The Gamecock
University of South Carolina
The Omega Psi Phi fraternity became the
first historically African-American Greek organization to build in University
of South Carolina's Greek Village with the official groundbreaking of their
house July 8.
As the 16th house in the Greek Village, the Omega Psi Phi house is expected to be completed by fall 2006.
Omega Psi Phi's chapter president Terrell Howard said that as far as minorities are concerned, the Greek Village house is not only a big issue for the current members, but every national member sees it as a big step for the fraternity.
"History will be made with this house. That means a lot of press and media attention will be coming towards not only our fraternity, but the rest of the Greek organizations," Howard said.
"I believe we will now have a better relationship with other fraternities
and sororities that are predominantly white. I've talked to some of the
members of those organizations, and they are just as excited as we are about
the house," he said.
Even students outside of Greek life are excited about the implications of the Omega Psi Phi house.
"I believe the Omega Psi Phi fraternity house is the type of cultural
catalyst that is needed at the university because it sets a new precedence
for the minority community, as well as Greek Life," said Monique Frazier,
a fifth-year biology student.
Director of Greek Life Gena Runnion said plans for the Omega Psi Phi house have been in discussions for a while and that USC President Andrew Sorensen has been working with the fraternity's leadership to make the house a reality.
Runnion emphasized the house will only strengthen the USC Omega Psi Phi chapter.
"The undergraduate members of the Zeta Zeta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. are very fortunate to have alumni members who are so supportive," Runnion said. "Mentorship and the promotion of lifelong commitment to the organization are components of Greek life that are often overlooked - the construction of this beautiful house will solidify this commitment."
Runnion credits past and present members of Omega Psi Phi with not only the
construction of their new house, but also for encouraging other
predominantly African-American Greek organizations to follow suit.
"That Omega Psi Phi has chosen to build a house in the Greek Village means
that their organization and alumni believe in their students at the University
of South Carolina and are willing to make this kind of investment, financially
and otherwise," Runnion said. "My hope is that the
construction of this house will spur other historically black sororities and
fraternities to do the same."
After the house's completion, Howard said there will likely be a ribbon-cutting
ceremony, and Runnion said the typical events that occur
with a newly constructed fraternity house are the house dedication, alumni reception
and chapter meetings.
The fraternity has 17 chapter members, and the new house is expected to accommodate 32 people.
Howard said he is thankful for USC's support, as well as the Omega Psi Phi national officers, and said he hopes his fraternity will continue to thrive."(Omega Psi Phi's) purpose is basically to bring about a variety of men of many different talents and help each other advance in any way possible," Howard said. "We plan to maintain our status that we have with things such as community service, fundraisers and other events."
Notable Omega Psi Phi members from other chapters include Michael Jordan, Shaquille
O'Neal and Bill Cosby.
