Estelle Leonard

Estelle Leonard (Alpha, DePauw University) was born in Monroe County, Indiana, near Bloomington. The date of her birth is unknown, but she was said to have been 95 at the time of her death in early 1955, which would have made her birth sometime in 1859 or 1860. This means that she would have been 25 years old at the time of the founding, the oldest of the seven Founders by far.Estelle entered the School of Music at DePauw University in 1885 with the serious purpose of studying music as a means of livelihood. Older than the other students, Estelle had been supporting herself and earning a living for several years before enrolling at DePauw. She seemed to realize the economic necessity of her endeavor and spent most of her time studying and serving as Dean Howe's secretary. The excitement of participating in the formation of a new fraternity must have been very strong in order to cause her to devote her limited free time to its activities.Estelle was elected Alpha Chi Omega's first President and was particularly interested in the business matters such as the wording of the constitution and of the charter presented to the Beta chapter (Albion College). She must have realized that the decisions being made in those first years would influence the Fraternity in the years to come. Tall, slim and dignified, with a mass of dark hair piled on top of her head, Estelle's stern looks and focus on the business of the Fraternity belied her sense of humor and love of practical jokes.Having been a member of the faculty for two years as well as a student, Estelle graduated from DePauw in 1891 and made a career of her music. She served as principal of the music department at Moores Hill College (later absorbed by the University of Evansville) from 1893-95 and then as principal of the piano department at Centenary College from 1895-1900. In 1900, Estelle moved to Union City, Indiana, where she spent 45 years teaching piano and organ. She taught music in the Union City schools, served as music director and organist of the First Methodist Church and wrote a column for the Union City Times. An active composer, two of Estelle's compositions received widespread publicity: "Sunlight," a piano solo, and "Rondo," originally for piano and later arranged for three violins and piano.Estelle Leonard died on March 3, 1955, at the age of 95 after suffering a broken hip.

Bessie Grooms Keenan

Bessie Grooms (Alpha, DePauw University) was born on April 28, 1866 and, like fellow Founders Anna Allen (Alpha, DePauw University) and Olive Burnett (Alpha, DePauw University), she grew up in Greencastle, Indiana. She began to study pianoforte at a young age and by the time she graduated high school she had become an accomplished pianist. At the age of 19, Bessie enrolled in DePauw University's new School of Music. Dainty, fair-haired and blue-eyed, Bessie was said to have been full of fun and sparkling humor with a sunny disposition. Anna Allen Smith said "she was seemingly happiest in making others happy."The prospect of establishing a new fraternity held particular appeal for Bessie. Living at home, the Fraternity presented an opportunity to participate in college life beyond the classrooms, practice rooms and rehearsal halls. Her home was the site of many early Fraternity activities, including Alpha chapter's first big party. Fraternity events were welcomed by the family, with few enjoying the gatherings more than her father, or "Daddy Grooms," as he was affectionately known to many of the chapter members.Although she was a gifted musician, the energy and discipline with which she approached her art took a toll. Olive Burnett Clark wrote of her, "inspired by the advantages of the school and the ambition to become perfect in her art, she practiced very hard and frequently too long at a time, which resulted in the muscles of her left wrist and hand becoming strained and she lost the use of her fingers." Eventually, she was forced to give up the piano in order to save the use of her hand. It is unclear how long Bessie remained at DePauw after this point.Bessie Grooms married Luther Courtland Keenan in 1895. The couple moved to LeRoy, Illinois, where Luther worked in banking and there they had five children: three sons and two daughters. Anna Allen Smith reflected that "it was in being a mother that we found her in her true sphere for no task was too hard that would give pleasure to the two dear daughters and sons." Her younger daughter, Hannah Keenan (Alpha, DePauw University), attended DePauw and became a member of the Alpha chapter in 1918. She would later become the director of the Fraternity's Central Office.After visiting her daughter Hannah, who was ill in a hospital in Brokaw, Illinois, on October 31, 1920, Bessie herself became suddenly ill. Weakened after several health-related setbacks in the previous years, as well as the death of her young son in 1915 and the death of her beloved father earlier in the year, Bessie was, in the words of Olive Burnett Clark, "physically unable to resist sickness." Bessie Grooms Keenan died just a few days later on November 4, 1920.

