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EPSILON GAMMA CHAPTER at UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

History of Alpha Omicron Pi
Founded on January 2, 1897, Alpha Omicron Pi began as a dream by 4 young college women to continue their friendship throughout life. Determined to make a democratic, unostentatious society, the four women, Stella George Stern, Helen St. Clair, Elizabeth Heywood, and Jessie Wallace climbed a little winding stair into the stackroom of the old Columbia Library. While the four sat in a deep window seat, pigeons outside and snow lightly falling, they pledged one another at the beginning of the year 1897.

Barnard College, the first separate college for women to be affiliated with a great men�s university such as Columbia University, welcomed the new fraternity and it was not long before the first chapter, Alpha, was flourishing. The fraternity became national with the installation of Pi Chapter at Sophie Newcomb Memorial College, New Orleans, on September 8, 1898.

Over the next 100 years, AOII has added to the ranks 178 collegiate chapters and initiated over 126,000 members. Omicron Chapter (U of Tennessee), chartered on April 14, 1902 as our 4th chapter is the oldest active chapter.

�AOII has continued to hold true to its ideals. Founder Stella Perry once wrote, �that which makes our bond is promise certain of success. Let us follow our ensign devotedly, utterly and bravely. For our purpose cannot fail.�

Epsilon Gamma is the 176 chapter chartered into Alpha Omicron Pi

Helen St. Clair Mullen
A true scholar with a keen mind, Helen was destined to become a great lawyer. She was the organizational genius of the group and gave AOII its Constitution and Bylaws. As AOII�s third National President, she installed many of the early chapters and promoted expansion.

Stella was well-known for her literary talents. She was the first president of Alpha Chapter, the first National President of AOII and was elected Historian of AOII for life. Sshe gave AOII�s Ritual simplicity and tolerance. Her work was well done as AOII�s Ritual is unchanged since 1897.

Bess, as she was usually called, was outstanding in education, social welfare and as a writer. Bess was the 13th National President of AOII. Prior to that she spent five years as AOII�s first Registrar and established the Central Office. She gave AOII sympathetic understanding, kindness, gentleness and conscientious leadership.

Jessie distinguished herself as a teacher and writer. She was a gallant crusader for any cause she felt was just. She was a true philanthropist and a dynamic leader. Jessie gave AOII depth and sincerity.

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