128th Founders’ Day

Through the years, AOII Founders’ Day has officially been celebrated on several different dates. After our Founders’ pledged themselves to one another on December 23, 1896 on the window seats above the old Columbia College Library, they gathered again to formally organized Alpha Omicron Pi at the home of Helen St. Clair Mullan on January 2, 1897. That was the date chosen by our Founders and stood as the official date for our first quarter century.

However, with so many colleges and universities not in session in early January, it became increasingly difficult to gather with sisters for celebrations. Therefore, at the 1921 AOII International Convention, Founders’ Day was officially changed to December 8, which is Founder Stella George Stern Perry’s birthday. The two dates, as well as them falling in two different years, often led to confusion. To rectify this confusion, the AOII Executive Board voted unanimously, in 2020, to amended the Standing Rules to return the official observance of AOII’s Founders’ Day back to January 2. Collegiate and alumnae chapters are invited to continue celebrating with events locally on a date most convenient for their members. However, the Fraternity will recognize January 2, 1897 as the official date of AOII’s founding.

Every AOII chapter is expected to participate in a Founders’ Day activity. There are countless ways to celebrate Founders’ Day, and this resource includes five sample events to provide inspiration, along with usable graphics for promotion, invitations, and programs. The goal is to celebrate AOII’s rich history and create a memorable celebration with sisters. 

Traditionally, Founders’ Day is the event set aside to promote the Ruby Fund. The fund was established in 1946 to assist an AOII Founder in dire need and is said to be the “heart” of AOII. Dollars have supported hundreds of sisters through the years, and thanks to generous donors, the fund continues today in support of members suffering from illness, natural disasters, job loss or other forms of need. Please promote the Ruby Fund during your Founders’ Day celebrations. How to Donate information is provided here.