​THE NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Founding Date: November 17, 1911

National Founding Location: Howard University; Washington, D.C.

Fraternity Motto: Friendship is Essential to the Soul

Fraternity Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold

Famous Members: Dr. Ernest Everett Just, Bishop Edgar Amos Love, Dr. Oscar James Cooper, Professor Frank Coleman

Chapter Name: Lambda Zeta

Charter Date: September 7, 1973

Current Chapter Basileus: Stafford Brown 

Number of Current Active Members: 6

Contact: cw2yx@virginia.edu or telephone at (910) 599-1416.

 

 

 

CHAPTER HISTORY @ UVAHistory

 

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated was founded on the campus of Howard University on November 17th, 1911. It is the first international fraternal organization to be founded on the campus of a historically black college. The founders of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity are three undergraduate students, Bishop Edgar A. Love, Dr. Oscar J. Cooper, Professor Frank Coleman. These three courageous men were heavily assisted by their faculty advisor Dr. Ernest E. Just. The fraternity’s motto is, “Friendship is Essential to the Soul”.

Since September 7th, 1973, The Lambda Zeta Chapter has enjoyed a rich history on the grounds of the University of Virginia. In 1970, UVA admitted their first “large” class of African American students. Several Omega men in the Charlottesville area took notice of this trend and contemplated the opportunity to establish a unique undergraduate chapter at a predominately white institution in southwest Virginia. Leading this effort was brother Charles Chambliss Jr., a graduate of Hampton University. He gained assistance from 8 other members of the fraternity in order to charter the first historically black fraternity on the grounds of the University of Virginia. Furthermore, their efforts paved the way for the overall support and effort to enhance the existence of African American students at UVA. Lambda Zeta encouraged the growth and recognition of all black Greek organizations, in addition to strengthening unity in the black community on grounds.

Lambda Zeta then quickly moved into a position to play a role in changing the atmosphere and outlook at the University of Virginia. Countless Omega men became involved in numerous aspects of the University community: campus organizations, athletics, and residents of the Lawn. Many of these same Omega men left the University to become leaders in their chosen fields and in just over 40 years of existence the Lambda Zeta Chapter membership has produced over 120 new brothers. Our members have continued their success after school as star athletes, politicians, activists, civil rights advocates, founders, musicians, leaders in organizations, and community service workers. Some notable alumni include: Leroy R. Hassell - the first African-American Virginia Supreme Court Justice, George K. Martin – first African American rector for the University of Virginia, Grady B. Hedgespeth – current director of SBA, Gary Flowers – current Director and CEO of Black Leadership Forum, and Michael Dowe – first African American football player for the University of Virginia.

The Lambda Zeta chapter recently made its long awaited return to the grounds of UVA on April 5th, 2014. The six current brothers of the chapter are Marco Jones (Keep of Finance), Larnce Robinson Jr. (Chapter Chaplain), Anthony Onuoha (Chapter Reporter), Ventress Williams (Keeper of Records & Seal), Rahim Islam (Vice Basileus) and Cecil White (Basileus). These gentlemen are leaders and are involved in several University organizations, including but not limited to: The Black Student Alliance, The National Society of Black Engineers, Black Voices, Organization of African Students, Madison House Big Sibling Program, The Collegiate 100 Society, The Peer-Advisor Program, University of Virginia Athletics, Upward Bound Mentorship, and more.

 

CHAPTER SERVICE PROJECT

Community Service The Lambda Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated is dedicated to assisting UVA students, the larger community of Charlottesville, and its constituents. In the first year after receiving charter, the Lambda Zeta Chapter won the Inter-Fraternity Council Community Service Award for its hours of service to the surrounding Albemarle region. Since then, we, the brothers of Lambda Zeta, have continued to serve the community through mentorship, food drives, talent hunt programs, beauty pageants, scholarship awards and banquets, toy drives, voter registration tables, health initiatives, and more. Uplift and community empowerment are a primary goal of the Fraternity.

 

INTAKE

“The value of our fraternity is not in numbers, but in men, in real brotherhood. Eight men thoroughly immersed in the true Omega Spirit are far greater assets than eighty with lukewarm enthusiasm.”

 

That being said, to be considered for candidacy for our fraternity, men must exhibit the qualities of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift.

In addition, for membership into The Lambda Zeta chapter, young men must:

- be a current full-time student

- possess a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5

- have completed 36 credits at a 4 year accredited college/university

 

For more information on intake visit the National Website: www.omegapsiphifraternity.org