Omega Psi Phi

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded by three Howard University undergraduates in 1911. The fraternity adopted “Omega Dear” as its official hymn in 1931 and Royal Purple and Old Gold as its iconic colors. Additionally, the initials of the Greek phrase meaning “Friendship Is Essential to the Soul” were used and the phrase became the fraternity’s motto.

In 1976, the Gamma Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. became the first Black Greek organization at Salisbury State College. Jerry West is often recognized as the “Founding Father” of the school’s chapter after previously pledging to the fraternity at Lemoyne-Owens College. He helped the first line of pledges apply the Four Cardinal Principles – Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift – as they sought to “cross the Burning Sands.” The first line of Omegas pledged at Salisbury State College on May 1, 1976, and the line was named “First Not Last.”