TABLE OF CONTENTS

NATIONAL

04 Presidential Message

06 NEC First Team

09 AlumKnight Spotlight

UNDERGRADUATE

16 Editor’s Message 18 Hype on the Hill Prairie View A&M debuts new colony of ODPhi

22 Regional Round Up

ALUMNI

26 NAA Chairman’s Message 28 A Voice for the Voiceless Midwest Brother runs for House of Representatives

32 Bringing It Home National Leadership Institute 2016 is Underway

Tony PagliocconaTional PresidenT

Brothers,

It’s that time of the year again, where we welcome new Brothers to the ranks of Omega Delta Phi and we say farewell to those that are celebrating their achievement of graduation and moving to the Alumni world. When each of us was interested in joining Omega Delta Phi, we were told that graduating our Brothers is the number one goal of Omega Delta Phi and that mantra holds true today. Graduation is a highly symbolic event because it illustrates the crossing from one phase of your life to another, but that doesn’t mean things get any easier, because they do not. Your journey with Omega Delta Phi has prepared you for this new phase in your life, and as this journey continues you will see the challenges will be bigger but you will be prepared to face them because of your personal development and growth from our Brotherhood.

It was not until a few years after I graduated that I realized the sacrifices those around me made for me so I could reach that stage and receive that diploma. My mom and dad both worked two jobs so they could make sure I was able to be successful. They set me up for success, and I cannot begin to thank them enough because it is one of the reasons I’m where I’m at today in my life. I challenge you to reflect as I have and remember those close to you who have made sacrifices so you could succeed, it’s a crossroad in your life and it’s time to go down the road to success because like your families at home, this Brotherhood has tried it’s hardest to set you up for success. Now it is time for you to go forward, enter the workforce, and start giving back to the Brotherhood as an alumnus instead of as an

undergraduate active member.

Over the last semester we have seen a number of great events occur in our regions that have solidified my statement that we are the greatest Brotherhood in the entire world. A number of our entities have won awards or recognition for their academics and community service. University of the Incarnate Word, Heritage University, Portland State University, and many many other entities have contributed greatly to building the reputation and public for facing image of Omega Delta Phi. Each day, every day our Knights are out there doing the work no one else will do, giving back in ways no one has thought of, and pushing forward to make an impact across many different spectrums.

As we enter the summer break, we have another fantastic event coming up and that’s NLI 2016. That’s right, it’s time for the National Leadership Institute. This year, we have went a different route in our planning for this glorious event and that route leads us to Reno, Nevada. The theme for this event is “Bringing it Home” and the meaning of that is multi-dimensional. When I say the words “Bringing it Home” , think of the different meanings embedded in that statement. We are at a point in this organization where we need to refocus and realign our mission statement, to remember where we came from but remember where we are and where we want to go. In that same breath, “Bringing it Home” also means that when you come to Reno and engage in our workshops we’ve prepared, we want you to “Bring it Home”, share it with your fellow Brothers, and incorporate what we are teaching you into your daily operations of your entity.

We have reached out to the undergrads to help us see what THEY want to see and incorporated their feedback into our planning. I’ve clearly and frequently stated that if our Brothers speak up with what they want, my team and I will listen and do our best to provide the tools, resources, and assistance to succeed. This year, we will be having our usual workshops on Finance, Intake, and Recruitment BUT we have also included new workshops on Entity Transition Planning, Branding Identity, and Event Planning. Also we have a panel on Inclusion and Diversity scheduled alongside an Alumni Career Panel where undergraduates can ask successful AlumKnights for career advice, interviewing tips, or profession choice.

If you have not made it to a National Event before , I strongly encourage you come to Reno and experience NLI 2016. It is a feeling that cannot be measured or explained but when you are in a venue with 200-300 Brothers from all over the nation, the HYPE is real, the HYPE is strong, and you will come back re-energized, refocused, and ready to take on all the challenges that come at you in the upcoming semesters. Events like this are where memories are made, where bonds are formed, and where networking blossoms. NLI is only successful when we work together to collaborate and innovate and your presence is needed to make that happen. We cannot be satisfied just to do enough to get by. We, as an organization, should be looking to make a statement. We should be out to build something monumental—something worth a big effort.

I look forward to seeing you, my Brothers.....my Friends.....my Family in Reno for NLI - together we will show the world that moving forward, Omega Delta Phi is “Redefining the Modern Fraternity” and setting the bar for Greek Life on university campuses nationwide.

In True Brotherhood and Love

Tony Pagliocco

@omegadeltaphi @odphinationals @odphi

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Lateef IpayeVice President, Operations

vp.operations@omegadeltaphi.org

Bryan GarciaVice President, Undergraduate Affairs

vp.undergradaffairs@omegadeltaphi.org

Ruben HernandezVice President, Leadership and Development

vp.leadership@omegadeltaphi.org

Clint BeauchampVice President, Alumni Engagement

vp.alumni@omegadeltaphi.org

Fred DavisVice President, Marketing

vp.marketing@omegadeltaphi.org

As the semester comes to a close, the fraternity has again had the pleasure of congratulating its members for continuing to meet the goal of graduating its members. In this issue, we highlight six new graduates who have recently walked the stage.

