SWAN SCHOLARSHIP CLOSES IN:

The branching out of Gamma Phi Omega began with Beta chapter at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In the spring of 1992, the idea of starting a Latina-oriented sorority at UIC began with Sonia Navarrete and Haydee Matias after realizing that the already established sororities did not coincide with their goals and expectations. The two Latina women were in search of a sorority that could benefit the members and community as well.  Their efforts did not stop here, they knew the path of sisterhood went beyond the doors of UIC.

 

     In the fall of 1992, Sonia and Haydee realized that they would also need to search for women that shared their common interest of forming a Latina-oriented sorority at UIC.  That same semester, Sylvia Trevino and Maria Castellanos joined in the search of the ideal sorority. The women came across Gamma Phi Omega at Indiana University that same year and set up a meeting to discuss expansion.

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     In November 1992, the four women received a letter from Indiana University stating that Gamma Phi Omega was delighted to expand.  On March 24, 1993 the four women received the acceptance letter from UIC congratulating them with their new beginning of the first Latina-oriented sorority at UIC.

    On April 24, 1993, Sonia Navarrete, Haydee Matias, Sylvia Trevino and Maria Castellanos became the founding mothers of Gamma Phi Omega, Beta Chapter.  On this day their hard work was paid off for now they were sisters of Gamma Phi Omega.