Chapter Executive Board President Geraldine Gutierrez Vice President Michelle Garcia Treasurer Candida Diaz Secretary Kenia Encarnacion Community Service Michelle Garcia Rush Emelyn Fabian Historic Chapter Events March 15, 1989 - Sorority Founding Date May 25, 1991 - First Women's Conference 1991 - Co-founded the First Latino Greek Council at the University at Albany 1995 - Recipient of the Univ. at Albany's Presidential Undergraduate Leadership Award 1995 - Recipient of OPBSI's Chapter of the Year 1999 - Recipient of the Univ. at Albany's Presidential Undergraduate Leadership Award 2000 - Recipient of the Univ. at Albany's Presidential Undergraduate Leadership Award 2001 - Univ. at Albany Awards Alpha Chapter Best Fundraiser of the Year 2001 - Univ. at Albany Awards Alpha Chapter Best Greek Organization of the Year 2001 - Univ. at Albany's LGC awards Alpha Chapter Greek Organization of the Year 2002 - Bread & Roses Award (UAlbany Update Article) 2002 - Latino Greek Council Organization of the Year 2002 - Best Programming for all Greeks at the University at Albany 2003 - Best Programming Award for all Greeks, SUNY Albany 2003 - SUNY Albany Latino Greek Council Community Service Award 2003 - NAACP, SUNY Albany, Sorority of the Year Award 2003 - Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Image Award 2003 - Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Co-Chapter of the Year

Alpha Chapter

Est. 1989

Chapter History

It was the desire of seventeen diverse women to establish an organization that would struggle against the injustices suffered by our gender, make a positive impact on our community and provide it's members with a place to voice concerns and opinions freely. On March 15, 1989, at the University at Albany, the legacy came alive, with the establishment of the first chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Chapter. Historically, there have been many issues facing women; unfortunately we have not yet succeeded in overcoming these matters, which is why we should all cohere with one another in order to overcome the injustices suffered by our gender in this male dominated world. We acknowledge that there have been many women who have faced many challenges in an attempt to free us from the adversities we have endured. As a result, we pay tribute to these women who have attempted to gain us our true independence.

Alpha Chapter held its first Women's Conference in 1991, where women from various groups on campus were allowed a venue to speak freely on the issues that affected our gender. Through these activities and several forums, we have continuously demonstrated our commitment to Women's Issues.

Our community is an essential part of our existence. This is where individuals of different background are given the opportunity to share what they have incorporated within themselves as their morals and values. We, as leaders of today set an example for the leaders of tomorrow. We continue to build a strong foundation to make it steady for those who follow in our routes.

As sisters of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. we have contributed greatly to our community. We have participated in many community service activities, such as being mentors, and participating in various walks and blood drives. We also facilitate forums to further educate people in our community.

There are unlimited boundaries deep within the lines of sisterhood. We believe sisterhood is a unifying force. Women who come together with the same purpose share this everlasting bond. Sisterhood is not a one-way street; in order to receive the rewards of true sisterhood, you must first exemplify within yourself that you are willing to contribute your all to your sister. Let it be forever known, the most precious gift is not anything tangible, but lies in the heart of true sisterhood.

Throughout our history, the Almighty Alpha chapter has crossed through its doors over 70 women. Women who react to a need for change; women who believe and work to empower women, all women; women who will continue to struggle against the injustices of our gender; women who carry Omega Phi Beta and our chapter forever close to their hearts.

Chapter Cause: AIDS

On May 21, 1994 a member of the Alpha Chapter, Soror Ana Verdejo, lost her mother, Mirta I. Davila, to the devastating AIDS disease. This prompted the chapter to establish an annual benefit in honor of Soror Ana's mother. Annually this benefit focuses on a different community affected by the AIDS disease. Each year a different organization is assisted with the proceeds of this event. Since it's inception the chapter has been able to donate an average of $2,000 a year to local, regional and national organizations that serve families affected by the AIDS virus, or research based programs that need funding to continue to find the cure. This benefit also continues to serve as a vehicle through which the campus comes together to learn, share stories and celebrate the lives of those who have sacrificed themselves in search for a cure.