Omega Xi Alpha


Omega Xi Alpha was a regional honorary journalism fraternity that was established in 1927 in California, United States. It merged with Alpha Phi Gamma two years later, in 1929.

History

In early 1927, John "Jack" Allen Smith of Santa Barbara State and Robert Whitesides of the University of Redlands began working together to form a fraternity for the staff of college newspapers. Omega Xi Alpha was established as a co-educational honorary journalism fraternity at a convention at the University Club in Los Angeles, California on January 14, 1927. At the meeting, 25 representatives from six colleges signed a charter, adopted a constitution, and elected officers. Whitesides became its first president and Smith was its secretary. Faculty from the various institutions served on a board of auditors.
The purpose of Omega Xi Alpha was:
To recognize individual ability and achievement in journalistic pursuits in colleges and universities; to encourage the production of literary works; to establish cordial intercourse between students and members of the profession; and to foster a spirit of brotherhood among those of kindred interest.
At convention, the Greek letter chapter names were assigned to the chapters. Its seven charter members were California Institute of Technology, California Polytechnic School, Fresno State Teacher's College, Santa Barbara State Teachers College, Southwestern University, University of Redlands, and Whittier College. At the time, it was the only national honorary journalism fraternity to include men and women members.
Omega Xi Alpha sponsored a contest for the best college newspaper of the year, with judges from the Los Angeles Times and the Alhambra Post-Advocate. Chapters held meetings and brought speakers from the journalism profession to campus. The fraternity's second national convention was held at the University of Redlands on January 11 and 12, 1929.
In the spring of 1929, Omega Xi Alpha began merger discussions with Alpha Phi Gamma, a national journalism honor fraternity established in 1919. The two officially merged with the opening fall semester in September 1929, under the Alpha Phi Gamma name. Smith assisted with revising the constitution and rituals for Alpha Phi Gamma as part of the merger. Omega Xi Alpha's chapter became the western division of Alpha Phi Gamma, with Smith serving as the region's president.

Symbols

Members of Omega Xi Alpha received a membership key that featured the Greek letters ΩΞΑ. On the back, the key was engraved with its member's unique number. Its crest was black and gold.

Membership

Membership in Omega Xi Alpha was open to men and women who had worked on a college publication for one year. In addition, potential members were required to be in the top half of their class and to be active in campus activities.

Chapters

Following were the chapters of Omega Xi Alpha at the time of its merger with Alpha Phi Gamma.
ChapterCharter date and rangeInstitutionLocationStatus
Alpha – September 1929University of RedlandsRedlands, CaliforniaMerged
Beta – September 1929California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CaliforniaMerged
Gamma – September 1929Southwestern UniversityLos Angeles, CaliforniaMerged
Delta – September 1929Whittier CollegeWhittier, CaliforniaMerged
Epsilon – September 1929Fresno State Teacher's CollegeFresno, CaliforniaMerged
Zeta – September 1929California Polytechnic SchoolSan Luis Obispo County, CaliforniaInactive
Eta – September 1929Santa Barbara State Teachers CollegeSanta Barbara, CaliforniaMerged