Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Omicron Pi was founded on January 2nd, 1897 at Barnard College in New York. The founders were four exceptional, academically inclined women, who shared the desire to strengthen their friendship through a special bond, which would accompany them throughout the rest of their lives. Alpha Omicron Pi was founded, and still resides, on the values of love and tolerance, as one the founding members found herself a victim of discrimination because of her religious beliefs, when trying to join other women’s groups. Diversity is still one of the many aspects Alpha Omicron Pi cherishes today, which is celebrated among its 185 chapters throughout North America.
The Jacqueminot rose was chosen as the official flower of Alpha Omicron Pi because of the richness of both the colour and scent, and because it is a rose without any thorns. The unofficial mascot of Alpha Omicron Pi is the panda because it is the only animal without any natural enemies. The official jewel of Alpha Omicron Pi is the ruby, and the official colour of the fraternity is cardinal, the colour of both its flower and jewel. The founders of Alpha Omicron Pi strongly believed in both simplicity and the preservation of fundamental values, which is why the fraternity has never adopted a crest, and prefers to use its rose as their symbol.
The University of Calgary chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Lambda, which was established on campus in 1985, and is heavily involved in much philanthropy in both the Calgary community and on more of an international scale, by supporting Alpha Omicron Pi’s international philanthropy Arthritis Research and Education. Kappa Lambda is very active in Greek Life on the University of Calgary campus and receives tremendous support from the Calgary Alumnae Chapter. The chapter believes in strengthening friendships through support and kindness, and enriching each of its member’s university experience. The motto of Kappa Lambda Chapter is; Knowledge, Loyalty and Friendship, and in her own way, each AOII lives her life by these simple yet powerful words.