The Year of The Badge
By Allison Allgier, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U), Rituals, Traditions and Jewelry Committee Chair
AOII’s four Founders were very intentional with all decisions as they established their young organization based on the values that drove them to start a new women’s fraternity. They first determined AOII’s Motto as the most important ideal or guide for AOII members. They then established the name for AOII based on that Motto. Once named, it was decided that the badge would simply be the superimposed letters A, O, and II. The Motto ties to the name which ties to the badge and were all adopted in 1897. The Founders’ dedication to the values of truth and simplicity have always been highlighted in AOII’s badge. Stella wrote, “We did not want a design that showed some little object and resembled a breast pin or a broach or lace pin, and we did not want one that looked like a school pin or could be mistaken, if not scrutinized, for the badge of many other societies.”
Stella continued, “Theodore B. Starr was the “Cartier” of that period, and the Starr designer of insignia was the foremost artist of his kind. We engaged Starr and his designer to arrange the proportions for our badge. We went to see them about it on our bicycles. Fancy girls going down Broadway and Fifth Avenue on bicycles!” AOII’s first initiated member, Anne Richardson Hall, rode her bike to pick-up the first completed badges just in time for the new chapter’s first social event.
The Founders were so committed to maintaining their original concept of the badge that they personally made decisions regarding jewelry until 1923 when the Committee on Jewelry was formed to make those decisions. Two years later, the Committee was combined with the Rituals and Traditions Committee. The resulting Rituals, Traditions, and Jewelry Committee (RT&J) today continues to recommend policy regarding official jewelry.
The first badge was plain yellow gold with a ruby in the apex of the “A.” Later, the letters were sometimes etched, and other jewels were added – half pearls, crown pearls, rubies, and diamonds. Prior to 1965, members could design the jewel patterns for their badge. Over time, the option of creating individual badge designs became significantly more expensive thereby requiring a standardization of the official badges members could order.
It is easy to focus on the beauty and detail of many AOII badges while missing or forgetting about the important tie our badge has both to AOII’s name and Motto. For this reason, the RT&J Committee would like to declare 2024-2025 the “Year of the Badge” as we encourage a stronger connection to the badge and its meaning. Each member’s badge is a sign to others that they are a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and is a reminder of our mutual promises and the ideals which we hold in common. We hope you will wear it proudly and with respect for its true meaning!
You may contact the Rituals, Traditions, and Jewelry Committee (RT&J) about anything Ritual-related at RT&J@alphaomicronpi.org