A new Greek organization will be joining the Troy University family next fall, when Alpha Omicron Pi becomes the first new sorority at TROY in almost 20 years.

Members of the Panhellenic Council and University leadership selected the sorority from a field of three on Oct. 6.

“Troy University’s Greek System is one of our most important assets,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “Greeks not only make up a significant percentage of our campus leaders, but they make important contributions to the community through their philanthropy and outreach. I believe that Alpha Omicron Pi’s values and mission make them a perfect fit for TROY’s Greek tradition and I am proud to welcome them to the Trojan family.”

The addition will serve the needs of TROY’s growing student body, according to Barbara Patterson, the Director of Student Involvement and Leadership and Panhellenic Adviser.

Average membership in a TROY National Panhellenic Conference sorority has risen by 100 over the last three years.

“The Panhellenic Council is excited to welcome Alpha Omicron Pi in Fall 2017,” Patterson said. “The council began the process of selecting a new sorority two years ago after carefully considering the need of a new sorority for TROY. The sorority women are so excited to have Alpha Omicron Pi join TROY’s Greek community. We see in them a committed partner for our growth and are certain they will provide an excellent sisterhood for the women of Troy University.”

Alpha Omicron Pi International President Gayle Fitzpatrick expressed the organization’s excitement about joining TROY.

“We are overjoyed to join the outstanding Greek community at Troy University,” Fitzpatrick said. “We have seen the support and encouragement first-hand from the campus community and are confident that the potential (Alpha Omicron Pi) members who join your community will have an exceptional membership experience. Our expectation is to shape a chapter that represents both Alpha Omicron Pi and Troy University’s values to cultivate a strong partnership the campus community will be proud of.”

Alpha Omicron Pi was organized at Barnard College in New York in January 1897 by Stella George Stern, Jessie Wallace Hughan, Helen St. Clair and Elizabeth Heywood Wyman. The organization currently has more than 165,000 initiated members and 209 installed collegiate chapters in its history, with 161 active alumnae chapters across the U.S. and Canada.

Arthritis is the sorority’s international philanthropy, and Strike Out Arthritis! is the official fundraising event for Alpha Omicron Pi chapters. The event has raised more than $3 million, according to the sorority’s website.