Gamma Phi Omega records, 1989-1999, bulk 1992-1999
A Guide to the Gamma Phi Omega records at the Indiana University
Archives
Electronic finding aid encoded by Ryan K. Lee
Summary Information
Repository
Indiana University Archives
1320 East Tenth Street
Herman B Wells Library E460
Bloomington, IN 47405-7000
Phone: 812-855-1127
Email: archives@indiana.edu
http://www.libraries.iub.edu/archives
Creator
Gamma Phi Omega International
Sorority.
TitleGamma Phi Omega records, 1989-1999, bulk 1992-1999
Collection No.
C253
Extent
1.4 cubic feet (2 boxes)
Language
Materials are in English.
Abstract
The Alpha Chapter of the
Latina-oriented sorority Gamma Phi Omega was founded in 1991 and was recognized as
an official sorority at Indiana University in 1992. The National Board of Directors
for the group was established in 1995 with the headquarters located at IU, though
they have since relocated to Chicago, Ill. Collection includes records from both the
Alpha Chapter and National Board of Directors of Gamma Phi Omega and consists of
agendas, minutes, correspondence, membership lists, and constitutions.
Access Restrictions
At this time, this collection is open
only to GPO sisters. Contact the Archives for further information.
Administrative History
According to their official website (www.gammaphiomega.org) Gamma Phi Omega’s
philosophy is based on four goals: academic excellence, community service, cultural
awareness, and sisterhood. All activities are centered on promoting these goals. The
purpose and aims of the Gamma Phi Omega are: to promote standards of excellence in
morality, ethics, and education; to serve the needs and wants of people by
disseminating information about the diverse Latino culture; and, to maintain respect
for the views of others and enhancing the understanding of others within the
community, nation, and world.
The idea for Gamma Phi Omega was first conceived by Veronica Montemayor at Indiana
University in the fall of 1989. As a Latino woman, Montemayor felt that the
University needed a sorority specifically for women of Latino ethnicity and
heritage, and one that celebrated the diversity of the Latino cultures. Montemayor
was joined by Monica Guzman and Cristina Rodela in a nation-wide search to find
Latino-oriented sororities that wanted to expand and add Indiana University as a new
chapter. They had little success in their search, but did bolster their ranks of
individuals interested in pursuing a sorority by adding three more
individuals--Margaret Escabaletza, Laura Garcia, and Barbara Graves--to assist in
the search. While organizations were found around the nation, none seemed to be
willing to expand to include IU, so these six women decided to form their own
sorority, Gamma Phi Omega (ΓΠΩ). Upon receiving permission from IU Dean of Students
Richard McKaig, on April 17, 1991 this core group of six girls founded Gamma Phi
Omega, and on January 22, 1992, it was officially recognized as a sorority on the
Indiana University campus.
Although the sorority was founded to celebrate the Latino culture, the founders
decided membership should be open to women of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Membership was attained through election and initiation, as outlined in the official
Gamma Phi Omega Blue Book.
The sorority expanded over its first three years by establishing chapters on
different college campuses in Indiana and Illinois, as approved by the Board of
Directors. Between 1993 and 1996, five new chapters were formed at the University of
Illinois-Chicago (Beta Chapter), Depauw University (Gamma Chapter), Ball State
University (Delta Chapter), DePaul University (Epsilon Chapter), and Loyola
University (Zeta Chapter). Members in each chapter were given many opportunities to
serve in leadership and service-oriented positions. Within each chapter elections
were held to fill the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and
Secretary. Other appointed officers include Gamma Newsletter Correspondent and
Historian. These major elected officers comprise the chapter’s Executive Board. This
board functions as a planning and coordinating body, meeting once a week to
initiate, evaluate, and organize chapter business. Other members of the chapter may
be involved in one of the following committees: Scholarship Committee, Standards
Committee, Judiciary Board, Nominations Committee, and Fund-raising and
Philanthropy.
