In 1915, a movement was inaugurated at the Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, to promote higher standards scholarship among the undergraduate students by appropriate advantages to be derived from superior intellectual attainments. The results of this cooperative movement by faculty members and the more serious-minded students soon demonstrated its effectiveness in stimulating a wholesome literary and intellectual atmosphere in the institution.
So rapidly did this idea spread, and so readily was its need recognized in other colleges, that representatives from eleven Texas schools met on the campus of Southwestern University on February 22, 1922, adopted the name "Scholarship Societies of Texas", and discussed such other items as constitution, key, and membership certificate.
In 1934, at the meeting held on the campus of Texas Woman's University in Denton, a constitution was adopted and the Society's name was changed to "Alpha Chi". Since then Alpha Chi has expanded in additional colleges and states of the union.
The following year, Alpha Chi adopted its official shield and key, colors, and song. The shield and key bear a lamp of learning and the initials AX in raised letters. The colors are emerald green and sapphire blue, signifying truth and victory. The official publication of the organization since 1957 has been The Recorder.
In February 1955, Alpha Chi became a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
In 1970, the Constitution was again revised and the number of Regions was expanded from two to five. A sixth region was organized in 1972. Region VI encompasses chapters from colleges and universities from Maine to Washington, DC.
Since 1969, Alpha Chi has enjoyed remarkable growth. In the fall of 1972, there were 120 chapters in 137 states and two countries, and more than 51,000 active members on its rolls.
Presently Alpha Chi National Honor Society has a membership of over 700,000.
On April 18, 1978, Delaware Alpha Chapter of Alpha Chi was chartered at Delaware State College. Dr. Timothy J. Bergendahl, Secretary-Treasurer of Region VI installed the Chapter. The President of Delaware State College and the Vice President and Academic Dean accepted the Chapter in the name of the college. Dr. Norman H. Dill and Claire McKenzie were faculty co-sponsors. Mrs. Olivia W. Washington, Director of the Honors Council from 1977-1989, was appointed sponsor for Delaware Alpha Chapter. The 1977-1978 Honors Council played an active role in the establishment of Alpha Chi Honor Society on this campus.
Thirty-four students were inducted into Delaware Alpha Chapter, Region VI of Alpha Chi National Scholastic Honor Society as charter members.
Since 1978, Delaware Alpha Chapter has held Fall and Spring induction ceremonies each year. Student members and faculty co-sponsors have been in attendance at every regional and national meeting since the Chapter was established. Students have presented research papers and have functioned in leadership roles at both the regional and national levels. Delaware Alpha Chapter has been ably represented on the National Council of Alpha Chi by Nancy Seyfried, class of 1985, and Linda Zettlemoyer, class of 1988.
Many of our members have attended graduate schools and earned the highest degree in their respective fields, others are attending graduate and professional schools and still others have successfully found employment in responsible positions in governmental agencies and with prestigious businesses and corporations.
(October, 1990)