ALUMKNIGHT SPOTLIGHT

Alfredo Fernandez 01Arturo Lozoya 02Dante Avalos 03Luis Ramirez 04Marcos Ortiz 05

Tory Johannsen 06

Alpha Chi Chapter | Fall 2011ALFREDO FERNANDEZ

HOW DID ODPHI IMPACT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?The organization provided numerous leadership opportunities as well as great mentors. I was able to truly tap into my potential via the commitment I had to the fraternity.

HOW DID ODPHI HELP GET YOU TO GRADUATION?I truly believe that in order to graduate the student must be invested, one way or another, in the university and in the idea of graduating. The organization did just that for me, it committed me to my community and most importantly to the growth of our brotherhood through our members.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BROTHERHOOD MEMORY?One of the most impactful memories I have was my first-weekend volunteering at Camp Summit. The experience itself was extremely humbling, but my encounter with one of the kid’s father was eye opening. The father was actually a brother of Omega Delta Phi and was overfilled with joy to see us at the camp site. It was at this moment where I realized why community service was one of the cornerstones of our organization, how helping in the community should not just be our mission but our civil duty.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? I am currently studying for the CPA exam and will begin working in a public accounting firm. I ultimately would love to open my own business and at some point in my career I plan to kick off a career in the forensic accounting department in the F.B.I.

Alpha Eta Chapter | Fall 2011ARTURO LOZOYA

HOW DID ODPHI IMPACT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?The brotherhood has made a huge impact on my college experience. I was surrounded by individuals that had similar goals as I. I have made life-long friendships with brothers from my chapter and across the nation. I feel confident stepping into my professional life with the things I have learned from the brotherhood.

HOW DID ODPHI HELP GET YOU TO GRADUATION?The brotherhood gave me a sense of direction and has served as a North Star for me when I have been led astray from my ultimate goal of graduating. I always knew I would finish college but I wasn’t sure if I would finish with a high GPA or how long it would take me. I knew I needed to focus and set an example for younger brothers and now I am a proud college graduate that has finished with honors.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BROTHERHOOD MEMORY?My favorite memory relating to the brotherhood during my undergraduate experience was during Fall 2015 when I served as PME and crossed 8 new brothers to double our active house. It felt good knowing that my active house will be good hands for years to come.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? I am hoping to open my Dad’s car shop and potentially pursue different business ventures over the years and potentially become a philanthropist and dedicate a lot of time and money to the betterment of New Mexico.

Beta Chapter | Fall 2010DANTE AVALOS

HOW DID ODPHI IMPACT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?The brotherhood greatly influenced me to finish school as well as become a leader among my campus. During my time at UTEP I joined the professional fraternity Delta Sigma Pi holding various e-board positions, as well as holding e-board positions for the inter fraternity council-including president of IFC. Omega Delta Phi gave me the mentality that others would look up to me.

HOW DID ODPHI HELP GET YOU TO GRADUATION?My parents only wish for me to succeed, and graduating college was the first step. Omega Delta Phi was the most influential part of my life. Every brother before me at Beta Chapter that graduated moved on to bigger and better things in life. I followed in their academic footsteps but left behind my own trail for others brothers to follow.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BROTHERHOOD MEMORY?The one that does stick out the most is when I went to my first NUC in Los Angeles, California. After driving from west Texas, we made a stop in Oceanside, California. Brother Alex Belmonte allowed many brothers to spend the day at his house. It was such a great feeling to have someone you have never met house you after a long night of traveling. It truly showed me that brotherhood goes a long way.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? I have a choice to remain working at a financial instruction I currently work at here in El Paso. Another possibility is working as an assistant coordinator for human resources at my own university, and going back to school for an MBA. Whatever path I walk, I know it will be the best one for me.

Eta Chapter | Fall 2012LUIS RAMIREZ

HOW DID ODPHI IMPACT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?The brotherhood has made a huge impact in my college experience by providing such a great support group and network that has aided to my studies in a positive manner and thus made my college experience unforgettable by allowing and providing me the opportunity to meet, get to know and be close to not o my my chapter brothers but the brothers nationwide.

HOW DID ODPHI HELP GET YOU TO GRADUATION?Graduation was always the goal for me ever since becoming a Prospective Member, as it should be when wanting to join an organization. Yeah, there were a few setbacks along the way but that’s life. At the end of the day, the road to graduation was always there even though I took some turns and stops along the way as these four years were also a road in finding myself.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BROTHERHOOD MEMORY?My favorite memory in relations to the brotherhood was my activation as a brother and joining the brotherhood of Omega Delta Phi. Nothing will beat that experience as it, to this day, is the most special night for me and my line brothers.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? Currently I work for Harris County Juvenile Probation Department as a Juvenile Supervision Officer, I’m planning on being promoted to a Juvenile Probation Officer/Caseworker as I also plan to pursue my Masters of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling specializing in Suicide And Drug Prevention as well as LGBT Counseling, and then getting my LPC to become a Therapist.