For the first two or three years, Gamma Phi Omega did not have a main governing body
to oversee the operations of the sorority. Beginning in 1995, the National Board of
Directors was established, comprised of the original founders of the sorority, with
the headquarters at Indiana University on the Bloomington, Indiana campus. This
Board has the power to make policies and exercise general supervision over the
business of the sorority. The Board holds regular meetings four times a year, in
addition to an occasional special meeting. Leadership is provided by the Executive
Committee, comprised of the six member Board of Directors, and by the President,
four Vice Presidents, and a Secretary. The President is the chief executive officer
and official head of the sorority. The four Vice Presidents are responsible for four
different functions in the organization: collegiate operations, program development,
alumni relations, and fiscal matters. The Secretary is the principal staff officer
and manages the records and accounts of the sorority. Other members of the Board of
Directors may hold positions in various standing committees, including Constitution
Committee, Financial Committee, and Nominations Committee. Once the National Board
of Directors was organized, Gamma Phi Omega began to operate more smoothly as a
whole, holding activities with other Latino-oriented groups and having conferences
on various chapter campuses.
However, beginning in 1996, a power struggle emerged between the National Board and
the different chapters. In 1996, members of some of the chapters decided to form an
Expansion Committee, but it was not approved by the National Board, and they
requested the Expansion Committee to cease all activities immediately. The National
Board warned against unsanctioned meetings, conferences, retreats, and other
gatherings. Throughout the next two years, grievances from the chapters against the
National Board continued to grow. One incident in Illinois would nearly drive the
Gamma Phi Omega sorority to extinction.
In June 1997, the Chicago chapters of the sorority discovered the emergence of
another sorority at nearby Lake Forest College that was using the Gamma Phi Omega
name. Alarmed, the members requested assistance from the National Board on how to
proceed, but got no response. They also contacted the Illinois Secretary of State,
and discovered that the Gamma Phi Omega sorority was not incorporated in the State
of Illinois, so the name could be used by another organization within the state.
Without any guidance or approval from the National Board, the Chicago chapters took
the matter into their own hands and filed for incorporation, which was sanctioned at
the annual conference in September of that year. Upon relaying this news to the
National Board, members of the Board became outraged because they felt they were
losing authority and control of their sorority, and in November 1997, filed for
legal action to be taken against the Illinois chapters involved. The Beta, Epsilon,
and Zeta chapters were, without appeal, put on probation, forced to revoke their
incorporated status, and punished with a fine of $200.00 per chapter.
Throughout 1998, tensions mounted and discussions continued on how to manage the fate
of Gamma Phi Omega. Many sisters in other chapters felt the punishment of the
National Board on the Illinois chapters was too harsh. Talk of electing new board
members ensued. While this dispute continued, the Chicago chapters began soliciting
advice on how to proceed, and the idea of creating a National Board in Chicago
emerged. Also, steps were taken to reincorporate the Chicago chapters. Once again,
this caused further trouble with the National Board and the founders of Gamma Phi
Omega. As tensions had reached a fevered pitch, the chapters had representatives
meet together to discuss the future of the sorority and the formation of a new
National Board that included alumni, representatives of each chapter, and was
exclusive to Gamma Phi Omega members. These chapter representatives, in an attempt
to reconcile past misunderstandings, requested a meeting with the National Board to
discuss these and other grievances.
Currently no additional information is available concerning the results of this
meeting and any other activities of the Gamma Phi Omega sorority between 1999 and
the present. Further information will be added as it is discovered.
According to the official website, the National Headquarters for Gamma Phi Omega
International Sorority is presently located in Chicago, Illinois. The Alpha Chapter
remains a fully functional branch of the Gamma Phi Omega sorority on the Indiana
University-Bloomington campus. A new National Board was incorporated on April 16,
1998, and the sorority has continued to expand. Two new chapters were formed at
Aurora University (Eta Chapter) in Aurora, Illinois, and Northern Illinois
University (Theta Chapter) in DeKalb, Illinois. There are four metro colonies, which
are smaller than the chapters, in downtown Chicago at IIT, Northeastern, Columbia,
and the International Academy of Design and Technology, and interest groups have
been organized at Lewis University, Ohio State University, North Central University,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Indiana State University.
Arrangement
These records are organized into two series: Alpha Chapter and National Board of
Directors.
