Our Founders:

AOII was founded on January 2, 1897 at Barnard College, NY, by four extraordinary women: Stella George Stern Perry, Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen St.Clair Mullan, and Elizabeth Heywood Wyman.

Our Traditions & Symbols:

The essential tradition of Alpha Omicron Pi is that its Rituals and promises are to be considered working principles for life, not simply emotional expression.

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.

Alpha Omicron Pi has only one jewel, the ruby. The occasional use of pearls or diamonds in special badges has no significance or special meaning.

The wheat indicates usefullness in its harvest. 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 Nineteenth Century French rose, General Jacqueminot, a deep red rose, was chosen as the flower of Alpha Omicron Pi because its cardinal color is the symbol of the central and essential virtue of the Fraternity.

AOII believes that the Fraternity has an essentially Greek heritage, and not one of medieval or Masonic background. Thus it does not have a shield or a crest as a symbol.

While not an official symbol, the Fraternity and our chapters consider the Panda to be its mascot.

December 8, or a date as near to it as is practical, is Founders' Day. Although Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on January 2, 1897, this date usually falls during school holidays. December 8 was chosen because it was Stella George Stern Perry's birthday.