Chapter History

The beginning of Alpha Xi Delta’s Kappa Chapter dates back to 1904 when seven young women of vision formed a local sorority at theUniversity of Illinois called Omega Omicron. They worked in secret while pursuing a charter with Alpha Xi Delta and became a chapter in 1905.  Alpha Xi Delta was the sixth sorority to be welcomed to the U of I campus.

From the onset of their existence on the University of Illinois campus, Alpha Xi Delta's Kappa Chapter members displayed tremendous enthusiasm for their host institution. The following excerpt from a 1906 Fraternity publication exemplifies the Kappa Chapter's loyalty to the University: 

"For one thing more is Illinois famous-that is the intangible something called 'college spirit.' 'Illinois spirit' is already famous, it is becoming almost proverbial, and for a large university its sway is astonishing. Each and every student feels to his heart's core the meaning of: 

'We're loyal to you, Illinois,
We're orange and blue, Illinois,
We'll back you to stand
'Gainst the best in the land-
Illinois, Illinois, Illinois'"

- Louise E. DeWitt, Kappa Chapter

Members of the Kappa Chapter maintained small living quarters until 1908 when they moved into a house built for them by friends and alumnae. The members then established a fund to enable them to purchase their own home, and in 1928 bought the Busey Mansion. The Kappa Chapter renovated and expanded the chapter house and in 1989 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This chapter house was home for the Kappa Chapter members until 1995.

In the 2008, Alpha Xi Delta recolonized its Kappa Chapter and announced its new house location at 313 E. Chalmers in Champaign. The new members quickly became enthusiastic members of the Illinois Greek community by winning Greek Week and participating in numerous events on campus.

Alpha Xi Delta officially installed the chapter in March 2009.  Alpha Xi Delta alumnae from across the country joined the 114 new Alpha Xi Delta Sisters, which included several Alpha Xi Delta legacies, to celebrate.  Alpha Xi Delta’s National President presided over the ceremonies and presented the chapter with their charter, a gavel and Alpha Xi Delta flag.

The Kappa Chapter of Alpha Xi Delta has a long history with the Fraternity and the University of Illinois.  The members are dedicated to remaining a prominent, strong chapter of Alpha Xi Delta and at the University of Illinois for years to come.