On Nov. 12, 2024, the Christopher Newport University lota lota chapter of Order of Omega, a national organization that recognizes members of Greek fraternities and sororities at its highest level, inducted its newest members. The chapter stands for the professional, academic and leadership development of all Greek members. Members initiated are reported to be selected from the top 5% of their institutions.
Members of Greek life of a sophomore standing or higher are encouraged to strive for placement in the Order of Omega as it is referred to as the “highest honor” a member of Greek life can receive.
At CNU the Order of Omega organization is run predominantly by the President, junior Erin Burrier, Vice President of Recruitment, senior Jaime Steigerwald and Vice President of Administration, senior Kaley Vincent.
The excitement amongst the new initiates before their induction was palpable. All expressed enthusiasm to join the Order of Omega in representation of their own sororities and fraternities.
New member senior Audrey Riley and Ritual Chair for the sorority Zeta Tau Alpha has held numerous leadership roles in her organization. She was originally encouraged to join Greek life by her mother, who was also in a sorority in college. Riley also accredits her involvement in Greek life for opening various doors of opportunity to meet new people and allow her to step out of her shell.
“It’s a really big world, and don’t let what people say on the outside deceive you,” she said. “It can change your life for the better.”
Fraternity brothers, seniors Noah Shubert and Kainoa Samuelson and junior Ethan Bower of Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) also accredited their involvement in Greek life to growth in both their personal and professional careers. Samuelson expressed that for him Greek life allowed him to find a sense of belonging and community. He expressed he does not have brothers himself, but has found some through SigEp.
“I wanted to find a group of people that are very like minded, that we all have the same exact values and embodiments that we want to have later in life,” Samuelson said. “I definitely found that within my organization, and that’s what drove me to rush just by finding that collective group of people that I associate with very closely, and that’s why I’m part of my organization now.”
The SigEp brothers also expressed similar sentiments to Riley regarding opportunities they’ve had through Greek involvement. Similar to Riley, each brother would encourage any and all CNU students to give Greek life a chance.
“Just go for it. You’re here to try things new,” Bower said. “And Greek life is a great way to kind of open new doors for you.”
