Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity (AOII) was founded on January 2, 1897 at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. The ideals of sincerity, service, and friendship provide the foundation for AOII. As one of our founders Stella George Stern Perry explained, "We cared so profoundly for one another that we unconsciously desired a society based upon original feeling... We felt that as love never failed, a future on that foundation was assured." With more than 196,000 initiated members from more than 200 collegiate chapters, the values on which AOII was founded help lead us in the decisions we make and the behaviors we exhibit in our daily lives. We are inspired to promote the values of simplicity, integrity, tolerance, generosity, personal dignity, and love. Our lives are to be living symbols of these values that we hold in common. They enable us to go with character and confidence into the world around us, with assurance in knowing AOII is ours, offering friendships and opportunities throughout our lifetime.