Nellie Gamble Childe

Founder Nellie Gamble (Alpha, DePauw University) was born in Martinsville, Illinois, on May 12, 1867, and spent most of her life there except for what she called "that fateful time" at DePauw. An adventurous child, Nellie gradually subdued her early wild impulses and began studying piano. Fellow Founder Olive Burnett Clark (Alpha, DePauw University) described Nellie as "the loveliest girl I had ever seen in all my life. Tall, slim, and graceful, with fair hair and blue eyes - gentle in voice and manner. At first she seemed timid, but acquaintance awakened a most friendly and sweet response. She was admired by all who knew her for her fine good qualities and personal charm, and loved by all her friends with rare devotion."Nellie was an eager participant in the formation of the Fraternity from its earliest days. She was part of the committee chosen at the first meeting to consult with Dean Howe to plan for the future and was elected the first corresponding secretary. By February 1886, she had been elected President.No explanation is known for why Nellie left DePauw early. She returned to Martinsville and soon after married Edward W. Childe, settling down to lead "a life of quiet influence for good." A naturally quiet and retiring person, Nellie seemed reluctant to accept the special honor and appreciation that Alpha Chi Omega reserved for its Founders. Nellie Gamble Childe died in 1960 at the age of 93.

Olive Burnett Clark

Although all of the Founders are important figures in the Fraternity's history, Olive Burnett (Alpha, DePauw University) was described as "the best known and most popular" among the Founders. It was Olive who created detailed first-hand accounts of the founding and also provided vibrant descriptions of the other six Founders and of Dean Howe.Olive was born in Greencastle, Indiana on June 10, 1867. With her childhood friends Anna Allen (Alpha, DePauw University) and Bessie Grooms (Alpha, DePauw University), Olive enrolled in the DePauw University School of Music in the fall of 1885. There she studied piano, violin, cello and double bass, the last two at Dean Howe's request in order to play in the orchestra. She served as a member of the School of Music faculty from 1886-88, teaching pianoforte and primary work on the violin, cello and double bass. She also served as the organist at the College Avenue Church. In the spring of her junior year, Olive left school and took a job teaching piano and violin in Anderson and Franklin, Indiana.Olive married Ralph B. Clark, a businessman and musician from Anderson, Indiana, in 1889. She and Ralph had three children, two sons and a daughter, all of whom went on to attend DePauw. The boys became members of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and her daughter, Mary Ellen Clark (Alpha, DePauw University), became the first daughter of a Founder to become an Alpha Chi Omega.In 1917, the Clark family moved to Indianapolis, where Olive lived for the rest of her life. She was an active member of the Beta Beta (Indianapolis, Indiana) alumnae chapter for almost 40 years and served as one of its early presidents. A close friend of fellow Founder Bertha Deniston Cunningham since their first year at DePauw, the two were reunited in Indianapolis and remained dear friends until Bertha's death in 1950. Olive Burnett Clark died at her home on April 18, 1957, just two months before her 90th birthday.

