Although the Ferris Order of Omega Beta Phi chapter is small, totaling just 14 members, it is one of the more prestigious organizations on campus.
Order of Omega is a Greek Leadership Honors Society that represents the top 3% within the fraternity/sorority community on campus. The history behind Order of Omega goes as far back as 1959 when it was originally founded at the University of Miami by a group of fraternity men. These men felt that individuals in the Greek community should be recognized for their service to the fraternity community. Ferris’ Beta Phi chapter was not established until 1979.
The purpose of the society is to shine light on the fraternity and sorority members who have demonstrated high standards of academics and leadership in their respective Greek Organizations. Order of Omega functions as an addition to traditional Greek life, rather than a social or professional group. It would be comparable to joining the National Honors Society in high school, but for college Greeks.
There are quite a few rigorous requirements which need to be met before becoming a member of the Order of Omega. Potential members must be full-time students, upperclassmen, Greek members and obtain a minimum GPA. Beyond those requirements, potential members are also evaluated based on character, official positions held in Greek Life, extra-curricular involvement and service to not only their chapter but to the surrounding community.
After becoming a member of Order of Omega there is a responsibility to continue to maintain strong bonds and values in your respective chapter and to continue to create more outside of that. Members are also encouraged to bring together alumni, students, and faculty involved with Greek life. In doing so, ideas and affairs can be discussed openly across Greek lines and situations can be worked out masterfully.
“It is a privilege to be recognized for outstanding leadership and GPA across Greek life,” stated Order of Omega Secretary Andrea Tancredi.
Order of Omega is currently working on fundraising by selling Greek life shirts in order to promote and finance an all Greek banquet. They will be finalizing events for the semester in their upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Meetings are held every other Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Flite 304.