1927-Now

The Chi Alpha Nu Club began in the year 1927 on Muskingum College campus. It was chartered as a local sorority when Miss Cora Orr, Dean of Women at that time, felt that there was a need for another social club. Dorothy Aiken, Nancy Johnson, Isabel Knipe, Margaret McCandless, Mary Mehaffey, Glenna Speers and Shirley Wray were the seven founding members of Chi Alpha Nu, which eventually got its nickname, Kianu. After the club had become established, Mrs. De Jong became the first adviser and Dorothy Aiken was elected the first president of the club. The club purchased their first house, 156 Montgomery boulevard and were ecstatic to finally have a place of their own on campus. Margaret (Peg) McCandless Richert's father designed the first Kianu crest to  properly designate the house. At this time on campus, the members ate at the college fort on Thompson street. Eventually the girls had their own dining room. They also hired their own cook, Mrs. Cosby.

From then on, the women began determining club rituals, ceremonies, and key features of Kianu that can still be viewed today. Along with ceremonial rituals, the members made club songs that they would sing. Some of these songs have lasted these past 87 years, and are still sung in rituals. 

The flower of Chi Alpha Nu is the Talisman rose, due to its yellow and purple glow. The colors and symbols of the club are purple and yellow, and a heart and arrow, respectively. "It is chance that makes us sisters, but choice that makes us friends." The Kianu Club is made up of of young women who firmly believe that the club embodies the sentiment of this quotation. Our symbol is a purple heart bursting with enthusiasm, which has been struck with an arrow to carry this enthusiasm. This is the meaning of Kianu to the hearts of others.

The club’s true birthday is April 29, 1927, and its members and alumni are looking forward to celebrating their 87th birthday this year.

Since that day in April of 1927, the club has only strengthened its foundation of love, sisterhood, nobility, and knowledge. The designated Kianu house has moved down the street to 163 Montgomery boulevard. This house was built in 1925, and was relatively new upon the arrival of the Kianus. Eventually, the Kianus bought the property in 1947. Since then, the house has been remodeled and updated numerous times to keep it a place those members can call “home.”