Oregon State Chi Omega
126 Years of Tradition
Founded in 1895 at the University of Arkansas, by Ina May Boles, Jean Vincenheller, Jobelle Holcombe, and Alice Simonds, with the help of Dr. Charles Richardson (an initiate of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity), Chi Omega has grown to the largest women's fraternal organization in the world with over 320,000 initiates, 181 collegiate chapters, and over 240 alumnae chapters. Throughout Chi Omega's long and proud history, the Fraternity has brought its member's unequaled opportunities for personal growth and development.
Symbols & Tradition
Skull & Crossbones
Owl
White Carnation
Badge
Crest
Colors
Chi Omega Symphony
To live constantly above snobbery of word or deed; to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances; to be in the best sense, democratic rather than "exclusive", and lovable rather than "popular"; to work earnestly, to speak kindly, to act sincerely, to choose thoughtfully that course which occasion and conscience demand; to be womanly always; to be discouraged never; in a word, to be loyal under any and all circumstances to my Fraternity and her highest teachings and to have her welfare ever at heart that she may be a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note.
Written by Ethel Switzer Howard, Xi Chapter, 1904
Six Purposes Defined
High Standards of Personnel
We are women of integrity and good character. We have high expectations for ourselves and our Sisters. We strive daily to be role models to others. We think about how our actions and words reflect on Chi Omega, and we conduct ourselves in an exemplary manner.
Philanthropy and Community Service
We want to make a difference on our campuses and in our communities. We know that extending our helping hands unselfishly makes the world a better place and makes us better people. Through community service, we learn new skills, develop leadership, discover career opportunities, and become more aware of the needs of others.
Friendship
Friendship is what binds us to each other and our Fraternity. Our friends are a source of support, self-esteem, affection, and fun. In times of despair, friendships offer hope. The friendships we develop in Chi Omega give us a home across geography and generations and provide us with lasting support throughout our lives.
Participation in Activities
This participation develops us into well-rounded people. We engage with others on campus and in our communities and workplaces to develop outside interests and to expose ourselves to new and differing points of view. By contributing in the larger world, we demonstrate that Chi Omega makes a difference in the lives of women.
Career and Personal Development
Career development prepares us for life’s work. We learn practical skills that make us marketable regardless of the path we choose. Sisters serve as mentors and coaches along the way. Chi Omega promotes personal growth and demands our best effort. We work earnestly at whatever we decide to do.
Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship
We care about our intellectual development. We embrace the spirit and excitement of learning throughout our lives and encourage others to better themselves. Chi Omega fosters a strong work ethic and a desire to learn about the world in which we live, which builds confidence and translates into success in other areas of life.
Chapter History
Eta Alpha was founded at Oregon State University in 1917. Since then, Eta Alpha ladies have strived to uphold the purposes of Chi Omega. The Eta Alpha Chapter prides itself on its hard work ethic, fun loving and spirited attitude, and its willingness to lend a hand. Academics come very important to our chapter. Along with being avid Oregon State fans, the Eta Alpha sisterhood enjoys participating in numerous activities and extracurriculars on campus as well as off. Among our diverse Eta Alpha family, you can be sure to always count on unconditional Chi Omega love.
Eta Alpha has had two homes since our founding in 1917. Our first home was located on the corner of 29th and Van Buren. Eventually, our chapter grew, and our house became too small. In 1958, Eta Alpha built its second and current home, located on 23rd and Van Buren in the beautiful town of Corvallis. Our home can comfortably house 52 girls. There are 18 rooms in the house, most of which hold 2-3 girls, each room is decorated with a different theme, and each girl is given a desk and closet space. Everyone sleeps in one of our two sleeping porches which are 24-hour quiet zones, allowing girls to nap and sleep at any time of the day. Our home has various common areas including a TV room, formal living room, dining room, and library.