Tau Chapter | Fall 2012MARCOS ORTIZ

HOW DID ODPHI IMPACT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?The impact ODPHi has made throughout my college life has been to empower me to continue to be that person I have always been. To embrace my culture and at the same time learn from the diverse culture that exists within my chapter that I may have never gotten a chance to experience if it would have not been for joining.

HOW DID ODPHI HELP GET YOU TO GRADUATION?Knowing that I have a group of brothers who also believe in the pursuit of higher education, who believed in me since day one and are there fighting with me, showing their support by studying with me, hearing about those long nights of editing and giving me those words of encouragement that I always need is a great feeling.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BROTHERHOOD MEMORY?I think creating a strong brotherhood and staying connected and meeting so many different brothers nationwide by far has been my most favorite memory.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? My ultimate goal as far as career is to help those in need and I think as a reporter I can shed some light on situations or things that directly affect people. If I can help someone by informing them about something that’s happening which impacts their life, then I have accomplished my purpose. My aspirations are to be a reporter in either Spanish or English language media (news or sports) and one day climb the ladder and be an anchor. I would also like to travel the world and become a missionary and make a difference.

Beta Chapter | Spring 2015TORY JOHANNSEN

HOW DID ODPHI IMPACT YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?Omega Delta Phi gave me a family to celebrate with as my biological family lives so far away. They turned my seemingly boring life into one of joy with excellent memories.

HOW DID ODPHI HELP GET YOU TO GRADUATION?Graduating was never really an issue, I knew it would happen eventually. My thoughts before, though, were “C’s get degrees.” ODPhi made me push for the B’s and A’s, to raise the chapter GPA.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BROTHERHOOD MEMORY?The trips out of town are golden, tons of stories. My favorite story of brotherhood happened during Nationals in San Antonio. The last night we decided to drive up to Austin. I ended up disappearing for hours and my phone died. The brothers never stopped looking for me. They would not leave me in Austin. Just shows they will never give up on a brother.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? I will start the MBA program this fall.

luis gonzalezdirecTor of conTenT

Evolution, growth, tradition, history. Words that have become more important than ever in our aim at cementing our brotherhood as an institution of Greek Life on campuses throughout America. Omega Delta Phi exists to provide to ANY MAN, a diverse fraternal experience which coincides with a higher education. Those words have never resonated more. And as we find ourselves in the midst of an overhaul that comes along with a new and more transparent administration, the conversations being had in terms of our branding, our image, and our history couldn’t have come at a better time. Omega Delta Phi has experienced a tremendous growth, we have seen our expansion efforts pay off in many ways. And as we aim to respect the tradition brothers who have come before us have set off in motion, we aim to continue and cultivate growth while entering a new era.

As a brother who reveres and holds a deep appreciation for tradition and history, I am an Aggie after all, it is consequential and necessary to pay tribute to the history that has been forged and to acknowledge it every step of the way. Having a deep rooted understanding of who we are, why we came to be, and what our purpose is, is paramount to guaranteeing a future for Omega Delta Phi.

We see it everyday at each of the campuses where Omega Delta Phi exists, we see it reflected in the outreach and service our brothers provide, the commitment to Academic Excellence and campus leadership initiatives our brothers stay true to.

Older chapters with a deep rooted sense of what tradition means and an established way of doing things, celebrating, and ritualizing everyday ongoings of our identities as members of this esteemed brotherhood: initiation, activation, chapter anniversaries, graduations, weddings, christenings, and the list carries on and on. Younger chapters and colonies working to establish themselves and building, day by day, their identity and own ritualized notions of celebrating and commemorating milestones.

Omega Delta Phi is blazing their trail, a young organization on the brink of their 30th anniversary. Ensuring our growth means that we have to evolve, adapt to the changing landscape of greek lettered organizations as well as college and university campuses nationwide.

We must assess and evaluate the different campuses we attempt to expand to: our traditional 4 year predominantly white institutions, our History Black College and Universities, our non-traditional campuses, as well as our commuter schools. Every entity on our roster has something to offer and must do their part to continue furthering the legacy of our national organization.

So whether it’s Rho Chapter putting on its Community Easter Egg Hunt, Prairie View A&M University Colony celebrating its one year anniversary of founding, our University of the Incarnate Word colony winning a prestigious University wide award, or University of Western Florida celebrating their founding and unmasking as the newest members to the Southeastern Region of Omega Delta Phi, it’s all part of the bigger picture and all aligns with the evolving nature of Omega Delta Phi as a greek lettered organization as well as a community conscious organization devoted to serving the underserved and those whose needs are seldom met.

An organization as young as ours has a lot of growth to do--- and that is why everything our chapters, alumni associations, undergraduate members, alumni, and our leadership must keep in mind. Every effort we embark on must bring about some degree of growth-- we must learn by trial and error, we must grow, we must work tirelessly and wholeheartedly to continue advocating for those who need us most while accomplishing the two goals our beloved brotherhood has set out to: graduate our brothers and serve our communities.

