On
Friday evening, November 17, 1911, three Howard University
undergraduate students, with the assistance of their faculty adviser,
gave birth to the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. This event occurred in the
office of biology Professor Ernest E. Just, the faculty adviser, in the
Science Hall (now known as Thirkield Hall).
The three liberal arts students were Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper and
Frank Coleman. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning
"friendship is essential to the soul," the name Omega Psi Phi was
derived. The phrase was selected as the motto. Manhood, scholarship,
perseverance and uplift were adopted as cardinal principles. A decision
was made regarding the design for the pin and emblem, and thus ended
the first meeting of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity .
The next meeting was conducted on November 23, 1911. Edgar Love became
the first Grand Basileus (National President). Cooper and Coleman were
selected Grand keeper of the Records (National Secretary) and
Grand keeper of Seals (National Treasurer), respectively. Eleven Howard
University undergraduate men were selected as charter members.
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