Alpha chapter was founded at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana on October 15, 1885.
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Founder Bessie Grooms Keenan (Alpha, DePauw University) writes to Mabel Siller Nafis (Gamma, Northwestern University), author of the 1916 edition of The History of Alpha Chi Omega, about the founding of Alpha Chi Omega and details of her family.
Bessie Grooms Keenan (Alpha, DePauw University) began studying music as a young child and was an accomplished pianist by the time she entered DePauw. Near the end of her first year there, she strained the muscles of her left hand from over-practice and had to give up the ambition of her life. However, she gave much of her time to help build Alpha Chi Omega. Her daughter, Hannah Keenan, eventually became director of Alpha Chi’s central office, today known as headquarters.
DATE OF BIRTH: April 28, 1866DATE OF DEATH: November 4, 1920CEMETERYOak Grove CemeteryLeRoy, IL 61752Bessie Grooms Keenan (Alpha, DePauw University) shares a headstone with her husband, Luther Courtland Keenan. Her daughter's stone lay next to hers, Hannah Kennan (Alpha, DePauw University).
This program includes a schedule of events for the weekend and the banquet, a list of the installing officers, the banquet menu, and lists of charter members and patronesses.
The 1985 National Convention was the 100-year celebration for Alpha Chi Omega. The five days were packed with activities, including a special DePauw Day, where attendees packed onto buses in groups and made their way to Greencastle, Indiana, for a tour of campus, a pageant of our founding, a concert by the Founders' Memorial and presentation by National President D'Alice Cochran.
This Second Century Campaign update newsletter lists campaign donors and includes an article about Mu (Simpson College) chapter alumnae supporting the restoration of a piano at Simpson College.