::Welcome to Alpha Omicron Pi - Kappa Tau Chapter

Alpha Omicron Pi Symbols
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on January 2, 1897 at Barnard College, of Columbia University, in New York City. Alpha Omicron Pi now has 178 collegiate chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Alpha Omicron Pi's International Philanthropy supports Arthritis, Juvenile Arthritis, and related diseases. We have raised nearly $1 million in grants for these causes.

The Badge
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. Badges may be worn by initiated members only. Lending or giving the badge to any person not a member of the Fraternity is prohibited. If it is worn with another pin, it is to be placed above it and to the right. No other pin, badge, insignia, such as a fraternity pin, Greek letter indicating the name of a chapter or a symbol denoting an office, may be attached to the badge in any way, whether by a chain or by hanging it on the fastener. A bubble pin guard may be slipped on the pin bar for safety.

The Color
Alpha Omicron Pi has only one color, cardinal. It is the color of the Fraternity flower, the ruby and the ribbon sometimes worn under the badge to welcome a new collegiate chapter.

The Jewel
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 New Member Pin
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 Rose
The Nineteenth Century French rose, General Jacqueminot, a deep red rose, was chosen as the flower of Alpha Omicron Pi because its color is the symbol of the central and essential virtue of the Fraternity. Its choice had no connection with any legend, poem or story. This strong red rose, with its overtones of courage and vigor, was selected for its richness of color and fragrance, combines with softness and modesty of bearing. The Jacqueminot Rose is not available at most florists, so any deep red rose which is available may be used.

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

The Wheat
The wheat indicates usefulness in its harvest. The binding together of the wheat into a sheaf gave Alpha Omicron Pi the new member pin, the name for the magazine, and the rings for the president and international president.

Headquarters
Alpha Omicron Pi International Headquarters is located in Brentwood, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville. A professional staff, under the guidance of the Executive Board, serves collegians and Alumnae in areas of Chapter operations, volunteer training, and membership. For more details, check out the AOII Headquarters Website.

Alpha Omicron Pi Traditions

The American College Dictionary defines traditions as "the handing down of statement, beliefs, legends and customs from generation to generation." These are a few of the Fraternity's traditions:

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

Greek Heritage
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.

Ruby "A" Badge
Many chapters have established the tradition of presenting to a member a badge with the Alpha completely set with rubies as recognition of special services, at the chapter's selection. It may be given outright to an individual or may be a traveling award.

Draping the Badge
Upon the death of a member of the current Executive Board or a past International President, members may drape the badge over a small piece of black ribbon for seven days as a sign of mourning. Likewise, a chapter may do the same for the death of one of their collegiate members.

Wearing a Red Ribbon
Each collegian may wear a piece of red ribbon under the badge on the day a new collegiate chapter of AOII is installed.

Founders' Day
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.

Convention Banquet Song
At the close of the Rose Banquet at Convention, it is a custom to sing the Epsilon Chapter Song. It may be sung once as a solo, or by a group, and then the entire Convention sings it together while standing hand-in-hand.

Greek Heritage 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.

Ruby "A" Badge Many chapters have established the tradition of presenting to a member a badge with the Alpha completely set with rubies as recognition of special services, at the chapter's selection. It may be given outright to an individual or may be a traveling award.

Draping the Badge Upon the death of a member of the current Executive Board or a past International President, members may drape the badge over a small piece of black ribbon for seven days as a sign of mourning. Likewise, a chapter may do the same for the death of one of their collegiate members.

Wearing a Red Ribbon Each collegian may wear a piece of red ribbon under the badge on the day a new collegiate chapter of AOII is installed.