Maud Powell Turner

Bertha Deniston Cunningham

Bertha Deniston (Alpha, DePauw University) was born in Peru, Indiana on July 28, 1869. A sickly child, Bertha's school days were limited, although her parents made every effort to cultivate her musical talent. Just a few months after the untimely death of her mother in the summer of 1885, Bertha enrolled in the new School of Music at DePauw University. Despite the recent loss of her mother, Bertha - or "Denny" as she was known - was described as "happy and popular with everyone" and was known for her gentle manner, genial smile and sweet disposition.Denny was perhaps the most excited of the Founders when the prospect of starting their own Fraternity was proposed. She had been particularly envious of the beautiful bows and ribbons worn by the other girls on campus who were members of Kappa Alpha Theta or Kappa Kappa Gamma women's fraternities.Musically, Denny was advanced in piano study when she entered the School of Music. Her remarkable execution and ability to compose were the envy of many other students and she had the reputation of being able to accomplish more work in less time than any other student in the school.Denny was elected Alpha Chi Omega's first recording secretary. It is her hand-written minutes that document the first organizational meeting of the Fraternity on October 15, 1885. She played a historic role in those early years in other ways as well. It was Denny who purchased the first Alpha Chi Omega badge and generously allowed other Founders and members to wear it throughout her college years. It is the only original badge of the Fraternity still in existence. She also served as one of the first delegates of the Fraternity, traveling to Albion, Michigan with Mary L. Jones (Alpha, DePauw University) to establish the Beta chapter at Albion College.Denny left DePauw in her junior year after the death of her father. She moved to Indianapolis to live with her older half-sister and took a position as a saleslady and assistant bookkeeper for the Pearson Piano Company. It was at Pearson that she met Scobey Cunningham, a salesman for the company. They were married and later had two sons. In Indianapolis, Denny served as one of the charter members of the Beta Beta alumnae chapter. Ear trouble that began many years earlier eventually led to deafness in her old age. She learned to read lips and continued to travel, shop and visit with her friends, including her dear friend and fellow Founder Olive Burnett (Alpha, DePauw University). It was not until an accident destroyed the vision in one eye that she began to gradually withdraw and rarely left home. Bertha Deniston Cunningham died on October 2, 1950.

Amy DuBois Rieth

Born in Nokomis, Illinois in December 1869, Founder Amy DuBois (Alpha, DePauw University) was only 15 years old when she came to DePauw. In addition to being young, Amy was slight in stature, vivacious, "quick of step and action" and mischievous. Amy studied piano and voice in the School of Music and was known as "the little girl with the big voice."Amy served as the first treasurer of the Fraternity, elected on October 19, 1885, and also as recording secretary later in that first year. Although it is unclear why, Amy left DePauw after only one year. It may have been the expense or the distance from her family, who had recently moved to Colby, Kansas. After leaving school, she joined her family in Kansas and taught music there. In 1888, she married Julius F. Rieth, and their only child, Lelia, was born the next year. When the family moved to Crete, Nebraska, Amy became the assistant director of music at Doane College, a position she held for four years. Later, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Amy kept in touch with the Xi chapter (University of Nebraska - Lincoln) for many years. She continued to teach privately in Lincoln, but due to her delicate health and the necessity of taking care of her invalid mother, she was eventually forced to abandon her musical activities.The other six Founders never saw Amy again after she left DePauw. This was said to have been "a bitter disappointment for them, for they loved her dearly, and never forgot her, or lost touch with her, in spite of the miles between them." Amy DuBois Rieth died at the age of 45 on August 12, 1915, two weeks after having undergone a serious operation.

Anna Allen Smith

Anna Allen (Alpha, DePauw University) was born in Greencastle, Indiana, in 1870, where she would live her entire life. Growing up, Anna was childhood friends with fellow Founders Bessie Grooms and Olive Burnett. Musically gifted from an early age, Anna enrolled and became the youngest student to do advanced work at DePauw University's School of Music, entering at the age of 15 and graduating in 1889, at 19. In her junior year, she began teaching pianoforte at the School of Music and continued to hold that position until 1896. She was known as "a student of exceptional ability and rare self-possession, as a brilliant performer and an excellent accompanist."Living in Greencastle, Anna continued to be involved in Alpha Chi Omega as an alumna. Her family regularly made their home available for chapter events - the first national convention was even held there in 1891. Because of her close proximity to the university, Anna was the Founder most closely associated with the Alpha chapter, serving as a guide and counselor to the chapter members. It is said that she remained close to "every girl that Alpha initiated until her death, and it was rare when she forgot a face or a name."Sometime after her graduation, although the precise date is unknown, Anna married Harry M. Smith. They did not have any children. Unfortunately, Harry was seriously ill for a number of years and many of her friends believed the stress of caring for him sapped Anna of her vitality as well. She died suddenly of "a stroke of apoplexy" on May 23, 1932.

