The Alpha Omega Alumnae, an organization of women university graduates of Ukrainian descent, was founded in 1958 by a small group of twelve women with a desire to promote and foster Ukrainian cultural activities within the broader community. The organization has focused on promoting the work of amateur and professional artists of Ukrainian origin. The visual and performing arts have been supported with art exhibitions, musicals, recitals, lectures and readings by published authors. In the 1960s, in collaboration with the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Alumnae sponsored a major show of the works of internationally known sculptor Alexander Archipenko. This was followed by a show of the art of William Kurelek. Interest in contemporary literature led, in 1978, to a Canada-wide writing competition which called for stories based on experiences of "Ukrainian Life in Canada". In celebration of Winnipeg's Centennial, the Alumnae honoured those women of Ukrainian descent who had graduated from the University of Manitoba prior to 1940. This resulted in a publication entitled The Beginnings: Ukrainian Women Graduates, University of Manitoba. In 2008, the Alumnae celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with a major celebratory musical event and a "Garden Party" honoring the founding members.