Sigma Omega Nu

Infobox Fraternity
letters= ΣΩΝ|name= Sigma Omega Nu
colors= Black, Burgundy, and Gold
flower= White and yellow roses
symbol= The Sun
saying="МΣΨАΣ"
crest=
founded= November 6, 1996
birthplace= California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
type= Social
emphasis= Latina-Interest
scope= National
address=
city= San Luis Obispo
state= CA
country= USA
free_label = Nickname
free = SON, Sunnies
Call = SO-Nu
homepage= http://www.sigmaomeganu.net

Sigma Omega Nu, Latina Interest Sorority, Inc., has committed itself to excellence in Academics, Cultura, and Sisterhood. Though based in the Latino culture, Sigma Omega Nu's diverse makeup ensures the understanding and promotion of world cultures, both on campus and in the greater community. As a family away from home, Sigma Omega Nu provides members with the sisterhood and family bonds lacking on many college campuses.

History

Sigma Omega Nu was chartered on November 6, 1996 and is the first Latina Interest sorority ever to be founded at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. This organization grew directly out of the Little Sisters of Nu Alpha Kappa program. The eight Latina women who formed the sorority felt a need for a strong Latina voice on the Cal Poly campus and sought to create an organization that would fulfill this unmet need.

Mission Statement

The eight founding mothers wrote this mission statement as a guiding principle for the organization as a whole:

"Sigma Omega Nu's foundation was built on academics, cultura, and sisterhood. Some objectives are to strengthen cultural, personal, and educational goals while promoting moral, academic, and family support. Through mutual support and encouragement, Sigma Omega Nu instills the importance of education and academic success in the college environment."

The purpose of Sigma Omega Nu is to create Sisterhood, Scholastic Excellence, Self Improvement, Latina Awareness, and to provide Community Service

Founders

The eight Founding Mothers of Sigma Omega Nu are as follows:

Lina Medina

Nadia Quiñonez

Yesenia Hueramo

Nancy Ruiz

Landi Hueramo

Cristina De Sanchez

Sarai Sequeria

Zulema Gonzalez

Achieving Goals

Since the creation of Sigma Omega Nu, the founding mothers have struggled to provide an outlet for women. Together, members have worked hard to inform the community on the importance of Latina/o issues. The sisters have participated in various youth related programs in addition to other community service programs. Members of Sigma Omega Nu hope to obtain the support of all women by being positive role models. Members strive to create supportive and lasting relationships with each other. The sisters of Sigma Omega Nu will continue to stress high commitment, professional and social ethics, as well as their dedication in continuing their exemplary commitment for a strong sisterhood.

Community Service & Philanthropy

The Founding Mothers of Sigma Omega Nu purposefully did not choose an official national philanthropy or service project so that each chapter can decide which issues affect their respective communities the most. Because of this, each chapter dedicates their time and money raising efforts to different organizations. While each chapter's service is different, they all have the same focus--improving the lives of Latina/os, women, minority groups, the eldery, and children.

Becoming a part of Sigma Omega Nu

At each active chapter's campus, membership is open to all undergraduate women enrolled on a full time basis and any graduate women pursuing graduate studies with a minimum overall G.P.A. of 2.0. Anyone interested is encouraged to seek more information on how to become a member of Sigma Omega Nu. Rush is typically held at the beginning of each academic term, and is open to all interested women. It is during Rush that you are encouraged to ask questions about Sigma Omega Nu, and Greek life in general, and are given the opportunity to interact with the members.

Chapters, Colonies, and Official Interest Groups

*Founding Chapter - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Est. November 6,1996
*Beta Chapter - California State University, Sacramento Est. July 22, 2000
*Gamma Chapter (Alumni Chapter) - University of California, Santa Barbara Est. March 22, 2002
*Delta Chapter - Woodbury University (Burbank, CA) Est. October 5, 2002
*Epsilon Chapter - California State University, Fresno Est. May 7, 2005
*Zeta Chapter - Santa Clara University Est. April 28, 2007
*Eta Chapter- California State University, Northridge Est. October 13, 2007
*Theta Chapter- California State University, Monterey Bay Est. May 17, 2008
*Alpha Omega Chapter- Reserved for Deceased Sisters

Expansion

Sigma Omega Nu is continually in the process of expanding to other campuses. The first step in the process is to establish an official interest group. The interested group must be composed of at least six full-time undergraduate students or graduate students who have a minimum 2.0 G.P.A. at their prospective University. Once an interest group is established, contact our National Director of Expansion to request an informational packet and presentation.

References

* [http://www.sigmaomeganu.net Sigam Omega Nu, Latina Interest Sorority, Inc National Website]