Katherine McReynolds Morrison

Katherine “Kate” McReynolds Morrison - a student, teacher, civic leader and culturally conscious woman beyond her times - was initiated into the Alpha (DePauw University) chapter in 1887 at the age of 16. She had the honor of being pinned by Founder Estelle Leonard and was elected the sixth president of the Alpha chapter. While president, she pinned honorary member Madame Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler, an Austrian-born U.S. pianist who was revered globally for her musical prowess. In 1891, Kate studied abroad at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Stuttgart, Germany. After receiving her artist’s and teacher’s certificate in 1895, she struck up a friendship with musician Fanny Koehle and founded the McReynolds-Koehle Music School in Washington, D.C.In the summer of 1897, Kate stayed with world-renowned violinist and honorary Alpha Chi Omega Maud Powell. That same year she shared with The Lyre a paper she had written on the plight that Native Americans faced culturally, not only in musical terms but in political terms as well. She intended to awaken interest for Native American music, for readers to consider the future of the appreciation of this culture, and to change the way people regarded Native Americans.From 1899-1900 Kate studied abroad once again in Berlin, Germany, at the Stern Conservatory, receiving another artist’s certificate. She immersed herself in the musical affairs of other cultures. As a result, she became one of the most renowned musical influencers of her time.Kate was a key contributor to her local community as well. In 1913, she devised a plan for Washington, D.C. high schools to provide credit to students engaged in private music study. She explained, “The idea of a system in the Washington High Schools, granting a major credit for outside music-study with private teachers, originated with me, and the Board of Education turned to me for the plan, which … has benefited hundreds of music students and their teachers.”She ended her professional career by closing her music school after 19 years when she married Hon. Martin Morrison, representative of the 9th District of Indiana. Now Katherine McReynolds Morrison, she continued her various social interests by becoming a member of the Congressional Club, a group for spouses of congressmen, in 1915. In 1920, she founded the Washington’s Pianist Club, about which she described, “The inspiration, preparation for public performance, and presentation of ‘star pupils of star piano teachers,’ in individual, artist programs … has proved of far-reaching benefit to both.” Because of her civic engagement, the Washington College of Music awarded her with an honorary doctorate in 1936.While Kate only spent one year studying at DePauw, her involvement with Alpha Chi Omega lasted her entire lifetime. In 1935 she attended the Golden Jubilee with four members of her new member class and wrote an article for The Lyre detailing her college experience titled “Reminiscences of 50 Years Ago."In 1888, Alpha Chi Omega offered Katherine McReynolds Morrison the opportunity to be a leader as chapter president; by seizing this opportunity, she set the course for a lifetime of success. She died on February 17, 1958, only four short years after receiving her 50-year Alpha Chi Omega milestone pin. Her wide-reaching inspiration impacted the world in ways only an Alpha Chi Omega could.

