The ladies of Northeastern Illinois University’s chapter of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. have many reasons to celebrate. The sorority recently initiated its Beta line and the chapter’s Vice-President Julissa Flores is Gamma Phi Omega’s 2008 National Swan. Last but not least, the ladies recently became an official chapter of Gamma Phi Omega. The chapter is Gamma Phi Omega’s thirteenth chapter and is named Nu.
Gamma Phi Omega was first charted at NEIU in 2004, and the sorority’s National Board Directors found a Metro chapter which included NEIU. “After some time, the very last of the members transferred out of NEIU. Two years later, my line came onto campus, so we officially became chartered at NEIU in fall 2006. But, we became an independent colony separate from the Metro chapter,” Flores said. For Gamma Phi Omega, a colony is the phase before becoming a chapter. The colony period demonstrates its functionality as a chapter. To receive their chapter letter, the ladies had to complete tasks that were central to Gamma Phi Omega’s four goals: academic excellence, community service, cultural awareness and sisterhood. The tasks included: hosting events that met Gamma Phi Omega’s goals, networking with other organizations and recruiting new members. “Becoming an official chapter just states that you are capable of functioning as a whole for the sorority, and it is a huge honor because you create your sorority’s history,” Flores said. The Nu chapter of Gamma Phi Omega was a colony for a year and six days. “We officially became a colony when my line, which is the Alpha line, crossed on December 2, 2006. We presented to our National Board of Directors a petition for a chapter letter on December 8, 2006,” Flores said. The last chapter of Gamma Phi Omega was founded two years ago. “There is still great potential for our organization to expand and carry out the goals that we as members work hard to accomplish,” Flores said. Gamma Phi Omega was the sixth Greek organization to be chartered at NEIU, and the Nu chapter helped to create the United Greek Council. Gamma Phi Omega hopes NEIU’s Greek life will continue to grow. “It still surprises me there have been some Greek organizations that have been on NEIU’s campus for five years and students are surprised to hear we have Greek organizations,” Flores said. Flores sees the chapter of Gamma Phi Omega still thriving and active in five years. “[I see the chapter] working hard and carrying on our traditions to other women,” Flores said. The Nu chapter of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. recognizes their diversity on campus through service and dedication. “We are unique in our own way,” Flores said.