Order of Omega re-establishes chapter at FIU after two years of inactivity

Giselle Cancio/Staff Writer

Over 500 campuses have the honor of the establishment of a chapter of  Order of Omega. Founded at the University of Miami in 1959, Order of Omega recognizes outstanding fraternity men and women in the Greek community.

The idea of an honorary for fraternity men at the University of Miami is attributed to Parker F. Enright, the advisor to fraternities at the time. The Chapter of Miami had long desired for their organization to expand to other colleges and universities. It wasn’t until 1964 when a second chapter was chartered at the University of Pittsburgh. There are now over five hundred chapters in the United States and Canada with approximately ten new chapters being chartered each year. Considering the age of the American college fraternity, the “active honorary” concept was long overdue.

The Lamdba Phi Chapter of Order of Omega at FIU was founded in 1991. Membership is limited to collegiate juniors and seniors, representing the top 3% of the campus’ Greek population, This makes Order of Omega one of the highest honors a Greek member can receive.

“Joining Order of Omega is not just a resume booster. It’s a great networking opportunity, there are scholarships offered and conferences that can expand leadership skills,” Vanessa Martinez, Order of Omega Secretary and senior majoring in political science said.

Nationally, according to the Order of Omega constitution, Order of Omega helps recognize those fraternity men and women who have attained a high standard of leadership in inter-fraternity activities, it encourages them to continue along this line, and to inspire others to strive for similar conspicuous attainments.

It unites outstanding fraternity men and women to create an organization which will help mold the sentiment of the institution on questions of local and intercollegiate fraternity affairs and it brings together members of the faculty, alumni, and students of the institution’s fraternities and sororities on a basis of mutual interest.

It also helps create an atmosphere where ideas and issues can be discussed openly across Greek lines and to help work out solutions. For the past two years, Order of Omega has been inactive, but 2014 proves to be a successful year for FIU’s chapter. There is an exciting year ahead with multiple programs planned including a Greek workshop and helping Campus Life coordinate Alcohol Awareness Week.

Qualifications to apply include being a junior or a senior, maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA, having significant leadership at FIU and being in good standing with your fraternal organization.

For more information and applications, visit Greeks.FIU.Edu and click on “The Next Level” tab.

“Order of Omega has countless benefits that will help students grow personally and professionally. Individuals with potential and passion to help the community and emerging leaders should consider applying,” Martinez said.

giselle.cancio@fiusm.com