Spring Break
Latina sorority a close-knit triumph
Small Kappa chapter of Gamma Alpha Omega focuses mainly on community service
Shannon Salyer
The Daily Barometer
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A white Bengal tiger with piercing blue eyes is the national symbol of Gamma Alpha Omega sorority.
Why the tiger champions the organization or what it represents is a mystery to the uninitiated, but it holds a deeper meaning for the sisters.
Gamma Alpha Omega is not a typical, traditional sorority. Its chapters are small, tightly knit and discreet.
The Kappa chapter of Gamma Alpha Omega at OSU is the first and only Latina sorority in Oregon.
It was founded in April 2000 by 10 OSU students.
For Lucia Vigil, one of the founders, it was a long-time dream come true.
"It was a process; we had to petition to be on campus," Vigil said. "It was hard personally. A lot of the time, I only got two to three hours of sleep a night."
Currently, Gamma Alpha Omega has six active members on campus.
"We all have several executive positions in the house," said Leticia Longoria Navarro, a sophomore in psychology. "We have to be good at utilizing resources and sharing responsibility."
Gamma Alpha Omega is also community service oriented.
"We serve on the MLK committee for MLK week on campus," said Renee Arreola, a senior in psychology.
The largest philanthropic event for the members of Kappa chapter is Kapptivatin' Knight: An Evening of Decadence and Indulgence.
With bids starting at $15, the members auction off dessert dates.
During intermission, Student Health Services does a presentation about AIDS and HIV. Proceeds from the April 7 benefit go to women with AIDS and HIV.
While Gamma Alpha Omega's philanthropic activities are similar to other Greek chapters on campus, its chapter is run under a different council, the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, which counsels Hispanic and Latina chapters on campus.
Kappa chapter is a non-traditional sorority, meaning membership is smaller than traditional sororities.
Non-traditional Greek chapters are also unhoused.
"We also have a different and longer process for rush," said Michelle Montan, a sophomore in liberal studies.
According to Stefanie Orlaineta, a senior in fisheries and wildlife, their rush is nine to 12 weeks long. It is a dry (no alcohol) program that prepares potential members to become part of the sorority.
Potential members must demonstrate the five pillars before being initiated in.
"The five pillars are honesty, integrity, leadership, scholarship and unity," Orlaineta said.
Members of Gamma Alpha Omega wear their forest green, navy blue and white letters with pride.
"It really is for life; it is with you wherever you go," Montan said.
One of the 10 founders of the Kappa chapter has gone on to be the national president for Gamma Alpha Omega.
"Many from Gamma Alpha Omega go on to serving on a regional committee," Arreola said.
There will be an informational meeting on April 9 for anyone interested. Questions can be e-mailed to GAO_Kappa@yahoo.com
Shannon Salyer, staff writer
city@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
anonymous854
anonymous854
posted 3/08/05 @ 2:39 PM PST
Hi,
I suggest a follow up story on how GAO members work and stay in contact after they leave OSU. You could focus again on the difference between traditional and non-traditional sororities. (Continued…)
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