Chapter Trends
-all the best ideas and news from Order of Omega chapters around the country
North Dakota State University
The Epsilon Phi Chapter began a busy year with our annual Chili Feed in the fall for all Greeks. We had a “Best Tasting Chili” contest and a guest speaker on the benefits of being in a Greek organization.
Later in the semester, we sold bags of popcorn in our student union to raise money for the United Way. This was a great chapter project. This year, PHC
and IFC asked our members to present a workshop on scholarship at the New Members’ Retreat, which is held each fall for all new pledges.Finally, towards the end of the semester, we initiated 15 members, helping to make Epsilon Phi even stronger.
-Submitted by Johanna Stoakes
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Our chapter created “The Giving Tree” program in the spirit of the holidays. Individuals and organizations bought and decorated ornaments, bows, and stars to adorn a tree in the University Center. The proceeds bought gifts for a first grade class in Milwaukee’s inner city.
Last year, the program continued under a local sorority, Alpha Sigma, which raised about $900 to buy most of the items the kids asked for in their letters to Santa. The first graders were truly touched by the giving spirit. Their letters asked for one toy, but all of them also made requests for beloved siblings, relatives, and parents. More than one
asked for a home and food for their families.Alpha Sigma and the Whitewater community responded to this project to help these children and their families.
Each child received toys, clothes, and a fresh ham, at-cost from Pick-n-Save Grocery Store, for their family. Coats, hats, and gloves, donated by our ROTC, were also available for the students and some of their parents and siblings.
“The Giving Tree” gave many families a brighter holiday. Our chapter is grateful to Alpha Sigma and the Whitewater community for helping to continue the program.
-Submitted by Jacqueline Dethloff
Mississippi State University
On April 7, Mary Balfour Van Zandt, a Zeta Tau Alpha, was honored with the first Angel Nosser Greek Spirit Award. She was chosen from 2,000 Greeks to become the first recipient of this honor. Our chapter extends our congratulations to her. This award is given to the MSU Greek student, who exemplifies outstanding Greek spirit and truly represents what Greek Life is about.
Angel Nosser, the Assistant Director of Student Life, served MSU for four years. She was advisor for PHC, Cheerleading Camp, and most importantly, Dance Marathon. Through
Angel’s influence, Mary Balfour has achieved many goals. Besides becoming a strong Greek Community leader, Mary was involved in this year’s Dance Marathon which raised $30,000—double the amount of last year.Therefore, it was very fitting for her to receive this award, which was created because Angel is leaving for a Greek Life job at Florida State University. The chapter wanted to honor their advisor of three years, who was beneficial in re-chartering the dormant chapter in 1995
Denison University
The first Greek Excellence Awards were held on April 20 during Greek Week. We developed awards to recognize those who truly embody the ideals and excellence of Greek life. Awards include Greek Scholar of the Year, Chapter President of the Year, Fraternal Leader Award, Chapter Excellence Award, Chapter Scholarship Award, Campus Spirit Award, among others.
-Submitted by Sarah Compher
Ashland University
Our chapter co-sponsored a Halloween Party with Community Care. We asked the sorority suites to hand out our candy to the trick-or-treaters. For Homecoming, we set up a Greek memorabilia table for Ashland alumni.
Lastly, we put a lot of time into planning a spaghetti dinner for the Greek community to benefit a scholarship for an outstanding new member of our Greek system.
-Submitted by Jessica Stephenson
The University of Denver
The Omega Lambda Chapter has undergone a complete revitalization in the last two years. At the beginning of the last academic year, membership was two. This year, we are pleased to report 22 members. Since then, the group has co-sponsored the Greek Man and Woman awards and developed the Bridge Project philanthropy, which distributes Easter/Passover baskets to Denver-area disadvantaged children. We will continue this philanthropy in April.
Since our rebirth, the chapter has become a visible presence on campus and member selection continues to be extremely competitive. Not only is the chapter highly representative of campus leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement, but it also hosts activities like ice skating trips and banquets for its members.
We congratulate our Vice President, Matthew G. Randolph of Theta Chi, on receiving an Undergraduate National Scholarship and our advisor, Sadie M. Chase, for receiving the National Order of Omega William J. Brennan Graduate Assistant Fellowship Award.
-Submitted by Greg Luttrell
University of Akron
We co-sponsored AKRON IMPACT, an intensive leadership program offered by the National Interfraternity Council to develop Greek student leadership, with PHC and IFC. The conference was held at Oglebay Park in Oglebay, West Virginia from January 8-10.
-Submitted by Alyssa Shreiner
North Carolina State University
The Lambda Upsilon Chapter has been very busy since the end of last semester. After initiating 18 members and successfully holding the Greek Awards ceremony during Greek Week, the chapter began preparing for an exciting fall semester. At the awards ceremony, our former advisor Brooklyn Gainey was named the recipient of the Vision Award.
This fall, 37 members were inducted, after a large decline in membership following May graduation. A new program honoring Greek leaders, the Greek Leader of the Month Program, was instituted this fall. Omega members, Martha Goldfinch of Sigma Kappa, Linda Lawson of Alpha Delta Pi, and Leigh Ann Edwards of Zeta Tau Alpha, were recognized for their leadership in the Greek community. At Homecoming halftime, two chapter members were given the NCSU’s highest honor, the Leader of the Pack title. This competitive scholarship is based on extensive criteria including a student body vote.
Next spring, the chapter will do an all-campus service project, the “Never Give Up” softball tournament, which will kick off Greek Week. All proceeds will be donated to the V Foundation, created in honor of the late NCSU basketball coach, Jim Valvano. The foundation benefits cancer research.
Otterbein College
Our Chapter is reorganizing as it has not existed on campus in the last few years. Members are currently making Greeks and the campus community aware of Order of Omega. We are planning for a speaker on hazing during pledging, an all-pledge walk-a-thon for the United Way, and a Greek Week event co-sponsored with PHC and IFC.
-Submitted by Audria Stout