Paying tribute to and honoring our history is pivotal and it will give us a sense of direction in terms of goal setting. Evolving and keeping up with the times will allow us to maintain our edge and enable us to set ourselves aside from other greek lettered organizations. Together, undergraduates, alumni, national leadership, and family, friends and supporters will all work in UNITY to continue Omega Delta Phi’s success as a movement of leaders, service oriented leaders, and a mosaic of diverse representation from college educated men of all walks of life.

“Bring it on Home” is the theme to this year’s National Leadership Institute, a theme that goes perfectly with the idea of respecting history and tradition while aligning those very aspects with the current state of our brotherhood and the new guidelines Greek Lettered organizations are bound to at their respective campuses. Becoming reacquainted with who we are, reaffirming the commitment to the oath we made when activated, and doing everything within our power to stay true to our mission statement and values.

All of these things can be lost when an organization experiences growth to the degree that we have. Growth, however, doesn’t necessarily lead to a diluted identity; on the contrary, it can lead to a strengthened sense of direction, a cemented identity, and a brand that we are all proud and loyal to.

Growth is not something that is new to ODPhi; our founders envisioned an organization that would be devoted to that notion. After all, “It Grows As It Goes” right?

HYPE ON THE HILLHBCU Colony Celebrates Milestone

By all accounts, the adversity faced to establish a colony of a Greek Lettered organization is multi-dimensional. Having support from the national organization, the campus where the prospective colony is seeking expansion, and dedication and willpower only scratch the surface of the sacrifice and hard work that it takes to charter a colony.

The Prairie View A&M University Colony celebrated the one year anniversary of chartering on their campus and they did it by commemorating the history and the events that led to their expansion on the Hilltop. A historic expansion effort that spans ten years of Omega Delta Phi history unfolded and finally came to fruition on April 6th, 2015 with the activation of the Undying PVAMU Founding Line.

The founding line unmasked to their campus community at the Spring 2015 Probate which was held on the campus’s basketball arena and was witnessed by thousands of supporters. Unique to PVAMU, the Spring Probate showcases all of the new members for every organization on the yard. Omega Delta Phi had finally knocked the door down and asserted its presence on the campus of the historically black college and university, Prairie View A&M after almost a decade of different failed expansion efforts.

“We knew it was a matter of time, the University was welcoming but they were also concerned with the demographics and the state of culturally based organizations already on campus. The Men of Vision interest group really helped change that perception” said Founding Line member Jose Gerardo Reyes, a graduate in Architecture and Construction Science.

The hurdles the interest group faced in navigating the complexities of founding a Greek lettered organization at a campus where administration was supportive but also cautious, seemed insurmountable. The official interest

Against all odds, it’s just humbling to be able to say that I am adding

[onto the] legacy alongside my pledge brothers”

group turned all pre-conceived notions on their heads and administrators started to embrace Men of Vision and its end goal of establishing a colony of Omega Delta Phi at PVAMU.

An administrative issue with the filing of documents delayed the founding line process by a year; a setback that could have proven to be too much for the Men of Vision interest group. Unfortunately for some interest group members, this meant not being able to see their end goal met because of graduation. The remaining members kept their eye on the prize and in February 2015 were cleared to begin their Founding Line intake process. “What I am most proud of is of pledging into a colony with such a deep history and a knack for overcoming adversity and challenge every step of the way” said colony President Victor Garcia, a junior Architecture major.

As the second chapter at a Historically Black College and University, coming after the East Texas Region’s very own Alpha Rho chapter at Texas Southern University, PVAMU found many similarities in the challenges faced by their neighboring Houston school. Damning similarities yet two different experiences altogether, all bound by the same thread of uncertainty and adversity.

The East Texas Region is comprised of chapters that take pride in the brotherhood and bonds that tie them to one another. In what is arguably the region that claims “no one does brotherhood better than the East Texas Region”, the Prairie View A&M Colony has embraced that sense of brotherhood and family that was instilled by their Pledge Educator and Regional Director, at the time, Luis A Gonzalez. Gonzalez knows what was at stake and what he was trying to bring about in the founding line.

“I wanted these men to build these bonds, to celebrate them and to really be able to say they cemented that brotherhood with each other, with me, with the region and all the other chapters and colonies and I can honestly say that I feel this was achieved” shared Gonzalez.

Gonzalez shared that serving as PE for a founding line required a lot of sacrifice and devotion. He explained that serving as PE to the Founding Line was, by far, the most rewarding

the way they persevered, kept their eye on the prize and fought to bring ODPHI to Prairie View against all odds, it’s just humbling to be able to say that I am adding on that legacy alongside my pledge brothers” shared Sanchez.

