1916 Omega (Washington State University), Pullman, Washington – September 22, 1916 Alpha Beta (Purdue University), West Lafayette, Indiana – April 26, 1918 Alpha Gamma (The University of New Mexico), Albuquerque, New Mexico – June 6, 1918 Alpha Delta (University of Cincinnati), Cincinnati, Ohio – April 25, 1919 Alpha Epsilon (University of Pennsylvania), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – May 9, 1919 Alpha Zeta (Washington University in Saint Louis), St. Louis, Missouri – June 8, 1920 Alpha Eta (University of Mount Union), Alliance, Ohio – June 11, 1920 Alpha Iota (University of Vermont), Burlington, Vermont – June 14, 1921 Alpha Kappa (University of Oregon), Eugene, Oregon – June 22, 1921 Alpha Lambda (University of Minnesota), Minneapolis, Minnesota – September 30, 1921 Alpha Mu (Indiana University), Bloomington, Indiana – April 21, 1922 Alpha Nu (University of Missouri), Columbia, Missouri – August 25, 1922 Alpha Omicron (The Ohio State University), Columbus, Ohio – September 14, 1923 Alpha Rho (University of Idaho), Moscow, Idaho – May 9, 1924 Alpha Sigma (Ohio Wesleyan University), Delaware, Ohio – May 9, 1924

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Alpha Tau (University of New Hampshire), Durham, New Hampshire – June 24,1924 Alpha Upsilon (The University of Alabama), Tuscaloosa, Alabama – September 9, 1924 Alpha Phi (The University of Texas at Austin), Austin, Texas – September 13, 1924 Alpha Chi (Butler University), Indianapolis, Indiana – February 28, 1925 Alpha Psi (UCLA), Los Angeles, California – March 27, 1926 Alpha Omega (Birmingham-Southern College), Birmingham, Alabama – April 9, 1926 Beta Gamma (Louisiana State University), Baton Rouge, Louisiana – October 29,1926 Beta Delta (College of William & Mary), Williamsburg, Virginia – April 8, 1927 Beta Epsilon (Michigan State University), East Lansing, Michigan – February 11, 1928 Beta Zeta (Whitman College), Walla Walla, Washington – November 9, 1928 Beta Eta (Florida State University), Tallahassee, Florida – March 29, 1929 Beta Theta (Lawrence University), Appleton, Wisconsin – February 20, 1930 Beta Kappa (University of Wyoming), Laramie, Wyoming – October 23, 1930 Beta Lambda (University of Arizona), Tucson, Arizona – October 29, 1930 Beta Mu (Pennsylvania State University), University Park, Pennsylvania – April 8, 1932 Beta Nu (University of Utah), Salt Lake City, Utah – March 23, 1934 Beta Xi (Utah State University), Logan, Utah – May 19, 1934 Beta Omicron (Florida Southern College), Lakeland, Florida – November 13, 1936 Beta Pi (Washington College), Chestertown, Maryland – May 21, 1937 Beta Rho (American University), Washington, D.C. – June 3, 1937 Beta Sigma (University of Georgia), Athens, Georgia – January 7, 1938 Beta Tau (Miami University), Oxford, Ohio – December 13, 1941 Beta Upsilon (Duke University), Durham, North Carolina – January 31, 1942 Beta Phi (Bowling Green State University), Bowling Green, Ohio – May 28, 1944 Beta Chi (Willamette University), Salem, Oregon – June 10, 1944 Beta Psi (Louisiana Tech University), Ruston, Louisiana – October 7, 1944 Beta Omega (The University of Toledo), Toledo, Ohio – November 17, 1945 Gamma Delta (University of Denver), Denver, Colorado – October 12, 1946 Gamma Epsilon (Oklahoma State University), Stillwater, Oklahoma – March 8, 1947 Gamma Zeta (Kansas State University), Manhattan, Kansas – March 22, 1947 Gamma Eta (San Jose State University), San Jose, California – March 10, 1948 Gamma Theta (University of Maryland), College Park, Maryland – October 30, 1948 Gamma Iota (University of Florida), Gainesville, Florida – April 2, 1949 Gamma Kappa (Idaho State University), Pocatello, Idaho – February 25, 1950 Gamma Lambda (Kent State University), Kent, Ohio – April 1, 1950 Gamma Mu (Ball State University), Muncie, Indiana – June 10, 1950 Gamma Nu (San Diego State University), San Diego, California – November 18, 1950 Gamma Xi (Western Michigan University), Kalamazoo, Michigan – April 21, 1951 Gamma Omicron (Marshall University), Huntington, West Virginia – November 8, 1952 Gamma Pi (University of Tampa), Tampa, Florida – January 20, 1954 Gamma Rho (Texas Tech University), Lubbock, Texas – March 6, 1954 Gamma Sigma (University of Rhode Island), Kingston, Rhode Island – November 11, 1955

