The Story of Alpha Omega
In 1959, two students at LeTourneau Technical Institute, William (Bill) Thompson and Nelson Bates, were having lunch when Nelson said, “Bill, things are dull here… we should establish a fraternity!” Bill laughed at this and remarked later that he “…thought we needed to be a bigger school to have one of those.” Nelson was insistent, however, and brought in DeWayne Everitt, a student who had just transferred to LeTourneau Tech and had knowledge on how fraternities were structured. Bill conceded and the three conspirators began collaborating. This small group would eventually incorporate ten men: the founding members of Alpha Omega.
This new fraternity was to be called Alpha Mu Omega and the vision was pitched to the LeTourneau administration. “The word fraternity wasn’t very acceptable because of its reputation,” remarked DeWayne Everitt “and so we didn’t get a good response.” Understanding their reasoning and yet undaunted, the members returned in a subsequent meeting with a clear vision, written by-laws, and creed. “We went back” said DeWayne “and told them this is what we stood for and that we wanted to improve the college.” The administration tentatively agreed and made Alpha Mu Omega a recognized organization on campus.
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This brand-new social society missed one vital component, a headquarters. The membership attempted to procure an old radio station to live in but had to settle for one of the old barracks near Speer Chapel. It was old, even for the time, and in dire need of renovation. All the members worked hard to make it a useable facility, adding drywall, insulation, and all the comforts of a home. They did not have permission to live there initially but eventually received squatter’s rights. This old barracks, Building 37, would be the home and hub for Alpha Omega and its members for the next 20 years. |
We all had our ideas about how to go about it and how we could establish an organization that would be a social society and spiritually focused.” |
For the next year, the members of Alpha Mu Omega refined their identity as a society and welcomed more members. This new organization was not only a place for Christian fellowship and personal improvement, but it also became a central node on campus and an influence which sparked the creation of other societies and groups. More importantly, a true brotherhood came into shape – a fraternity in the purest sense of the word. “Associating with people of a like mind is contagious." Henry Fogle observed, "You become similar to the people you are around and don’t realize it. Working as a team makes you more successful and it sticks!”
‘Alpha Mu Omega’ changed its name to ‘Alpha Omega’ and officially chartered under that name on February 29, 1960. AΩ was the first society at LeTourneau University to receive its charter. From there, AΩ began to grow and flourish as a positive influence for LeTourneau students and men were lining up to pledge.
Due to the age of the barracks, they were scheduled for demolition by LeTourneau College and the members of Alpha Omega started plans for a more permanent residence. Plans for a new residential AΩ house began in 1977, and AΩ alumni started fundraisers. Construction for the AΩ house began in 1981 and was finished the following year. Alpha Omega was the first society to successfully construct a residential house and continues to be the home of AΩ members to this day.
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Our idea was a lot more than just hanging out, it was to enhance the college experience." |
Alpha Omega has always been more than a men’s Christian social group. It is a society where boys become men, where you are pushed to go beyond your limits and strive for excellence in all things. It is a society where members can expect to receive dividends in return for their efforts.
According to Nelson Bates, “There are two things you cannot get from a college education: maturity and drive. You cannot get it from education alone, but they are things you need.” |
Alpha Omega serves as a place where men at LeTourneau can make enduring friendships. “If there was anyone having trouble with academics,” Henry Fogle remarked, “the brothers would be there to help each other. To help improve and build up each other.” For many AΩ alumni, the relationships they forged while at LeTourneau have lasted a lifetime. The men of AΩ, in cooperation with the spiritual initiative and academic enterprise at LeTourneau University and the Christ-centered principles which comprise Alpha Omega, are driven to develop the whole man. |