Alpha Chi National College Honor Society

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Seal of Alpha Chi

Alpha Chi National College Honor Society (or ΑΧ) is an American collegiate honor society recognizing achievements in general scholarship. It was founded on February 22, 1922 at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Its current headquarters is located at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.

Membership in Alpha Chi is extended to students who are in the top 10% of their classes. Only college juniors and seniors are permitted to join. Currently, about 11,000 students are inducted as members of Alpha Chi each year through its 300 chapters. The honor society is especially popular in Texas and its surrounding states, though chapters can be found in almost every state as well as Puerto Rico.

Alpha Chi's name is derived from the initial letters of the Greek words ALETHEIA, meaning TRUTH, and XAPAKTHP, meaning CHARACTER. In 1935 Alpha Chi adopted its official shield and key, colors, and song. The shield and key bear a lamp of learning and the initials AX in raised letters.

Alpha Chi's colors are emerald green and sapphire blue, signifying victory and truth. The honor society's official song is Hail to Alpha Chi. The motto, taken from the Biblical verse John 8:32, is "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Since Alpha Chi is not a secret organization, there are no hidden symbols and programs are open to the public.

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