Phi Upsilon Omicron, Alpha Epsilon Chapter Records

On May 5, 1944, Nu Delta Pi, a local honorary home economics society at the University of North Dakota, reorganized as the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron, the national society of home economics. Alpha Epsilon charter members included twenty home economics students and four alumnae of Nu Delta Pi. Alpha Epsilon's goals were to help others, develop leadership, and serve and advance home economics. Further guidance was provided by the American Home Economics Association (AHEA). To qualify, members majoring or minoring in home economics must have displayed leadership and were required to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. The average membership was 170 members, active, as well as alumnae (according to 1959 records). The local chapter of Alpha Epsilon held annual events such as the Founder's Day Banquet, when the history of the chapter was explained to new members and the installation of officers took place. Alpha Epsilon also held fundraisers, such as annual fruitcake and steak knife sales. Professional programs included scholarships awarded to members for excellence in academics and writing, a fifteen-minute weekly radio program, "Your Home and You," and sponsorship of PENATES, a club for all women majoring or minoring in home economics. Alpha Epsilon members also participated in biennial conclave national meetings to discuss the development of chapters, new ideas, and finances of Phi Upsilon Omicron. Information concerning the national society and sister chapters was provided by The Candle, a national publication of Phi Upsilon Omicron.

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