Scope and Content Note
The Gamma Phi Omega records contain information relating to both the individual Alpha
Chapter and the governance of all Gamma Phi Omega chapters up to 1999, as reflected
in the records of the National Board of Directors as maintained by Georgia Burgueño,
the former director of La Casa. These records are organized into two major series:
Alpha Chapter and National Board of Directors.
The Alpha Chapter series spans the dates 1989-1999. This series is organized into
three sub-series: Administrative files, Membership records, and, Subject files. The
Administrative files sub-series contain the governance files of the first chapter of
Gamma Phi Omega, which include agendas, minutes, secretary files, and
correspondence. The Membership records sub-series includes blank application forms,
mailing lists, and a copy of the membership packet. The Subject files sub-series
documents the activities of the Alpha Chapter of Gamma Phi Omega. Subjects include
the founding of Gamma Phi Omega in 1991, newsletters, and fliers for events. Folders
within each sub-series are arranged alphabetically.
The National Board of Directors series spans the dates 1991-1999. This series is
organized into six sub-series: Administrative files, Chapters, Events, Financial
records, Name reservations, and, Subject files. The Administrative files sub-series
consists of the governance files of the international body over the Gamma Phi Omega
sorority, and includes agendas, minutes, constitutions, and correspondence. The
Chapters sub-series include individual folders containing correspondence, membership
information, and other information for each chapter of the sorority. The Events
sub-series include files on some events sponsored by Gamma Phi Omega, including
Founder’s Week and the National Gamma Phi Omega Conference. The Financial records
sub-series consist of only two files that include bank statements and receipts from
the office of the Board of Directors. The Name reservation sub-series contain files
for each state in which the sorority was attempting to apply for a corporation name
reservation. The Subject files sub-series chronicle the activities of the National
Board of Directors of Gamma Phi Omega, and includes the official history of the
sorority, mailing lists, and informational pamphlets. Folders within each sub-series
are arranged alphabetically.
Two drafts of revisions to the official Gamma Phi Omega Handbook are part of the
National Board of Directors – Administrative Files sub-series, yet due to the
confidential nature of its contents, this folder is restricted. Also restricted is a
folder of correspondence in the National Board of Directors – Administrative Files
sub-series that deals with sensitive information about individual sorority members.
Please contact the Archives staff for more details about access to these
records.
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Indexing Terms
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The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
IUCAT, the IU Libraries'
online catalog. Materials about related topics, persons or places can be found by
searching the catalog using these terms.
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Separated Material
Items removed from the collection include blank or uncashed checks, duplicate
materials, student transcripts, report cards, letters of recommendation and other
items with confidential student information.
Related Material
For related material, see the Latino Cultural Center records, Collection C245.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information
Transfer; Latino Cultural Center (La Casa); 2003; Accession 2003/081.
Usage RestrictionsThe donor(s) of this collection have not transferred their copyrights for the materials to the Trustees of Indiana University.
For more information, please contact the Indiana University Archives staff.
The Indiana University Archives respects the intellectual property rights of others and does not claim any copyrights for
non-university records, materials in the public domain, or materials for which we do not hold a Deed of Gift. Responsibility
for the determination of the copyright status of these materials rests with those persons wishing to reuse the materials.
Researchers are responsible for securing permission from copyright owners and any other rights holders for any reuse of these
materials that extends beyond fair use or other statutory limitations.
Digital reproductions of archival materials from the Indiana University Archives are made available for noncommercial educational
and research purposes only. If you are the copyright holder for any of the digitized materials and have questions about its
inclusion on our site, please contact the Indiana University Archivist.
Preferred Citation
[Item], Gamma Phi Omega records, Collection C253, Indiana University Archives, Bloomington.
Provenance
During her tenure as Secretary of the National Board of Directors and advisor to
the Alpha Chapter, Georgia Burgueño maintained records of the activities of both
the National Board of Directors and the Alpha Chapter, which are present in this
collection. These records then came into the custody of Lillian Casillas,
director of the Indiana University Latino Cultural Center, and were transferred to the University Archives with
Collection C245, the Latino Cultural Center records.
Processing InformationProcessed by Kate Ball and Ryan K. Lee.
Completed in 2004.
