--> Chapter Executive Board President Vanessa Jackson Vice President Elizabeth Canela Treasurer Keiko Katsuragawa Secretary Nicole Gonzalez Community Service Michelle McCree Rush Maritza Sanchez Historic Chapter Events October 28, 2000 - Colony Established July 2000 - University Recognition July 8, 2001 - Chapter Charter Secured April 12, 2008 - Chapter Revived

Omicron Chapter

Est. 2000

Chapter History
Noticing a lack of strong diverse female leadership in their college community, several women at Duke Unversity came together determined to fight against the limiting traditions on their campus. Despite their arduous efforts in various existing campus groups and organizations, they realized that Duke was in dire need of something more radiant to awaken a campus of black and white traditions. After extensive research, a seed was planted and their path was clear. Five trailblazers were inspired to take the road less traveled, the radiant path of the Black, Forest Green and Gold.

These women aimed to improve campus and community relations by bridging the gap in Greek life through a dynamic, community-service oriented Sisterhood that transcended race and ethnicity. This vision came to fruition on October 28, 2000 with the birth of five strong Girasoles in Durham, North Carolina. Delivered by serenity and strength, the combined efforts of Antonia Encarnacion and Dori Travieso, Alumnae sisters of Alpha Chapter, the chartering line of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated at Duke University was born.

The politics of Greek life at Duke University were black and white. These five women, denied these dichotomous labels and refused to allow their campus to remain polarized. Thriving on the diversity and commitment of its members nationwide, the Omicron Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated adds a unique and luminous dimension to Greek life at Duke University and the surrounding community.

Chapter Cause: Children's Health
We, the Sisters of Omega Phi Beta, at the Omicron Chapter have selected Childrens Health as our chapter cause. By children we will focus mainly on elementary and middle school children, with some work also with high school ages. By health we mean not only the medical conditions suffered, but also the social, economic, and familial hardships that result. Attending an outstanding academic and medical institution like Duke University has spoiled us in many ways. Some of the best health care in the country is available to us as students, but a glass wall separates Duke University from the greater Durham community. Many children suffer because of this wall. For every child in Duke's children's hospital (who will also receive our help), there are more who cannot afford to be there. There are children whose lives are drastically changed when a parent or guardian falls ill; children who fall ill due to a lack of nutrition, and others from insufficient education, whether it be sexual or otherwise.

Too many teenagers become parents and/or victims of sexual abuse and violence. These are all problems that we intend for our cause to address.

We realize that health is a broad topic, but it encompasses the passions of the Duke Sisters and its broad nature ensures that future Sisters will also feel passionate about the cause. The freedom of this cause will allow us to conduct programs in sexual, nutritional, abuse, disease control, drugs and alcohol education in schools (where permissible), as well as offer help in the existing Duke Medical facilities, the Ronald McDonald House, American Red Cross, half way houses for women and their children, battered women's shelters, health clinics, rape crisis centers, the Duke Women's Center, and local health centers around the community.

Since the fall 2000 semester Omicron chapter has done service for the Duke Womens Center, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, autistic children in the Durham area, Duke University's Sexual Violence Prevention Week, American Red Cross, and participated in the Crop Walk, and Great Human Race. Individual Sisters have also served as tutors and mentors for children around the research triangle area.