Eta Theta Chapter · The University of Texas at Austin
Chapter History ΩΨΦ
Chartered December 5, 1969
Birth of Eta Theta
On October 16, 1968 “Five of a Kind” — Terrence (Terry) Woods, Larry Malone, Kenneth Ferguson, Bertram McBride and Henry Hammons — crossed the burning sands of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and became members of Epsilon Iota, the graduate chapter of Austin, Texas. Participating in the ceremony were members of Alpha Psi, undergraduate chapter at Huston-Tillotson College (later, University). Henry began pledging at Huston-Tillotson but could not complete his pledgeship when he transferred to the University of Texas.
Under the guidance of John O. Belle of Epsilon Iota, the chapter was founded. During the Spring of 1969, Fredric V. Jones became a member. On December 5, 1969, under the guidance of the Ninth District Representative Bro. Charles D. Henry (Assistant Football Coach at Grambling), the Chapter received its Charter from the Fraternity with the induction of six members (Oscar Kizzee, Donald Holland, Craig Harris, Lauritz Williams, Robertson Parsons, and Anthony McCloud).
The First Chapter Advisor was Dr. Joseph P. Quander of the UT Health Center. First Basileus was Henry Hammons, with Terrence Woods serving as Vice Basileus; Keeper of Records and Seal was Fredric Jones; and Kenneth was Dean of Pledgees. Larry Williams (Former Undergraduate – Intermediate Editor to the Oracle, National Magazine) served as Chaplain. Williams and Kizzee served as Chapter Representatives to the university Inter-Fraternity Council. One noteworthy Omega Man, Dr. Henry A. Bullock (Initiated at Zeta Chapter — Virginia Union University), History Instructor (First Black Tenured Professor), was instrumental in sharing many of the Traditions of the Formative years of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
John Belle and other members of the Austin Graduate Chapter continued to be instrumental in helping the future Omega Men to get organized. Belle introduced the young UT students to men of the graduate chapter, and the elder men mentored the younger ones. These elder men also helped to remove barriers at the campus and introduced them to other influential Austin citizens.
The Founding Years
Milestones
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October 16, 1968
“Five of a Kind” cross the burning sands
Terrence (Terry) Woods, Larry Malone, Kenneth Ferguson, Bertram McBride and Henry Hammons become members of Epsilon Iota, the graduate chapter of Austin, Texas.
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Spring 1969
Fredric V. Jones becomes a member
The chapter is founded under the guidance of John O. Belle of Epsilon Iota.
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December 5, 1969
The Chapter receives its Charter
Under the guidance of Ninth District Representative Bro. Charles D. Henry, six members are inducted: Oscar Kizzee, Donald Holland, Craig Harris, Lauritz Williams, Robertson Parsons, and Anthony McCloud.