 | |
|
Established in 1963 by 9 founding brothers, USC Gamma Epsilon Omega (ΓΕΩ) is the first Asian-interest fraternity established in Southern California, and currently the second oldest in the nation. With nearly 50 years in existence and over 500 men as alumni, Gammas have a rich history characterized by pioneering and shifting the standards for Asian Greek life. In 1982, Gammas, led by president Mitchell Lew, founded the Southern California Asian Greek Council (SoCal AGC), which has grown to become a distinguished and highly influential governing body currently consisting of 17 prominent Asian-interest fraternities and sororities from various colleges throughout the SoCal region. In 1996, Gammas also were the first minority organization to obtain a house on USC's famous Greek Row. While our active class size and house location have varied with the times, one thing has remained unchanged throughout multiple eras: Gammas have always strived to innovate and stand out. Furthermore, despite numerous offers to recolonize and establish additional chapters at other schools, Gammas have stayed firm in our decision to remain solely at USC, in order to directly define a key aspect of what it means to "be a Gamma": all Gammas past, present, and future are part of the "Trojan family" that our school has become notorious for. Gammas take pride in being able to uphold the traditional values of fraternities -- brotherhood, respect, loyalty -- while notoriously straying away from the stereotypical "cookie-cutter" image of a fraternity and embracing individuality. Gammas are a diverse group of individuals with multifaceted backgrounds, interests, talents, and goals -- balancing productive social lives with academic excellence, individual pastimes, philanthropy, and involvement in a variety of other organizations on the USC campus, including current and past leadership roles for APASA, CASA, HapaSC, Kazan Taiko, TSA, Nikkei, and others. Gammas believe strongly in the concept of the Renaissance Man, a person who excels in multiple fields, and we facilitate as much as possible the development of such an individual by offering ways to enhance multiple aspects of one's college career. Our long-running maxim is "Regrets are for those who refuse to try, while success belongs to those who refuse to fail." Gamma Epsilon Omega was founded and maintained as a categorically "social fraternity", so naturally our social events are a significant part of our existence as a organization. And while we are always conscious of the balance that needs to be preserved between social life and academics, we nevertheless strive to offer a rich social calendar for our members. The brothers of Gamma Epsilon Omega interact with a multitude of other organizations to encourage networking and diverse friendship ranges. Our primary social schedule revolves around our Friday exchange calendar with various Asian-interest sororities, but certainly does not stop there -- we also have hosted social gatherings with other USC organizations, from clubs such as the Chinese American Student Association (CASA) and Hawaii Club, to other minority organizations such as Latino fraternity Sigma Delta Alpha. Occasionally, we also cohost clubbing events in Hollywood. Our house is always a central location for kickbacks, parties, and barbecues! We believe that the social connections made in college are one of the most valuable aspects of the entire experience, and friendships made as a member in Gamma Epsilon Omega continue past college far into the future. Gammas have always taken a serious attitude towards academics. Without exception, all of our members place their academics and school standing as a higher priority than anything else at USC. In addition to belonging to every spectrum of majors that USC offers, our members have received prestigious USC scholarships such as the Trustee and Presidential Awards, and have graduated with the highest honors. The fraternity regularly holds study hours on campus and has a developing database of academic resources featuring notes and practice exams from previous years. Also in development is a Gamma scholarship fund awarded once per semester to members who have achieved scholastic excellence. With college as the final stage before the transition into the work force, Gammas strongly encourage career development awareness. With over 500 alumni, Gammas provide its active members a terrific opportunity to establish connections within a potential career field, as well as to develop networking skills. We take great pride in our alumni connections, with individuals in every professional field imaginable. Many members choose to visit years after graduation simply to stay in touch with the fraternity, meet new members, and offer career help when possible. We have recently developed an alumni mentorship program, wherein active members are paired up with alumni on the basis of major, professional interests, or other similarities. Gamma Epsilon Omega strives for positive relations within the community through social services and enrichment programs. Through numerous philanthropic activities, Gammas successfully interact with the community in order to give back to those in need, as well as maintaining awareness of our cultural roots and heritage. Members of Gamma Epsilon Omega are active participants in a variety of programs, such as the USC APASS Orientation program, Red Cross Blood Drives, Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles and Boy Scouts of America. We traditionally take part in the Los Angeles AIDS Walk with a sorority as well. Many Gammas value athletic excellence. We find that through the rigorous schedules of school, it is easy to neglect and even abuse one's body and physical health. Through several formal athletic events, as well as casual trips to the gym, Gammas encourage its members not only to become mentally tough, but physically capable as well. Members of Gamma Epsilon Omega play a multitude of sports. Some members have been previous all-state baseball players, wrestlers, tennis players and football players. Throughout the year, Gammas participate in athletic tournaments held by the USC intramural program, as well as athletic events held by other organizations of the Asian Greek Council. With an entirely new environment, new faces, and new experiences, college can often become overwhelming. Gammas offer the opportunity to develop and maintain bonds of brotherhood so that young men can have the familiar feeling of a family and a home away from home. Being one of the most prominent Asian-American organizations in Southern California, Gammas pride themselves in their cultural and ethnic diversity. Members of Gamma Epsilon Omega come from all regions of the globe: from Europe to East Asia, New York to the Pacific Rim. Ultimately a mixing pot of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, Gamma Epsilon Omega thrives upon diversity. Gammas do not believe in a generic "mold", but instead that each individual has a lifetime of insight to offer through his own uniqueness. To acknowledge another as your "brother" is a privilege few can truly comprehend. To be there unquestionably for each other through thick and thin, and to share in each other's experiences, both good and bad. This is brotherhood. For Gammas, brotherhood is not merely a concept, but a way of life. Awards and Accomplishments 2009 APASA Tournament of Champions - 1st Place (with Delta Phi Kappa) 2009 AGC Talent Show - 1st Place Song 2005 AGC Talent Show - 2nd Place Song 2004 AGC Talent Show - 1st Place Dance (with Sigma Phi Omega) 2003 AGC Talent Show - 1st Place Dance (with Sigma Phi Omega), 3rd Place Song |
|