Omega Psi Phi establishes scholarship fund for UDC Chapter members

Omicron Gamma Chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., has pledged $50,000 over five years to create the Omicron Gamma Student Leaders Memorial Endowment, an endowed scholarship at the University of the District of Columbia Foundation. The award will provide up to five scholarships annually to UDC undergraduate members of the Omicron Gamma Chapter, Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

“This extraordinary gift is the largest pledge ever to the UDC Foundation by one of University’s Greek-lettered fraternities and societies,” said Rodney Trapp, Vice President for Advancement.

Once the endowment is fully funded, the first Omicron Gamma Student Leader scholarships will be awarded to undergraduates who meet the requirements established by UDC and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Known as Omicron Gamma Student Leaders, recipients will be current members in good standing of the Omicron Gamma Chapter. Selected students will be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at UDC, and the award is renewable annually for students who maintain eligibility.

Trapp added, “We hope [this pledge] will inspire other Greek organizations to support the UDC Foundation.”

In mid-September, Brother Conrado B. Morgan, District Representative for the Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., presented the first $10,000 check to UDC President Ronald Mason Jr. in a small outdoor ceremony in front of the UDC Student Center. In his presentation, Morgan thanked members of the UDC community for their help in establishing the endowment, including President Mason; John Smith, Director, Major and Planned Gifts for the UDC Foundation; Edna M. King, Advancement Services Specialist and Trapp.

Members of Omega Psi Phi in attendance included UDC Trustee Jerome Shelton; Brother Jessie Kingsberry; Brother Tony Burley; Brother Roderick Watson, Northern Area I Supervisor; Brother Derrick Thornton, Basileus, Kappa Psi Chapter and Brother Hilburn Sparrow, III, Basileus, Omicron Gamma Chapter.

The Third District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., is home to roughly 2,000 members and includes 43 chapters across the District of Columbia and Virginia. The Omicron Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi was established at the District of Columbia Teachers College in 1962 and remains an integral piece of Greek Life at UDC.