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FEROCIOUS PHI GAMMA CHAPTER
HISTORY
OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
On December 21, 1968, in the Methodist Student Center, national
initiation ceremonies transformed twenty-four members of Alpha Mu
Omega into twenty-four charter members of Phi Gamma Chapter of the
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The first officers were Robert Davis, Basileus; Arnold Bruce Johnson,
Vice-Basileus; Lezely White, Keeper of Records and Seal; Fred Wright,
Keeper of Finance; Billy Ratcliff, Dean of Pledges; and Joel Bennett,
social chairman. The first faculty sponsor was Dr. Forston of the
sociology department. As the university's hiring practices changes
a few black instructors and professors were hired. One of these
was Dr. Wayman T. Devers, an Omega man who accepted the sponsorship
role following Dr. Forston and served in this capacity over seventeen
years.
The social and civic events of the newly formed Phi Gamma chapter
were numerous and included many first: a homecoming dance, a spring
formal, a probate and talent show, an Easter party for the children
in Flow Hospital, and a Christmas party for the children of southeast
Denton.
In the fall of 1969, the search for a fraternity house ended. No
longer would the fraternity's smokers have to be held at the College
Inn during rush. The enthusiastic and dedicated members of Ferocious
Phi Gamma had found and secured a place to call home, 1007 W. Prairie.
It became the social edifice of black students on other college
campuses throughout the southwest. It was an accomplishment that
many fraternity chapters have yet to enjoy.
Since its inception, Ferocious Phi Gamma Chapter has made many
accomplishments that deserve praise. It has been a viable part of
the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and an asset to University of
North Texas (formerly North Texas State University). The chapter
has upheld the four cardinal principles on which the fraternity
was founded: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. It has
manifested in its members the true meaning of brotherhood and the
importance of freedom for all men.
On the date of December 21, 1968, the Phi Gamma chapter became
the FIRST historically Black fraternity on a predominantly white
campus in the South.
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