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COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS 1885-1960

Gamma Tau (Oklahoma City University), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – December 3, 1955 Gamma Upsilon (University of Houston), Houston, Texas – February 11, 1956 Gamma Phi (Lamar University), Beaumont, Texas – November 17, 1956 Gamma Chi (Stetson University), DeLand, Florida – May 18, 1957 Gamma Psi (Wichita State University), Wichita, Kansas – February 1, 1958 Gamma Omega (University of Miami), Miami, Florida – March 8, 1958 Delta Epsilon (Southeast Missouri State University), Cape Girardeau, Missouri – April 26, 1958 Delta Zeta (Central Michigan University), Mount Pleasant, Michigan – November 8, 1958 Delta Eta (Queens College), Kingston, Ontario, Canada – March 7, 1959 Delta Theta (University of Maine), Orono, Maine – April 25, 1959 Delta Iota (Emory University), Atlanta, Georgia – May 9, 1959 Delta Kappa (Sam Houston State University), Huntsville, Texas – September 6, 1959 Delta Lambda (Ripon College), Ripon, Wisconsin – October 31, 1959 Inactive Zeta (New England Conservatory), Boston, Massachusetts – established December 15, 1895; closed June 1, 1950 Alpha Theta (Drake University), Des Moines, Iowa – established June 10, 1921; closed October 19, 1933 Alpha Xi (University of Montana), Missoula, Montana – established May 11, 1923; closed June 1, 1952 Alpha Pi (University of North Dakota), Grand Forks, North Dakota – established November 10, 1923; closed May 1, 1938 Beta Iota (University of Toronto), Toronto, Ontario, Canada – established April 23, 1930; closed July 15, 1953

* Eta chapter was closed in June 1899 but was later reestablished on April 1, 1921.

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ALUMNAE CHAPTERS 1885-1960 Alpha Alpha (Chicago, Illinois) – May 23, 1906 Beta Beta (Indianapolis, Indiana) – December 14, 1906 Gamma Gamma (New York, New York) – November 6, 1907 Delta Delta (West San Fernando Valley, California) – September 25, 1908 Epsilon Epsilon (Detroit, Michigan) – March 17, 1909 Zeta Zeta (Boston, Massachusetts) – November 9, 1909 Eta Eta (Madison, Wisconsin) – June 16, 1911 Theta Theta (Berkeley, California) – January 11, 1913 Iota Iota (Seattle, Washington) – March 8, 1913 Kappa Kappa (Lincoln, Nebraska) – January 31, 1914 Lambda Lambda (Grand Rapids, Michigan) – February 7, 1914 Mu Mu (Kansas City, Missouri) – September 20, 1914 Nu Nu (Denver, Colorado) – July 29, 1916 Xi Xi (Portland, Oregon) – March 11, 1922 Omicron Omicron (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota) – January 15, 1923 Pi Pi (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – February 10, 1923 Rho Rho (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) – March 17, 1923 Sigma Sigma (St. Louis, Missouri) – March 14, 1925 Tau Tau (Champaign, Illinois) – March 25, 1925 Upsilon Upsilon (Syracuse, New York) – November 17, 1926 Phi Phi (Meadville, Pennsylvania) – June 5, 1928 Chi Chi (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) – October 19, 1929 Psi Psi (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) – June 11, 1932 Omega Omega (Youngstown, Ohio) – March 26, 1933 Alpha Beta Alpha (San Francisco, California) – April 8, 1933 Alpha Gamma Alpha (Atlanta, Georgia) – June 5, 1933 Alpha Delta Alpha (Spokane, Washington) – October 7, 1933 Alpha Epsilon Alpha (Washington, D.C.) – August 14, 1934 Alpha Zeta Alpha (Salt Lake City, Utah) – January 24, 1935 Alpha Eta Alpha (Jacksonville, Florida) – December 27, 1934

