Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Chapter at Illinois State University
Established in 2013
About Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.
Founders
6 D.I.V.I.N.A.
Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Incorporated (Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc.) began with Veronica Montemayor who, in the fall of 1989, first thought of the idea for a local Latino-oriented sorority. After considering Indiana University's traditional Greek system, Veronica felt that the Greek community did not offer enough for Latina women. She decided that it was time to create a new option, one that celebrated the diversity of the Latino culture. Veronica, joined by Monica Guzman and Cristina Rodela, began a nationwide search to find a Latino-oriented sorority that wanted to expand to Indiana University. They were looking for a sorority that strived for the goals and objectives they felt were important for a Latino-oriented organization: academic excellence, cultural awareness, community service, and sisterhood. The search was not easy, and lasted a full year. The following semester Margaret Escabalzeta, Laura Garcia, and Barbara Graves joined the three women. After continued research, few sororities fit the desired sorority that the women were looking for.
At that point, the women decided the best option remaining was to start a new sorority. The women were granted permission to work on an Alpha Chapter, on the Indiana University campus. On April 17, 1991, the 6 women, Veronica, Monica, Cristina, Margaret, Laura, and Barbara founded Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Inc. Veronica Montemayor graduated that spring of 1991, and was unable to accompany her new sisters to present their final proposal for Gamma Phi Omega to the University's Expansion Committee. Nevertheless, her dream became a reality when on January 22, 1992, the core group received an acceptance letter recognizing Gamma Phi Omega as an official sorority on the Indiana University campus.
Noble Founders
8 ESMERAS
FOUNDING DATE
April 17, 1991
FOUNDING UNIVERSITY
Indiana University,
Bloomington
COLORS
Maroon and Navy
MOTTO
Unity and Sisterhood, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable
MASCOT
Swan
FLOWER
Fire and Ice Rose
SORORITY GEM
Star Sapphire
SORORITY CALL
!HA-ÚI!
NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY
American Diabetes Association
Gamma Phi Omega’s Illinois State University Colony was originated in 2011 when Ana Benitez and Ana Diaz believed that a new Latina Greek organization would be beneficial to their campus. Seeing that the existing Greek organizations at Illinois State University did not fulfill the expectations of these two ladies, they came to a conclusion that Illinois State University needed a new Latina-oriented sorority. It was then that Priscilla Marrero expressed her interest in the organization.
The ladies were informed that in order for Gamma Phi Omega to be part of Illinois State University, they first needed to establish themselves as Cygnets, an official interest group, and meet the requirements. On the Spring of 2012, Laura Diaz and Stephanie Arroyo expressed their interest to the group. On May 10, 2012, the Cygnets, and recognized to all as an interest group of Gamma Phi Omega.
In the fall of 2012, Fabiola Rosiles, Jessica Lizet Martinez, LuLu Solorzano joined the existing interests. On June 22nd, 2013, 8 ESMERAS crossed, becoming Noble Founders of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Incorporated at Illinois State University. On June 22nd, 2014, exactly one year later, the women presented to the National Board of Directors and received chapter status. ISU Colony is now referred to as Gamma Phi Omega’s Sigma Chapter.