Local History

The Alpha Chi Chapter of Pi Omega Pi was founded on Sunday, May 26, 1940, at 11 a.m. when it was formally installed by twenty members of Theta Chapter of Illinois State Normal University. The installation was held in the auditorium of the Health Education building.

Those installed at this meeting included Earl S. Dickerson, "commerce instructor," as honorary member, Grace Thompson, one of the first graduates of Eastern's commerce department, as alumni member, and thirteen active members. Faculty members of Pi Omega Pi who assisted with the installation were Dr. James M. Thompson of Theta Chapter, Normal, Norris G. Mitts of Zeta Chapter, Colorado State College of Education, Greeley, Colorado, and Stanley C. Robinson, Epsilon Chapter, State University of Iowa.

Before the installation took place, petitions were presented and approved by the National Council and the chapters, then a temporary organization had been formed.

James Griffin, who later became Dean of the School of Business at Eastern, had the honor of being the first president of Alpha Chi Chapter of Pi Omega Pi.

In 1960, Eastern was the first school to have two national officers. Dr. C. L. Fagen was elected the National Secretary-Historian and Dr. G. K. Cooper went on to become National President in 1966 and Immediate Past-President in 1968. Dr. Robert N. Sullivan, Alpha Chi sponsor for many years, was serving as National Secretary-Historian at the time of his death in 1988.

The 2004 school year marked another change in the Alpha Chi Chapter; after several years of serving as the sponsor, Dr. Roger Luft handed over the reins to Dr. Julie Chadd.

The Alpha Chi Chapter of Pi Omega Pi still maintains the rich traditions of its past and continues to set a high standard in business education.