Series:
Alpha Chapter, 1989-1999
Subseries:
Administrative files, 1990-1998
Box 1
Alpha Chapter Advisor File,
"Spring ‘95,"
1994-1995,
undated
"Fall ‘95,"
1995,
undated
"Fall ’96, "
1996,
undated
Code of Ethics, undated
General Correspondence,
1990-1993
1994-1998,
undated
Events, 1991-1993
Meeting Agendas, 1991-1998,
undated
Meeting Minutes, 1991-1998,
undated
Secretary notes, undated
Secretary’s report, 1992-1993
Subseries:
Membership records, 1990-1998
Box 1
Blank Applications for Membership, 1997-1998
Deactivation Contracts, 1993,
1995
Interview Questionnaires, undated
Mailing Lists, 1990-1998
Membership Contracts, 1993
Membership Packet, undated
Subseries:
Subject files, 1990-1999
Box 1
Academic Standing Reports, 1992-1999
Alumnae Panhellenic Council, 1992-1998
Blank Swan Note Cards, undated
8 M.I.L.A.G.R.O.S, 1992
Fliers and Invitations,
1991-1999
undated
Founding of Gamma Phi Omega, 1990-1991,
undated
Gamma Phi Omega Newsletters, 1995-1997
Gamma Phi Omega Shield, undated
Goals, 1992,
undated
Graduation Stole Ordering Information, 1997
Greek Housing Checklist, 1993
Indiana University Greek Directories, 1992 -1995
Indiana University Hazing Policy, 1993
List of Activities, 1992-1993
Minority Intern Program, 1993
Multicultural Greek Council, undated
News clippings file, 1989-1996,
undated
Office of Women’s Affairs, 1992-1996
Panhellenic Association Rush, 1994
Perspectives, 1992
Pledge Information, 1993,
undated
Receipts, 1993-1994,
undated
Request List, undated
Sigma Lambda Beta National Fraternity, 1989,
undated
Suggestions for Social Functions, 1992
3 O.R.O., 1993
Series:
National Board of Directors, 1991-1999
Subseries:
Administrative files, 1991-1999
Box 1
Agendas, 1995-1998
Application to File as Not-For-Profit Organization, undated
Articles of Incorporation, 1997-1999
By-Laws, undated
Certificate of Incorporation, 1998
Constitution, 1991,
undated
Expansion Procedures, undated
General Correspondence,
1992-1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
undated
Minutes, 1996-1999,
undated
Note:
[contains 3.5” floppy disk]
Parliamentary Procedures, 1994,
undated
Response Form, undated
Trademark Application, 1998
United Council of Cultural Fraternities and Sororities
Constitution and By-Laws, 1995
Subseries:
Chapters, 1992-1998
Box 1
Alpha Chapter, Indiana University, 1994-1998,
undated
Beta Chapter, University of Illinois (Chicago), 1992-1998,
undated
Delta Chapter, Ball State University, 1993-1997,
undated
Epsilon Chapter, DePaul University (Chicago), 1997-1998,
undated
Gamma Chapter, DePauw University, 1995-1997,
undated
Zeta Chapter, Loyola University, 1996-1998,
undated
Subseries:
Events, 1995-1997
Box 1
Founders’ Week, 1996
National Gamma Phi Omega Conference,
1995
1996
Box 2
1997
Public Induction Ceremony for 3 D.I.O.S.A’s, 1997
Public Initiation Ceremony for 3 M.A.R., 1995
Subseries:
Financial Records, 1996-1999
Box 2
Bank Statements, 1997-1999
Receipts, 1996-1998,
undated
Subseries:
Name Reservations, 1998-1999
Box 2
Iowa, undated
Michigan, 1999
Mississippi, undated
Ohio, 1999
Pennsylvania, 1999
Wisconsin, 1999
Subseries:
Subject Files, 1994-1998
Box 2
Birthday List, undated
Gamma Phi Omega Letterhead, undated
Illegal Incorporation of Illinois Chapters, 1997-1998
Informational Pamphlets, undated
Lake Forest Pamphlet listing alternate Gamma Phi Omega,
undated
Mailing Lists, 1994-1998,
undated
Notes of Secretary Georgia Burgueño, undated
Sigma Lambda Beta, 1994,
undated
Timeline of Gamma Phi Omega, 1998