Legacy can be a powerful responsibility, and New Mexico State University’s Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members have embraced it.
“Our ability to collaborate, deal with adversity and make things happen, that’s always been a hallmark of our ability on this campus for 50 years,” said Oliver Thomas, a 1978 NMSU graduate. “We’re part of the legacy of this university and proud of the university.”
When members of the Eta Eta Chapter returned to NMSU in October 2025 to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the reunion provided an opportunity to reminisce about their college years and to plan for the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
Chartered at NMSU in 1975, Omega Psi Phi is a Divine Nine member organization. Founded in 1911 at Howard University, Omega Psi Phi is the first international fraternity organization founded at a historically Black college and university.
“Bringing Omega back to New Mexico State requires, first of all, a commitment from those who are here. We could have gone to Dallas, Atlanta, anywhere; we decided to come back here so that we could be visible to the student body that’s here,” said Rod Booker, a 1978 NMSU graduate. “We have partnerships with the local graduate chapters in El Paso and Albuquerque, and together, collectively, bringing all that energy here and hopefully encouraging young men who are here to see our vision. To give them our vision so they know what Omega is and will help us continue that legacy.”
The Omegas credit Director of Housing Oscar Martin, Professor Clarence Fielder and Assistant Football Coach Al Andrews with helping establish the chapter and select the first pledge class, which is known as the first line. The Eta Eta Chapter has a line of pledgees for spring 2026.
“They went through the university and found men of character who believed, before they knew what the Omega creed was, that they believed in it,” said Clifford Davis, a 1974 NMSU graduate.
The Omega members acknowledge how its four cardinal principles, manhood, scholarship, uplift and perseverance, along with its motto, “friendship is essential to the soul,” guide them to this day.
“Uplift is a thing that provides the nucleus for us to be Omega men,” Davis said. “Because we know we have a responsibility for our brothers. No matter where they are, what’s going on, we have a responsibility to help them, to uplift them, to provide resources for them if we can, and whatever it is or show them where the resources are.”
Many of the Omega members credit the mentors in their lives growing up, who were Omegas, for why they chose to join.
“Just because we come from different backgrounds or cities, we also have something in common to share,” said Gian Figaro, a 1984 NMSU graduate. “That shared relationship of brotherhood, of friendship, which is essential to that, we carry forward through the days of our life. That’s something that can’t be taken away.”
During the reunion weekend, the Omega members attended an Aggie football game and tailgate, toured campus and celebrated at the 50th anniversary mixer. Later that weekend, NMSU President Valerio Ferme spoke at the closing banquet.
“We are here to help young men look forward to becoming Omegas,” Thomas said. “That’s exciting to me. We generate a lot of energy. When we come together, we have fun, and we’re truly blessed.”
A version of this story was published in the spring 2026 issue of Panorama. For more stories, visit https://panorama.nmsu.edu.
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CUTLINE: As part of the Omega Psi Phi 50th anniversary at New Mexico State University, front row from left: Dr. Ralph Jackson, Fred Lopez, Roderick Booker, Oliver Thomas, and back row from left: James Williams, Gian Figaro, Jack Gilbert and Phillip Rector attended an Aggie football tailgate. The reunion weekend also included a campus tour with a visit to the Black Programs office and an anniversary mixer. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)