Stella, Jess, Helen, Bess
The first chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi began at Barnard College in New York City. From the very beginning, Barnard was a place that took women seriously and challenged them intellectually. Barnard’s “Great and Glorious Class of ‘98,” included four particularly amazing women: Stella George Stern, Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair and Elizabeth Heywood Wyman. Stella, Jess, Helen and Bess became four friends determined to have friendship that whould last a lifetime. During their junior year, on December 23, 1896, the four climbed the stairs in a small gallery of the old Columbia College Library which led to an old and seldom used room. Amid old grey, mullioned, Gothic windows with broad window seats, the four pledged each other. On January 2, 1897, Alpha Omicron Pi was formally organized. Since then, Alpha Omicron Pi has started over 190 international chapters throughout the United States and Canada, and has thrived and continued to grow throughout the changing 20th century.
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Stella’s wish for AOII in 1897 remains the same for her members today:
“May you have the joy in it all, dear children, that we (founders) have had all the way! May you love one another as happily always as we four have done in a life-long fellowship without a break! And may your descendants in Alpha Omicron Pi bring to you the glory that you yourselves are to us today!” To learn more about AOII, check out our international website. |
Elizabeth Heywood Wyman
Bess, as she was usually called, was outstanding in education, social welfare and as a writer. Bess was the 13th National President of AOII. Prior to that she spent five years as AOII’s first Registrar and established the Central Office. She was always helping others. Her quiet confident manner came from an inner strength. She gave AOII sympathetic understanding, kindness, gentleness and conscientious leadership. |
Helen St. Clair Mullan
A true scholar with a keen mind, Helen was destined to become a great lawyer. She was the organizational genius of the group and gave AOII its Constitution and Bylaws. As AOII’s third National President, she installed many early chapters and promoted expansion. As the mother of two daughters, she was also prominent in New York education, serving on the Board of Education and as a Trustee of Barnard College. She was also a gifted musician. |
Stella George Stern Perry
Stella was well-known for her literary talents. She was the first president of Alpha Chapter, the first National President of AOII and was elected Historian of AOII for life. Most of the information we have about the early history of the fraternity is due to Stella’s writings. Artistic, dramatic and idealistic, she gave AOII’s Ritual simplicity and tolerance. Her work was well done, as AOII’s Ritual is unchanged since 1897. |
Jessie Wallace Hughan
Jessie distinguished herself as a teacher and writer. She was a gallant crusader for any cause she felt was just. She was a true philanthropist and a dynamic leader. Jessie gave AOII depth and sincerity. |
Symbol: Sheaf of Wheat
Flower: Jacqueminot Rose
Jewel: Ruby
Mascot: Panda
Philanthropy: Arthritis research & the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation
Flower: Jacqueminot Rose
Jewel: Ruby
Mascot: Panda
Philanthropy: Arthritis research & the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation