From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning “friendship is essential to the soul,” the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift were adopted as cardinal principles. A decision was made regarding the design for the pin and emblem, and thus ended the first meeting of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

The next meeting was conducted on November 23, 1911. Edgar Love became the first Grand Basileus (National President). Cooper and Coleman were selected Grand keeper of the Records (National Secretary) and Grand keeper of Seals (National Treasurer), respectively. Eleven Howard University undergraduate men were selected as charter members. Alpha Chapter was organized with fourteen charter members on December 15, 1911. Love, Cooper and Coleman were elected the chapter’s first Basileus, Keeper of Records, and Keeper of Seals, respectively.

LOCAL IMPACT

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,Inc. is to be composed of men of like attainment and of the same ideals of fellowship, scholarship, and manhood.  In the Fall of 1983, nine Omega men wanted to bring the morals and ideals of Omega to Valdosta, Ga and the surrounding cities. The chapter strives to perpetuate the standards set by our four founding fathers by participating in Achievement Week, Social Action, Talent Hunt, Scholarship Attainment and other key community projects. The members of Alpha Gamma Gamma have continued to spread Omega’s influence in the surrounding communities and on VSU’s campus.