The journey the PVAMU Colony set into motion is far from over, the colony and their four new neophytes have their sights set on petitioning for chapter status and for the time being, that seems to be one of the main goals they have set for themselves. Cementing their presence on the Hill and increasing their membership while offering a diverse fraternal experience which coincides with a higher education, to ANY man enrolled at Prairie View A&M University. “I’m just so infinitely proud. And it goes beyond the fact that they’ve founded their colony and made it thrive but more so that they were able to do it against all the odds stacked against them. It speaks volumes of their tenacity and their relentless spirit--- the true spirit of the Knight. Im blessed and fortunate enough to be part of their legacy and I couldn’t be more excited at what is to come” finalized Gonzalez.

experience he had as Regional Director as well as one that had a profound impact on him. “These guys are my legacy, they are an extension of me and the love and devotion I have for this fraternal organization. When you see the excitement, the passion, the HYPE reflected in the men you helped mold; there is no better feeling. Helping PVAMU Colony off the ground and sacrificing, devoting time, and rising to the challenges and tribulations that we faced, and there were many, it just solidified our love and reverence for this brotherhood and to each other. PV Colony is, without a doubt, my proudest achievement in the time I served as East Texas Regional Director” he finalized. Sentiments that are shared by Alpha Line and neophyte Anthony Sanchez, who happens to also be Gonzalez’s little brother. Sanchez shared his admiration for the brothers who laid the foundation for him to follow: the founding line.

“The fact that nothing stopped them from reaching the light at the end of the tunnel;

REGIONAL ROUND UP

In Houston, the Pi Chapter hosted an Easter Egg Hunt and carried out what they hope to become an annual tradition with the Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA) community organization.

Andres Cendejas, Pi Chapter president elect, coordinated the event with MECA coordinator Ms. Esmeralda Salinas. The Pi Chapter at the University of Houston has adopted MECA as their local philanthropy and has worked closely with the community based non-profit in previous occasions such as their Pi-Giving Thanksgiving Dinner and their Knights before Christmas toy-drive effort. Cendejas and the Pi brothers agreed that an Easter event for the community would be something worth pursuing.

“Once the idea of what we wanted to do was established, I started coordinating with Ms. Salinas, from MECA. I then started having regular meetings and conference calls with Ms. Salinas to make sure everything would run smoothly” shared Cendejas.

Brothers of the Pi Chapter as well as brothers from out of town from the North Texas Region and the Delta Chapter

were on hand and volunteered their time during the event. Families from the Houston metro area descended upon MECA on Saturday March 26th for a morning of free food, entertainment, and a family friendly environment. The event featured a 2,000 easter egg hunt on the grounds of the MECA center as well as a sack race, spoon race, and other family friendly and interactive activities.

“Pi’s Egg Hunt was created with the sole purpose of giving back to our community, s p e c i f i c a l l y MECA, our direct p h i l a n t h r o py c o m m u n i t y center. After all, service always comes first” added Cendejas.

Families from H o u s t o n ’ s u n d e r s e r v e d

neighborhoods attended the event and were able to partake in a family friendly, fun filled, safe event.

“It’s important for the children to see themselves reflected as leaders, as individuals who give of their time for a good cause and the greater good” said Edwin Romero, active at the Alpha Omicron chapter at the University of Texas at Dallas who was on hand to volunteer.

EAST TEXAS REGION

The Easter spirit also came alive within the active members of the Heritage University Colony in Washington State as they hosted their very own Easter egg hunt and family festival.

The Heritage University colony hosted the event for the second year in a row; the Easter egg hunt having become a signature event for the young entity, one which has enabled them to bridge the gap and reach out to the community they are part of and seek to serve.

The goal of the event is to bridge the gap between the community of Toppenish and the student body of Heritage. The event featured a free Easter Egg Hunt, an array of games and family friendly activities for all ages, free food for 2500 people, free prizes and giveaways, and music and entertainment.

“This is a great opportunity to bring your entire family for a fun and exciting festival that kids will look forward to every year. Heritage University is in the perfect location to gather families from the entire Yakima Valley” noted Heber Molina,

current president of Heritage University’s colony of Omega Delta Phi.

Molina also highlighted the importance of providing a fun family friendly atmosphere while showcasing the importance of higher education and creating a brand for Omega Delta Phi’s Heritage University colony that is all about community service and positive growth.

NORTHWEST REGION

CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONThe Central Texas Region celebrated their annual brotherhood retreat, 2Hype Weekend, during the Spring of 2016 and afforded its respective chapters the opportunity to convene, handle fraternal affairs, and partake in brotherhood activities.

In what has become an annual staple for members of Central Texas, the Regional Director Emmanuel Diaz was content in seeing the growth of the weekend long event. Central Texas hosts the more business oriented Regional Conference in the Fall Semester and the more laid back and brotherhood centered 2Hype Weekend in the Spring.

SOUTHEAST REGION

The Alpha Upsilon chapter at the University of Florida has developed a knack for coordinating initiatives and efforts that lead to dialogue and awareness building. In their eight years of existence, the Alpha Upsilon chapters has achieved success by developing a strong and evident presence in social media platforms.

The Gators used this to their advantage by supporting the END IT NOW movement and launched an effective social media effort which helped spread awareness on the issue of slavery and human trafficking.

