Omega Delta Sigma (ΩΔΣ) National Veterans Fraternity, also known as ODS, is a leadership and service based co-ed fraternity.
Omega Delta Sigma | |
---|---|
ΩΔΣ | |
Founded | 1999 University of Florida |
Type | Leadership and Service |
Emphasis | Veterans, Reservist, & Supporters |
Scope | national |
Motto | Professional, Scholars, Warriors |
Pillars | Selfless Service and Leadership |
Colors | Blue, Black and Silver |
Symbol | American Flag |
Headquarters | State College, PA US |
Website | Official website |
History edit
Omega Delta Sigma was founded at the University of Florida in 1999 as a way for veterans to come together, share experiences, and meet other veterans. The founders were:
- Carlos Espitia (USMC) serving as University of Florida Chapter President, National Chapter President
- Dave Morton (USN), serving as Santa Fe / Saint Leo University Chapters President, National Chapter Vice President
- Scott Raeburn (USMC)
- Jason Cottey (USAF)
- John Travis Rivero (US Army), K.I.A. 2002
Since its founding, Omega Delta Sigma has established a number of other chapters located across the United States.[1]
Purpose edit
ΩΔΣ has three goals:
- To facilitate the transition from military life to collegiate life and to provide a network of contacts
- Provide support within the fraternity
- Offer services to veterans[1]
Leadership edit
National Presidents
- 2000–2009 Carlos Espitia
- 2009–2012 Peter Ficnerski
- 2012–2016 Sam Smith
- 2016–Present Vincent Rivera
Philanthropy edit
Omega Delta Sigma donates to Wounded Warrior Project, Support The Troops, and Toys for Tots. In addition, each chapter organizes their own philanthropy events.
Chapters established edit
- National Headquarters: National Chapter: 2009
- Florida Alpha: University of Florida: 1999
- Florida Beta: Saint Leo University: 1999
- Texas Alpha: Texas A&M-Kingsville: 2009
- Pennsylvania Alpha: Pennsylvania State University University Park: 2010 [2]
- Nevada Alpha: University of Nevada Reno: 2011 [3]
- California Alpha: California State University Fresno: 2011
- Massachusetts Alpha: University of Massachusetts Amherst: 2012
- Ohio Beta: University of Cincinnati: 2012
- Pennsylvania Beta: Pennsylvania State University Altoona: 2013
- Pennsylvania Gamma: Pennsylvania State University Lehigh Valley: 2014
- New Jersey Alpha: William Paterson University: 2015
- Illinois Alpha: Illinois State University: 2015
- Pennsylvania Delta: Pennsylvania College of Technology: 2015
- Louisiana Alpha: University of New Orleans: March 14, 2018
See also edit
Other veteran organizations:
- Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc. – International Veterans Sorority
- Alpha Gamma Xi Military Sorority, Inc. – International Veterans Sorority
- Sigma Alpha Gamma Military Fraternity, Inc. – International Veterans Fraternity
References edit
- ^ a b Noted in its history, national website, accessed 28 August 2022.
- ^ Corso, Vincent (July 1, 2021). "After Selling State College VFW Building, Club to Establish Home for Veterans' Fraternity". StageCollege.com. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ Shearer, Nicole (November 10, 2020). "Two student veterans share their experiences and insight". www.unr.edu. Retrieved 28 August 2022.