Founding Date

Dec 2nd, 2017

When World War II ended in 1945, the surge of returning veterans triggered demand for greater opportunities for higher education in Portland. The result was an institution called Vanport Extension Center, which was established in 1946. Nine years later, after a devastating flood and years of political struggle, it became Portland State College. After years of strife, the university moved to its current location in downtown Portland, Oregon, on the iconic South Park Blocks in 1952. In recognition of its quality and tenacity, the Oregon Legislature granted it a four-year college status in 1955. For the new Portland State College, this was the first spark in an explosion of growth—in programs, faculty, and students—leading to full university status in 1969. The establishment of Eta Omega chapter included events led by Shea Hermann, Epsilon Phi-Loyola, the Collegiate Development Consultant assigned to support the chapter. “Infoviews” between potential members, Fraternity staff and volunteers, and a preference event with sisters from Beta Upsilon-Oregon State were held in the fall of 2017. The establishment events culminated on October 15, 2017 with the pledging of the founding members of Eta Omega-Portland State University and a Bid Day celebration. Since Bid Day, the chapter formed committees and began to learn the operations of a collegiate chapter. Members also hosted sisterhood events at a pumpkin patch and bowling alley, attended Beta Upsilon-Oregon State’s Anchor Splash®, had a successful chapter retreat, and matched with their “twin” after Inspiration. Eta Omega chapter and their 28 founding members join the sisterhood of over 230,000 living members with their December 2, 2017 Initiation and Installation. This day, Eta Omega celebrates becoming Delta Gamma’s 199th chapter since 1873, and the 150th active chapter of Delta Gamma on college campuses today.