This Spring, the Southeast Region of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity helped welcome our newest colony at the University of West Florida. PME Jason Feliciano in conjunction with Regional Director Jeremiah Campbell facilitated the expansion to the Pensacola, FL campus.

The Founding Line at UWF consists of Kristian ‘DaVinci’ Colon-Bruno, Cesar ‘equinoX’ Soto, Carlos ‘Lightbringer’ Sosa, Faria ‘Zoldyck’ Mondésir, and Ricky ‘Phalanx’ Curtis. The founding line was known as P.E.R.I.L. and they unmasked themselves to the UWF community before the semester came to a close.

This expansion effort has set off into motion a new era in the Southeast Region, formerly only consisting of the University of Florida’s Alpha Upsilon Chapter which was founded in the Fall of 2008.

JJ chaPanaTional alumni associaTion chair

How it all began (for me)Trying to find one of my advanced Journalism classes during a summer semester in 1994 got me asking a young Hispanic looking gentleman if I was in the right classroom. A gracious young man not only informed me that I was but became my gateway (and big brother) into a brotherhood that was invaluable in me finishing my education and in the development of creating a strong network of friends and professionals that shapes who I am today.

How did it all begin for you?We all have that moment in our lives. The moments we can pinpoint that leads us to where we are today; reading a “7 Visions” magazine about our beloved brotherhood.

Imagine if Joe Cereceres and our founding visionaries had not come together to create the basis for our fraternal order. How many fewer quality life experiences would you have? How many fewer friends would you have marching with you through life? How many men could you call brothers? We all are here, today, because of destiny. We were all destined to be together.

I’m asking for your help….Just like the day in 1994 when I asked my future big brother Jimmy Realzola for help; I’m now coming to each one of you for help. I have a grand task ahead of me. My task is all of our tasks. It will require your support. It will require you to help champion and promote. It will require you to help me sell a new vision.

The foundation has been laid for our fraternity to grow our alumni base. Now it is up to all of us to build the structure, to decide how we want this structure to work for us and the countless thousands of alumni that will come after us.

A case for a strong alumni baseThe Undergraduate is the soul of the fraternal experience. The Alumni base, however, is the future growth of the fraternity. The alumni have started accumulating the professional networks, financial assets and world experiences that we need to draw on to move our brothers onto the mainstage of the world.

We have started working our way into board-rooms, upper management, philanthropy and entrepreneurship. We are starting to have impacts in our communities, in our religious affiliations, in our professional capacities and in our families.

Few of us have had the advantage provided by many older fraternal organizations. We are a young fraternity. Imagine if we can build a strong and impactful alumni group. One that can reach our hands down and pull up our younger brothers through guidance, advice, jobs, family planning and other personal and professional advice we now have experience in? Did your commitment to your brothers end when you graduated? The answer is no. The long standing fraternities and their alumni make it a point to give back to their letters.

A strong alumni base will provide future generations with a strong impactful undergraduate experience. A strong alumni base will provide future generations with the post-graduation resources that are critical to making sound business and family life planning strategies. A strong alumni base will provide the seeds to continue the growth of our fraternity. These are gifts that an undergraduate can’t provide.

This is why you, as an alumni, needs to be involved.

How do we create an impactful alumni association on a national scale?We have had (and are having) success at the local levels in building strong alumni associations. We must capitalize on what works at the local levels. I’m a big believer in taking direction from the grassroots and not hampering efforts that are on the ground. Additionally, I believe that we must all be on the same page. The DFW Alumni Experience should be similar to the San Antonio Alumni Experience to

the Houston Alumni Experience (to use Texas examples). Alumni who want to grow their associations should be given the tools and resources to build an effective experience for their alumni. These experiences should focus on professional development, mentoring, business/personal advice and of course social/service experiences.

How we get there is detailed in my Platform for NAA Chairman that you can find at my website www.JJ4Odphi.com. Please take the time to visit this site and understand how I intend to grow our alumni association on a national scale. This is my plan, however, I do not postulate to think that only my ideas are the best for moving our alumni association forward. I’m looking forward to any input any alumni may have.

In closingI have a lot to say about how we get from where we are today to where we need to be. You will hear a great deal about that message in the next three years. I ask you NOT to “turn off” when you see a message about growing our alumni efforts nationwide. I ask that you be vigilant in your thoughts and efforts to help grow your brotherhood through professional networking, socializing, serving and committing to those who come after us with our hands outstretched to help pull them into their next stages of life.

I became the Public Relations/Development Director for one of the nation’s largest Latino focused non- profits when I graduated from Texas Tech (1996). Once again, I asked my big brother (an advertising major) for help. With no budget, I needed to create a corporate identity for the non-profit of which I now was responsible to promote. I asked him to create a logo (for free) that showed where our agency had offices and what our agency did. Ironically, it is the perfect image for what I’m asking us, as alumni, to do for our undergraduates.

