

History of Omega
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is the first international fraternal organization founded on the campus of a historically black college. On the evening of November 17, 1911, Omega Psi Phi was founded inside the Science Building (later renamed Thirkield Hall) at Howard University located in Washington, D.C. The founders were three undergraduates — Edgar Amos Love, Oscar James Cooper and Frank Coleman. Joining them was their faculty adviser, Ernest Everett Just. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, “friendship is essential to the soul“, the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. That phrase was selected as the motto.​ Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift were adopted as Cardinal Principles.​ There are many notable Omega Men recognized as leaders in the arts, the sciences, academics, athletics, business, civil rights, education, government, and science sectors at the local, national and international level.​ Omega continues to flourish, largely because founders — Cooper, Coleman, Love and Just — were men of the highest ideals and intellect. The founders selected and attracted men of similar ideals and characteristics. It is not an accident that many of America’s great black men are or were Omega Men.​ Since its humble beginnings on the Howard University campus, the Omega Psi Phi fraternity continues to be on the front line, leveraging its power, influence and more than 100 years of commitment to the uplift of our people and our communities.
History of Delta Alpha
Delta Alpha Chapter was organized and chartered in Dayton, Ohio on June 1, 1934.
The first elected officers of Delta Alpha were:
Basileus ……………………… Mathew Shields
Keeper Of Records & Seal ..............................Lloyd Lewis
Keeper Of Finance………… J. H. Gunn
Chaplain ……………………… Thomas Poag
Chaplain ……………………… George Tanner
Editor………………………….. William Ellis
Keeper of Peace …………… Leonard Holland
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Delta Alpha has a rich and storied history. Our chapter was built on the shoulders of giants and its lineage can be traced back to former Grand Basileus William Baugh’s visits to Dayton, Ohio in the early 1930s. He was ”surrounded by an able group of brothers” and quoted saying the chapter was “destined to become a vital factor in the building of Omega in the Middle West”. Diverse Brotherhood: Brothers from Delta Alpha span the gamut from doctors, lawyers, elected officials, business owners, educators, entrepreneurs, financial specialists, engineers, men of the cloth, and various other notable and worthy professions impacting the community we serve. Brothers of Delta Alpha have served at the highest levels of our fraternity, including having 3 active Past 4th District Representatives and other prior international committee chairmen offering mentorship in multiple paths and endeavors. We proudly boast active members with 50, 60, and 70-year service awards!


