First fraternity begins with traditions of excellence

New fraternity recognized nationally and locally

In only its first year of existence at Texas A&M-San Antonio, the TAMU-SA Colony of the Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. has been truly outstanding. At Omega Delta Phi’s National Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this summer, the TAMU-SA Colony came home with national recognitions. The entire organization received the prestigious Academic Excellence Award: when ranked among all 60 chapters of Omega Delta Phi, the TAMU-SA Colony had the highest Cumulative Chapter GPA in the nation for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Even before accepting the major national award, the Colony received Student Organization of the Year from the Texas A&M-San Antonio Student Government Association and Campus Activities Board at the 2013 Student Leadership Banquet.

“We are very proud to have won all these awards in such a short period of time of being [recognized] at Texas A&M University-San Antonio,” said Felipe Lopez, the TAMU-SA Colony’s current president.

In addition to recognition for the entire organization, the founding president, Armando Prado, was inducted to the Knights of the Roundtable, a select honor based on merit and dedication to one’s chapter. Often described as the "Brother of the Year" award, honorees are often a leader in their chapter and region who have proven dedication to the fraternity. Only one member is inducted to the Knights of the Roundtable from each of the eight Omega Delta Phi regions every year.

“I was surprised and humbled when I was announced as a Knight of the Roundtable,” remembered Armando. “I am proud to have been selected to represent my university and my chapter on a national level. The National Conference was a great experience as I was able to meet brothers from all across the nation and learn more about my fraternity."

Armando certainly has an outstanding record. Armando also received Texas A&M-San Antonio’s Student Leader of the Year Award presented at the 2013 Student Leadership Banquet in May. His colony brothers presented Armando with the TAMU-SA Colony Lifetime Achievement Award at their Spring Formal held in April to honor his dedication and continued support to his fraternity.
“Being a new entity in the national organization, winning such awards is a great accomplishment and a reflection of all the hard work that has been put forth by all members of the organization,” said Armando. “I'm excited to see new accomplishments in the future and to see my fraternity grow on campus. There is no doubt that the TAMU-SA Colony of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. will continue to do positive things for our university and community.”

A student worker in the Office of Student Affairs, Armando is a senior working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology with a minor in Political Science. He is currently the standards officer for the TAMU-SA Colony, after his term as president ended. Not least among his many activities is the position of Mr. TAMU-SA, a spirit leader for students at many A&M-San Antonio events, including appearances at Fiesta.