Our efforts to create a strong and impactful alumni association across the country will make it easier for our undergraduates to transition into life. Remember, not all of us had that helping hand pulling us to the top; but it would have been so much easier had it been there. That’s one of the benefits of fraternity. It’s actually the definition; the state of feeling of friendship and mutual support within a group. I’m looking forward to serving as your National Alumni Association Chairman.

As Manny confidently steps on stage and takes the microphone,

he looks out at the crowd of 50 or so people. He looks at their

faces, each person waiting intently, eager to hear what he has to

say, and hoping in return, that they also will be heard. He looks at

their hands, the hands of hard-working men and women, striving

to provide a secure financial future for their families. He looks at

his two opponents, shifting nervously in their chairs, on oppo-

site sides of the room. He clears his throat, and begins to speak.

“My name is Manny Abarca, and I am

a candidate for the Missouri House of

Representatives, District 19.”

This town hall in the heart of Sug-

ar Creek, Missouri isn’t Manny’s

first campaign stop, and it certainly

won’t be his last. Manny has learned

through his many experiences work-

ing for other campaigns (including

that of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskil)

the importance of town hall meetings

like this one. He knows that this is his

opportunity to speak directly with vot-

ers, share his story, and more impor-

tantly, hear theirs.

Manny’s campaign is founded on a quote borrowed from

former President John F. Kennedy: One person can make

a difference and every person should try. This motto is

the inspiration behind the entire way in which Manny

lives his life, and now serves as the foundation on which

he curates his platforms to answer how best he can

make a positive difference in his community.

Actively working to make a positive impact on the lives

of those around him is not a new habit for Manny. He

grew up in Grandview, Missouri, watching his single

mother work long hours, go to school, and raise her

three children. He saw his father dedicate himself to his

overnight shift as a truck driver for UPS, so that he could

provide the best life for his family, and establish for them

a solid financial future.

Darrion Walker, Esq., Manny’s best friend since the two

were in grade school, recalls their visit to Missouri State

University as prospective students.

“We were walking around with a recruiter, on a campus

where we weren’t even students yet, and Manny started

noticing ways in which student life could be improved. He

noticed cracked sidewalks, missing nets in the sand vol-

leyball court, the need for picnic tables on the quad, etc.

Throughout the whole tour, he was already brainstorming

ways to make the campus better, and looking for the po-

tential to do the most good. And from the minute we set

A Voice For The VoicelessBrother Manny Abarca runs for Missouri House of Representatives

foot on campus as students, he set that in motion. He was always involved in grassroots efforts, where he could go in and work with the people the issue directly affected. He used his involvement in organizations to set that change in motion and from there on out he has only built upon it.”

Manny enrolled at Missouri State on a full diversity scholarship and when looking for opportunities to get involved in the on-campus community, he was recruited by a traditional IFC fraternity. He found the reputation of that fraternity in-credibly appealing, as most of the past student body presidents and student leaders were members. However, upon rushing, Manny was turned away from the group on account of his confidence and ambition.

A handful of Manny’s friends from

t h e Hispanic American

Leadership Organization had re-cently started an ODPhi colony, and he quickly found brothers who exemplified every quality that he valued: unity, honesty, in-tegrity and leadership. These were the kind of leaders that Manny not only looked up to, but he found that his new brothers welcomed him with open arms, always chal-lenging him as they grew and mo-tivated each other along the way. Manny recalls, “my Big Brother came up with a line name for me and decided on Sir Cambio… I al-ways strive to live up to that!”

In looking back on his experienc-es in the colony at Missouri State, Manny reflects on the importance of his role.

“We had a small line of two when I crossed and I was the anchor. I honestly feel that while I wasn’t the President of our class nor the

leader of our line, it was my job to hold everything together, to be the rock that anchored our line to shore. The importance of it still resonates with me today.”

As an Alumnus, Manny spent about four years on other college campuses, always striving to build re-lationships, and make the ODPhi presence known, even if there wasn’t a line or colony on campus.

While he was serving as the Re-cycling Operations Coordinator at the University of Kansas, he actu-ally worked to establish a colony, but moved on in his career before being able succeed in his efforts. However, with his little brother looking to transfer to KU in the near future, Manny hasn’t given up hope that there is a founder in the making!

Manny carries his experiences in the brotherhood along with him on the campaign trail, and he couldn’t help but be reminded of his PME’s amazing ability to mo-tivate and support. So, naturally, he brought his brother along with him for the ride. Nelson Vow-els (MSU ‘10), now serves as the volunteer coordinator and data management chair for Friends of Manny Abarca for Missouri. Man-ny jokes that, “this campaign is a lot like being online... just as you think you have the process licked something jumps out and surpris-

es you, but you just have to impro-vise and find those damn pennies. Endurance is key, and I can hon-estly say that becoming a Knight of ODPhi will prepare you for any difficult challenge.”

