The Founding of Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha
Omicron Pi was founded on January 2, 1897 at Barnard College
of Columbia University in New York City by four college women
with a dream to carry their friendship throughout their lives.
Since the first chapter was installed, AOII has grown into an
international women’s fraternity boasting over 175 collegiate
chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To this day,
chapters of AOII everywhere strive to maintain the same ideals
the four founders held in such high regard over a century ago.
Tau Delta of AOII
Back
in the early 1900s, Tau Delta was known as the oldest women’s
organization on BSC’s campus. However, this local sorority
felt the need to expand. In 1925, the group went from being
merely a local group to the Tau Delta chapter of Alpha Omicron
Pi. Over 75 years have passed since AOII first came to the
Hilltop and Tau Delta maintains its strong presence on campus.
Our Badge
The badge of Alpha Omicron
Pi is composed of the three initial letters of the three words
of the Motto, superimposed one upon the next in order, which
gives the Fraternity its name. Badges may be worn by initiated
members only. Lending or giving the badge to any person not
a member of the Fraternity is prohibited. If it is worn with
another pin, it is to be placed above it and to the right.
No other pin, badge, insignia, such as a fraternity pin, Greek
letter indicating the name of a chapter or a symbol denoting
an office, may be attached to the badge in any way, whether
by a chain or by hanging it on the fastener. A bubble pin
guard may be slipped on the pin bar for safety.
The Wheat
The wheat indicates usefullness
in its harvest.
The binding together of
the wheat into a sheaf gave Alpha Omicron Pi the new member
pin, the name for the magazine, and the rings for the
president and international president.
The Panda
While
unofficial, AOII considers the panda bear its mascot.
The panda is the only animal with no natural enemies.
Our Jewel
While pearls or diamonds are occasionally used
in special badges, the only official jewel
of Alpha Omicron Pi is the ruby
Our Color
Alpha
Omicron Pi has only one color, cardinal. It is the color of
the Fraternity flower, the ruby and the ribbon sometimes worn
under the badge to welcome a new collegiate chapter.
The New Member Pin
The
binding together of
wheat into a sheaf in
the new member pin represents individuals
bound by the common
bond of Alpha Omicron Pi.
The Rose
The
Nineteenth
Century French rose,
General Jacqueminot, a
deep red rose, was chosen
as the flower of Alpha Omic- ron Pi because its color
is the symbol of the central and essential virtue of the
Fraternity. Its choice had no connection with any leg-end,
poem or story. This strong red rose, with its overtones
of courage and vigor, was selected for its richness of color
and frag-rance, combines with softness and modesty of bearing.
The Jacqueminot Rose is not available at most florists,
so any deep red rose which is available may be used.
The Magazine
TO DRAGMA,
the Greek, is translated
as "the sheaf." The name was selected for three
reasons: because it is a reminder of the common interest
whch unites all AOIIs; because it is a record of accomplishment,
or harvest; and because it fittingly describes the purpose
of such a publication, the uniting of members through
communication