Sigma Alpha Omega

Sigma Alpha Omega (ΣΑΩ) is a nationally incorporated Christian sorority for women only, founded at North Carolina State University in 1998. However, they can trace their roots back to the once co-educational Chi Alpha Omega fraternity founded at East Carolina University in 1987. The sorority was formed after a vote of active members at the NCSU chapter in 1998.

History

Sigma Alpha Omega was formed as a sister sorority to Chi Alpha Omega, a Christian Fraternity. Chi Alpha Omega was founded as a men's Christian fraternity in the spring of 1987 at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. The purpose of Chi Alpha Omega was to assemble Christian men in a Christ-centered brotherhood in order to enjoy Christian fellowship, service, accountability, and social activities. Chi Alpha Omega later established a little sister program in order to include their sisters in Christ. Soon after, the fraternity changed fully to co-ed.

In January 1998, the active brothers (both males and females) of the Beta Chapter of Chi Alpha Omega at North Carolina State University voted to form Sigma Alpha Omega in hopes of benefiting both the fraternity and the sorority. Both groups committed to living according to the ideals of Christ and His Word, uplifting each other through fellowship and service, and bringing the love of Christ to North Carolina State University.

Founders

Founding Sisters of Sigma Alpha Omega at North Carolina State University are Michelle Bull, Kathryn Meyer, Kimberly Rogers, and Josie Watson.

National Establishment

As the sorority grew, a need arose to connect chapters through a national organization. Active sisters of the Alpha Chapter at North Carolina State University labored for three years to prepare documents to support a National Board of Trustees. During the spring of 2004, the national board was founded when active and alumni members of the Alpha Chapter met to pray about the future of the sorority.

Sigma Alpha Omega Christian Sorority, Inc was officially recognized as a national non-profit organization under the laws of North Carolina in June 2004. The first National Board of Trustees consisted of alumni members from the Alpha chapter. They were Kristen Batten, Emily Britt, Emily Greene, Valerie Harris Smith, Beth Helms, Jerusha Monroe, Jody Moss Ransom, Josie Watson Thomas, and Lindsey Viens.

The current President of the National Board of Trustees is Elizabeth Lusk Kroner.

Philanthropy

On June 2, 2007, at the annual National Convention, the sisters of Sigma Alpha Omega voted to adopt ovarian cancer awareness as their national philanthrophy. They are currently working with Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. The sisters of Sigma Alpha Omega work hard to raise awareness and funds for this organization.

Chapters

*Α Alpha - North Carolina State University (Active)
*Β Beta - Appalachian State University (Active)
*Γ Gamma - Elon University (Active)
*Δ Delta - Millikin University (Inactive)
*Ε Epsilon - University of Missouri (Inactive)
*Ζ Zeta - University of California, Berkeley (Inactive)
*Η Eta - Shaw University (Inactive)
*Θ Theta - Georgia College and State University (Active)
*Ι Iota - East Carolina University (Active)
*Κ Kappa - Bethel University (Inactive)
*Λ Lambda - California State University at Chico (Active)
*M Mu - University of Georgia (Active)
*N Nu - Western Carolina University (Active)
*Ξ Xi - Illinois Wesleyan University (Inactive)
*O Omicron - University of North Carolina Wilmington (Active)
*Π Pi - University of West Georgia (Active)
*Ρ Rho - Valdosta State University (Active)
*Σ Sigma - Alma College (Inactive)
*Τ Tau - Atlanta Christian College (Active)
*Υ Upsilon - University of North Carolina Charlotte (Inactive)
*Φ Phi - Georgia Southwestern State University (Inactive)
*Χ Chi - University of South Carolina (Active)
*Ψ Psi - University of New Mexico (Active)