Alta Allen Loud

Poise, tenderness in decisions, truest courtesy, unfailing graciousness, sincere interest, depth of conviction, keen intellectual ability, intensity and firmness in her faith are just some of the phrases used to describe Alta Allen Loud.Alta Allen was born January 1, 1878. Sixteen years later, she was initiated into the Beta chapter at Albion College in Albion, Michigan. In her junior year, she attended her first convention as a delegate. It was at the Fifth National Convention at Greencastle, Indiana in 1897 that she was elected Grand Secretary, a role similar to today’s national vice presidents.Alta was not the only family member devoted to the Beta chapter and Alpha Chi Omega. Her sister, Janette Allen Cushman, served as the Fraternity’s Grand President while she was still in college, from 1891-93. Additionally, their father secured the money to build the first Beta chapter house with the understanding that the loan could be paid back in small or large sums at any time, no interest. The 1910 Lyre recounts a special moment Mr. Allen provided the women: “He watched the building with a great deal of interest, and when we mourned because we could not afford a mirror over the mantle in the reception hall, he smiled and counseled economy. And when the lodge was finished, there hung the mirror, just as we had so wanted it, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Allen.”Alta is the longest serving National President in Alpha Chi Omega history, serving from 1907-10 and from 1912-19. Many important decisions were made during her tenure. At the 1908 National Convention, a new position of chapter advisor was created, the secret motto was adopted, and the holly tree was selected as the Fraternity tree. The 1910 National Convention saw the Fraternity adopt an official flag, choose Hera as the patron goddess and establish the Hera Head for past Grand Council officers, which National Council officers still receive. Additionally, the National Council Trophy was established, to be given annually, and the first history book was published. The first Daily Convention Transcript was published at the 1915 National Convention, where the extension policy was broadened and scholarship requirements for initiation were adopted. Despite World War I, the 1919 National Convention body voted to continue caring for 150 French war orphans as well as to establish a permanent endowment to the Star Studio.Alta Allen Loud was also a wife, a college professor, a hostess in the Nurses Training School of Harper Hospital in Detroit, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the president of the Albion City Hospital Board.She passed away on June 28, 1933, one day after being struck by an automobile. Alta was only 55 years old. National President Ethel Mead Van Auken (Lambda, Syracuse University) shared, “Her death is a challenge to all of us to carry into future years the fine and true and beautiful ideals for which she unwaveringly stood.”

Suda West Baldwin

Minnie Shaffer Lee

Leota Fuqua Ruckle

Ella Farthing Miller

Leah Walker Smiley

Eva Merideth Turley

Mary Jones Tennant

Mary Jones Tennant (Alpha, DePauw University) became just the 15th member of Alpha Chi Omega. Early on, Mary understood and valued the work that had gone into establishing the Fraternity. She quickly became involved in cultivating the Alpha Chi Omega experience and expanding the Fraternity’s reach to more women. Mary assisted Founder Estelle Leonard in creating the first charter and suggesting the first open motto to be adopted by the Fraternity, “Ye Daughters of Music Come Up Higher.” In 1887, Mary participated in the installation of the Beta chapter (Albion College).Following her studies at DePauw, Mary became the first Alpha Chi Omega inspector, an office which was created at the 1904 convention in Meadville, Pennsylvania. The purpose was to increase cooperation between the national organization and the collegiate chapters. Mary did this by visiting all active chapters during the two years between conventions, meeting with campus professionals and alumnae advisors, getting to know chapter members, inspecting records and reviewing minutes.The office of inspector was not always easy and required a sacrifice of personal time for the sake of the Fraternity. To show their appreciation, the Grand Council presented Mary with the honor pin at the Grand Council Meeting in 1911. Mary was one of the first five recipients of this recognition, which was adopted at the 1910 convention to recognize former Grand Officers.The Intersorority Conference, later renamed the National Panhellenic Conference, was founded in 1902. Alpha Chi Omega joined the conference in 1903. As inspector, Mary also served as Alpha Chi Omega’s official delegate to the newly created Intersorority Conference.Mary Jones Tennant died on December 20, 1926. Underscoring the profound impact she had on Alpha Chi Omega and on so many of its members, Founder Olive Burnett Clark wrote this upon her passing, “No better or more loyal Alpha Chi ever lived – faithful to every trust, to every duty. She was safe in judgement ... whatever she had to say was always listened to with the utmost respect – that was one of the outstanding demands of her personality that she was probably not fully aware of, for she was absolutely free from ostentation or egotism.”

Jennie Allen Bryant

Lida Bosler Hunter

Mary Janet Wilson