Motto, Chi Omega Symphony by Ethel Switzer Howard, 1909.

Sororities and Fraternities

In 1932, Chi Omega was the first sorority to be established at the University of Virginia, following the entrance of women into the professional schools in 1920. Chi O's motto, written in 1909, reflects their philosophy that remains today:

"To live constantly above snobbery of work or deed; to place scholarship before social obligations and character before appearances . . . and to have her welfare ever at heart that she may be a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note."

Courtesy of Beth Kreisa Bonner.

Chi Omega Sorority pin, ca. 1991.

Courtesy of Beth Kreisa Bonner.

Chi Omega Sorority decorative paddle, ca. 1991. 

Photograph by Charene Guilford

An African-American fraternity displays its unity during their annual Block Show (Step Show), 1 March 1980.

Fraternity pins, Raven Society pin, no date. (Clockwise from top left)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Phi Gamma Delta

Iota Sigma [Raven Society]

Phi Beta Kappa

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (in the center)