Gamma Beta History

In 1969, a group of young men petitioned the National Headquarters (now known as International Headquarters) of Omega Psi Phi to have a chapter chartered on the campus of Paine College. Most of those young men were members of Paine's Lettermen's Club.

Augusta, Georgia's local graduate chapter, Psi Omega, was chosen to serve as the National Office's local representative to ensure that the pledgees followed all rules and regulations as established by the National Headquarters.

Seven of the initial list of petitioners met the requirements to become pledgees, and were initiated into Omega Psi Phi in May of 1970. However, during that time, the number of pledgees did not meet the required minimum number to establish or maintain a chapter. Psi Omega maintained its role as sponsor and mentor for Paine's new members.

In the fall of 1970, another petition was sent to Omega Psi Phi's National Headquarters to charter a chapter at Paine College. This petition listed the seven members of the Spring 1970 line and the seven approved pledgees, which became GB's second line, "The Surviving Seven" (Fall '70). "The Surviving Seven" was initiated into Omega Psi Phi on Saturday, December 12, 1970.

With the required minimum number met to establish a chapter, Gamma Beta's charter was issued on Friday, January 8, 1971.

GB's third line, "The Soulful Three" (Spring '71), crossed on May 22, 1971, and was the first line to cross under Gamma Beta's newly received charter.

Gamma Beta remained an integral part of Paine College's campus throughout the 1970s. GB's last line in the 1970s, "The Celestial Seven" (Fall '78), was the last line to cross until the early 1980s.

In 1982, six pledgees known as "Secret Journey" (Fall '82), began Gamma Beta's re-birth in the 1980s. As the 80s rolled on, GB's growth continued, producing four lines, "Dynamic Duo" (Spring '83), "Deuce Dogs Of Darkness" (Fall '83), "Five Hangmen" (Fall '84) and GB's final line of the 80s, "Dynamic Three" (Fall '85).

After six long years of dormancy, Gamma Beta was re-born once again. As fate would have it, another line of seven pledgees, "R.O.G.B.O.S.L.Y. VII" (Fall '91), were initiated into Omega Psi Phi.

Gamma Beta produced four more lines in the 1990s, "S.O.A.N.E.B. II" (Spring '92), "U.P.N.D. VI" (Fall '92), "Lords Of The Underground" (Spring 1996) and GB's final line of the 90s, "VII Wounded Hounds Of Hell" (Spring 1998).

"2 O.U.T" (Fall '00), was Gamma Beta's final line of the 20th century.

The rich heritage and tradition of Gamma Beta continues to move forward. GB's first line of the 21st century, "IV Junk Yard Dogs" (Spring '03), was initiated into the fold of Omega in April of 2003.

In all, a total of 22 lines, and an impressive 109 members, have called Sweet GB home.

On Friday evening, November 17, 1911, three Howard University undergraduate students, Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper and Frank Coleman, with the assistance of their faculty adviser, gave birth to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

This event occurred in the office of biology Professor Ernest E. Just, the faculty adviser, in the Science Hall (now known as Thirkield Hall).

From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning "friendship is essential to the soul," the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. The phrase was selected as the motto.

Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift were adopted as Omega's cardinal principles.

A decision was made regarding the design for the pin and emblem, and thus ended the first meeting of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity .

The next meeting was conducted on November 23, 1911.

Edgar Love became the first Grand Basileus (National President). Cooper and Coleman were selected Grandkeeper of the Records (National Secretary) and Grandkeeper of Seals (National Treasurer), respectively.

Eleven Howard University undergraduate men, along with Love, Cooper & Coleman, were selected as charter members. Alpha Chapter was organized on December 15, 1911.