The qualities that Manny valued in his brothers at Missouri State, shine brightly within Manny as well, as he works towards taking on this major step in his career. “I am running to change things for my community and my district. I value a collaborative focus, and strive to utilize all available re-sources to incite change. If elect-ed to the Missouri State House, I would be the only liberal Latino serving in the nearly 200 person general assembly. That means that every time someone wants to rid America of immigrants, or blames problems on “illegal aliens,” I get to stand up and speak for those who have traditionally been without a voice. My district boasts the largest amount of immigrants (represent-

ing at least 40 different countries) in the state. I look forward to the opportunity to remind people of Lady Liberty and her decree: give me your tired, your poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

In addition to the brotherhood, Manny feels he wouldn’t be the person he is today if it weren’t for the influence of mentors, friends, family, and teachers guiding him. So many people provide him with unwavering support and guid-ance, that he knows the current campaign is just the beginning. Manny looks ahead to the future saying,

“I am excited to take this step not only for me, but to also bring us all forward simultaneous-ly. A true leader doesn’t lead alone, but brings people with them to sustain the moment when it is time for them to step away.”

As his passions and leadership grow, and as Manny works to serve Missouri’s 19th House District, he is constantly motivated by the ef-fort to leave things better than the way he found them, a throwback to his days in Boy Scouts. When asked what drew him into poli-tics specifically, Manny says with a laugh, “I found that through a little strategic coordination of people, applying pressure on leaders, and using the media to get word out, we could leverage our efforts for-ward, and get things done...Turns out that’s all called politics.”

BRINGING IT HOME

It’s no Sin City but brothers across the nation are making preparations to convene for the brotherhood’s biennial National Leadership Institute. Conference chairman and the National President and other fraternity leaders have pulled out all the stops in an effort to break a record of number of registered members for this momentous occasion.

The 2016 National Leadership Institute will take place June 7 10, 2016 in Reno, Nevada. Reno is home to the University of Nevada Reno, one of the state’s flagship institutions of higher learning and home to our Beta Delta Chapter. The theme of this year’s convention is “Bring it on Home” and will highlight the importance of reaffirming our commitment to our mission statement and tackling the basics the who we are and why we exist. Becoming reacquainted and reaffirming the brotherhood’s identity and history will be at the forefront of this year’s convention.

Brothers can say goodbye to their plans of replicating what took place in the film “The Hangover” but

that doesn’t mean their NLI experience will be any less adventurous or fun. National President Tony Pagliocco in collaboration with the National Executive Council have been working arduously to ensure this conference is one that won’t soon be forgotten.

The 2016 National Leadership Institute will continue to offer undergraduate and alumni tracks so that brothers can become reacquainted or continue conversations regarding fraternity operations and protocol. A young organization like ours also looks to secure growth on the alumni frontier so the National Alumni Association in conjunction with the Local Area Associations are hoping alumni show up in masses like years before.

Registration and lodging will be covered with the registration fee this year, as opposed to other years where members were required to take care of this on their own. The hosting hotel is the circus themed Circus Circus Reno Hotel and Casino which, according to its website, will have free self parking for those brothers that decide to drive.

National Leadership Institute Aims to Reaffirm Sacraments and Reinforce our Need to Learn, Grow, Lead and Succeed

Conference Hotel: Circus Circus Reno Hotel & Casino

500 N Sierra St, Reno, NV 89503

• Keynote speech by Brother Andy Ortiz (Epsilon) - ortizleadership.com

• Tracks include Event Planning, Officer Transitions, Diversity/Multicultural Awareness, and more

• Registration takes care of lodging, all conference tracks, a conference shirt, and access to the banquet

Please feel free to direct any questions to director.programming@omegadeltaphi.org or

president@omegadeltaphi.org

http://myodphi.omegadeltaphi.com

The “Biggest Little City in the World” is known for its casinos, and for its scenic views, Reno is nestled in the desert with a beautiful backdrop of the Sierra Nevadas making Reno a top ski resort destination. The nightlife is as timeless as Las Vegas for it could easily be said that Reno is also a city that never sleeps, the party goes on forever. Unless, of course, you have meetings to attend the next morning at 8:00 AM.

Reno has many amenities to offer with is proximity to Carson City, the state of Nevada’s capital city, Lake Tahoe the famed lake which attracts an innumerable amount of visitors to Northern Nevada as well as Reno itself again, known for its beautiful scenery, ski resorts and casinos.

Lake Tahoe is a renown popular attraction for visitors due to its pristine clear waters and the beautiful scenery provided by the lake’s positioning at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas. Lake Tahoe is the highest lake of its kind, speaking in terms of sea­level, in the United States as well as the second in terms of depth. Downtown Reno offers a bustling array of knightlife (yes, I spelled it right) attractions. The casinos, the Downtown Reno area that is home to nightclubs

and bars as well as the UNR area in proximity to the University of Nevada Reno where its students find solace after long weeks of exams and projects and are able to socialize and partake in drinks and dancing.

All in all and keeping in mind that anytime brothers congregate is a guaranteed good time, it seems that the NEC and Conference Planning committee have planned a convention for the ages. So don’t miss out don’t be the one who regrets not attending this fine national event where brotherhood, knightlife, ODPHI business, and the wonderful amenities Reno has to offer will come together to make this an NLI to remember.