| 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 |
Omega Delta Sigma (ΩΔΣ) National Veterans Fraternity, also known as ODS, is a leadership and service based co-ed fraternity.
History
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
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
National Presidents
- 2000–2009 Carlos Espitia
- 2009–2012 Peter Ficnerski
- 2012–2016 Sam Smith
- 2016–Present Vincent Rivera
Philanthropy
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
- 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
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
- ^ 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.