Omega Delta Phi brings a new idea of “fraternity” to the University of Idaho campus.
“We are a multicultural fraternity comprised of brothers from Korea to Guam,” said Julio Ponce, the fraternity’s co-founder. “We are not your typical or traditional fraternity.”
Omega Delta Phi aims draw the crowd that wants to participate in the Greek system without living with many members.
“Even though we do not own a house, the fraternity is still a big time commitment,” said Hyun Kim, historian and promoter. “We see one another multiple times a week.”
The fraternity participates in many philanthropy projects. Its primary partnership is with Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA). CASA is a non-profit group that helps children who have been removed from their homes because their parents have been deemed unable to care for them.
“We set up a brunch at St. Augustine’s on Sundays. It’s an ideal time because people flock to us after service,” said Isidro Nava, president of ODP. “All profits go to CASA. Children who have to move around from foster home to foster home need hygienic products.”
During the Vandal Community Tables event organized by ASUI, Omega Delta Phis helped feed the elderly in Troy. It was a great experience and 10 percent of the community’s population showed up, Nava said.
Philanthropy is one of many commitments the fraternity makes. It also recognize the importance of brotherhood.
“We do this ‘stroll and step’ in front of the Commons as much as we can,” said Hyun. “It’s a social display of our bonds.”
Nave agrees with this sentiment. He sees it as a way to express feelings and stress.
“It’s a small gesture that is unique to every Greek organization,” Nava said. “When I first saw the fraternity strolling it immediately caught my attention.”
The members said they enjoy mixing with other non-traditional Greeks, and do not limit their socializing to the UI campus.
“One popular event we like to do is to invite the multicultural Alpha Nu sorority from WSU. We cook dinner and serve to them,” said Stephen Weeks, ODP member.
The start of the spring semester has the fraternity busy planning rush events to get more people involved. It will host an ice cream social from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6 in the UI Office of Multicultural Affairs. Anyone, regardless of Greek status, is encouraged to attend.
The Omega Delta Phis have a colony status in the Greek system. Nava said he has big plans to make the colony a chapter.
“I’m attending nationals in Texas this summer to petition for chapter status,” Nava said. “We have the second highest GPA on campus and have several active members that would make us eligible candidates.”
The fraternity is looking for males who would enjoy sharing their brotherhood.
“We just want people to know there are other choices besides joining a traditional frat,” Ponce said.