Alpha Theta Alpha (Birmingham, Alabama) – January 29, 1935 Alpha Iota Alpha (Columbus, Ohio) – February 23, 1935 Alpha Kappa Alpha (Pasadena, California) – April 6, 1935 Alpha Lambda Alpha (Cincinnati, Ohio) – April 4, 1935 Alpha Mu Alpha (Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) – May 5, 1935 Alpha Nu Alpha (Cleveland-West Ohio) – May 6, 1935 Alpha Xi Alpha (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – May 18, 1935 Alpha Omicron Alpha (Des Moines, Iowa) – June 21, 1935 Alpha Pi Alpha (Fort Wayne, Indiana) – June 22, 1935 Alpha Rho Alpha (Central New Jersey) – May 23, 1936 Alpha Sigma Alpha (Wichita, Kansas) – August 6, 1936 Alpha Tau Alpha (Lafayette, Indiana) – January 2, 1937 Alpha Upsilon Alpha (Albion/Jackson, Michigan) – May 13, 1937 Alpha Phi Alpha (Oak Park, Illinois) – May 17, 1938 Alpha Chi Alpha (Tulsa/Owasso/Broken Arrow/Jenks/ Bixby, Oklahoma) – October 8, 1938 Alpha Psi Alpha (La Vista, Nebraska) – May 21, 1938 Alpha Omega Alpha (Beverly Hills, Michigan) – March 1, 1941 Beta Gamma Beta (Albuquerque, New Mexico) – March 17, 1941 Beta Delta Beta (Lakeland, Florida) – July 1, 1941 Beta Epsilon Beta (Evansville, Indiana) – December 30, 1944 Beta Zeta Beta (Houston, Texas) – November 21, 1944 Beta Eta Beta (El Paso, Texas) – June 24, 1945 Beta Theta Beta (Topeka, Kansas) – May 25, 1946 Beta Iota Beta (East Lansing, Michigan) – October 5, 1946 Beta Kappa Beta (Dallas, Texas) – February 9, 1947 Beta Lambda Beta (Austin, Texas) – February 27, 1947 Beta Mu Beta (Norman, Oklahoma) – January 16, 1947 Beta Nu Beta (Tucson, Arizona) – January 22, 1947 Beta Xi Beta (Westchester, New York) – March 5, 1947 Beta Omicron Beta (Miami, Florida) – March 22, 1947 Beta Pi Beta (Ann Arbor, Michigan) – February 22, 1947

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ALUMNAE CHAPTERS 1885-1960

Beta Rho Beta (Laramie, Wyoming) – April 13, 1947 Beta Sigma Beta (Decatur, Illinois) – April 18, 1947 Beta Tau Beta (Salem, Oregon) – March 17, 1947 Beta Upsilon Beta (Canton, Ohio) – January 12, 1948 Beta Phi Beta (Maumee, Ohio) – January 20, 1948 Beta Chi Beta (Tacoma, Washington) – May 14, 1948 Beta Psi Beta (Alliance, Ohio) – August 3, 1948 Beta Omega Beta (Phoenix, Arizona) – January 28, 1949 Gamma Delta Gamma (Lawrence, Kansas) – April 2, 1949 Gamma Epsilon Gamma (Walla Walla Valley, Washington) – June 1, 1949 Gamma Zeta Gamma (San Diego, California) – February 17, 1950 Gamma Eta Gamma (Eugene, Oregon) – January 18, 1950 Gamma Theta Gamma (Los Angeles, California) – November 17, 1951 Gamma Iota Gamma (San Jose, California) – December 13, 1952 Gamma Kappa Gamma (San Antonio, Texas) – December 31, 1952 Gamma Lambda Gamma (DuPage County, Illinois) – March 5, 1957 Gamma Mu Gamma (Palo Alto, California) – November 25, 1957 Gamma Nu Gamma (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) – September 1, 1958 Gamma Xi Gamma (Lubbock, Texas) – July 1, 1960

Note: It has been extremely difficult to keep accurate records of the alumnae clubs over the years of Alpha Chi Omega’s history. Clubs and chapters were designated based on minimum membership numbers that varied over the years.

Additionally, legislation passed in 1914 required a year as an alumnae club before a group could be recognized as an alumnae chapter. A list of alumnae clubs was compiled in 1935 (and shared in the last installment of this history book), though the 1935 History states, “many more than this number of clubs have been formed, but some have become chapters, others have ceased to exist when their members have moved to other localities, and still others have failed to petition for national recognition, with its concurrent duties.” As such, the editorial team determined that this publication would only include a list of alumnae chapters recognized by the National Fraternity through 1960. Additionally, the locations to which the chapters are affiliated are reflective of the locations as of 2019.

ACW History • 90 • Volume 3

COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS 1885-1960