Upsilon Chapter History

Est. March 23, 2003

It Began...
...with a fervent desire to find a strong rooted organization, in which possibilities were limitless. It was merely about change. It was about something that would set five women, and the many more to come afterwards, apart from everyone else with similar goals and aspirations in the Rutgers community. It was about developing new inventive ideas, seeing its creations, and conquering long sought out endeavors. It was about Omega Phi Beta. What these five women saw was that Omega Phi Beta displayed incentive, ingenuity, and aptitude. This organization and its members conveyed an impression of obsequiousness and reverence that seized the attention of five women, of different national origins (Dominican, Liberian, Mexican, and Puerto Rican). This is what they ultimately yearned for and felt the Rutgers community needed. Not only were the sisters of this organization committed to their community, but they gave back to it whenever possible by educating its people, supporting its causes, and uplifting women to higher levels of potentiality. So, after an expedition of ten weeks and six days, under the guidance of Cher Treacy (Delta Chapter) and Vanessa Santiago (Lambda Chapter), on May 3rd of 2002, Omega Phi Beta was on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University... altering the face of history forever.
Chapter Herstory
Following that fall, in Spring 2003, a flower bloomed alone. It was a long and arduous journey, for one to combat alone, but with perseverance and heart all dreams are limitless. The summer of the same year came and went, bringing new seeds in the Fall of 2003. Five women who exuberated strength and order became a part of this organization to modify society?s position on women and their roles. They wanted to uplift community?s involvement in preserving our future, and through their unmoving motivation, they are accomplishing this feat one step at a time. Yet, it takes a village to raise a child. And in order to assist the recreation Rutgers? large community, came another addition in the Fall of 2004. Proving that the mind, body, and soul can overcome any obstacle that life may put in the way, in order to make today?s mistakes not repeatable and tomorrow?s expectations attainable.
Chapter Cause: Lupus
Being the first Chapter in New Jersey has not been an easy feat, but with commitment and dedication the women of Upsilon Chapter have always felt that any vision can be made into reality. These women had to overcome many obstacles to make their vision a concrete reality. One of these hurdles has been helping a chapter sister live with the little known about disease, Lupus. For this reason they choose Lupus as their Chapter cause. Lupus is a widespread and chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease that, for unknown reasons, causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissue and organs, including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood, or skin. These women have committed themselves to having programs to educate the Rutgers community on what Lupus is, how it affects society as a whole, and how one can make a difference. Furthermore, any proceeds made are sent to The Lupus Foundation of America for finding a cure and helping those who suffer from it, overcome this monumental obstacle.