Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. Midwest Region History
Do you ever wonder how Omega Delta Phi expanded across the nation? In its early years, ODPhi was heavily concentrated in Texas and the Southwest region. In 1997, the furthest north that Omega Delta Phi was, was Lubbock, Texas. But then came Antonio Flores and the rest of the Omicron founders expanding ODPhi to the University of Wisconsin at Parkside. In turn, Omicron helped establish, Alpha Alpha at Northwestern University, Alpha Beta at Michigan State University, and Alpha Zeta at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, as well as University of Wisconsin-Madison colony in the Midwest region. Alpha Alpha was instrumental in the expansion to Alpha Sigma at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Alpha Omega at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and Loyola University colony. In the last seven years, Alpha Sigma was important to the expansion of Beta Alpha chapter at Northeastern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University colony and University of Illinois at Chicago colony. 17 years of hard work, dedication, and history never looked better. “Let us be the bridge to the Midwest,” said Omicron founder, Antonio Flores, at the 1997* National Conference in Flagstaff, Arizona. It has been 17 years since that conference where Omicron, and the Midwest Region, was founded. The Midwest, largest region of Omega Delta Phi, currently is made up of the following entities,
Michigan State University Colony
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Colony
Southern Illinois University Colony
Western Michigan University Colony
The Midwest Region of Omega Delta Phi is unlike any other across the nation. The Midwest has a rich history that not many people have the pleasure to know. It is arguably the most diverse region in the country, which they pride themselves on. But it is also the largest, in terms of entities. Though they may not cross lines in great numbers as some schools do in the southern entities, the Midwest entities are growing at a consistent pace. Many may not like how the Midwest chants, steps, strolls, or does unmaskings (these began at AB), but at the end of the day, the Midwest has set trends for the rest of the nation to follow. They have produced quality members who have served on near every board, regionally and nationally. There is a camaraderie in this region is special that one can’t really put it in to words. Brothers across the nation show a lot of love to the Midwest because of the way they carry themselves and treat others. 17 long years of existence in this region brings back a lot of memories, emotions, and Hypeness to a lot of brothers. To think, if it wasn’t for ODPhi, I would not have met a lot of people who I now consider an important part of my life. ODPhi builds relationships that last a lifetime. Through this great organization, we meet misguided young men who become Knights, friends who become family, leaders who become mentors. We are at each other’s side when we hit a rough patch. We baptize each other’s children. And stand up at each other’s weddings. This is what ODPhi has built: a true Brotherhood.