Sigma Omicron Epsilon

Sigma Omicron Epsilon, Inc. (ΣΟΕ), also known as SOE, is a Native American sorority founded in 1997 at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.[1][2][3] It is one of eight fraternities and sororities across the United States that is considered historically Native American.[4][5]

Sigma Omicron Epsilon
ΣΟΕ
180ps
FoundedMarch 30, 1997 (March 30, 1997)
East Carolina University
EmphasisNative American
ScopeRegional
Colors  Yellow,   White and   Blue
SymbolButterfly
FlowerYellow Rose
PublicationThe Butterfly Bulletin
PhilanthropyBreast cancer awareness and education
Chapters3
NicknameSOE
HeadquartersPO Box 30458
Greenville, NC 27833
USA
WebsiteOfficial website

History

Sigma Omicron Epsilon was founded on March 30, 1997, on the campus of East Carolina University by seven Native American women.[6] Its founders envisioned a sisterhood that promoted Native American culture and education, as well as a network for its members.[6][1] Any women with an interest in Native American culture are eligible for membership.[1]

The sorority's founders were Deidre Arlene Jacobs-Blanks, Jolena Bullard, Berna Linette Chavis, Cabrina Lynne Cummings, Candance Holona Hammonds, Patrice Henderson, and Una Gail Locklear.[1]

Symbols

Sigma Omicron Epsilon's colors are blue, white, and yellow.[6] Its flower is the yellow rose and its symbol is the butterfly.[6]

Activities

The sorority's national philanthropy is breast cancer awareness and education.[7] Its members participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and a variety of fundraisers.[7] It also offers a scholarship to a female student attending its chapter institutions.[8] In 2019, the East Carolina chapter co-sponsored the My Culture is Not a Costume campaign.[9] The chapters also bring Native American speakers to campus.[10]

Chapters
Chapter Chartered Institution Location Status Reference
Alpha March 30, 1997 East Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina Active [11][3]
Beta 2004 North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina Active [12][13]
Gamma January 2007 University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, North Carolina Active [14]
Graduate 2011 Active [15]

See also

References
  1. Torbenson, Craig LaRon; Parks, Gregory (2009). Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities and Sororities. Associated University Presse. pp. 142–144. ISBN 978-0-8386-4194-1.
  2. Delamont, Sara; Marshall, Catherine (2007). Gender and Education: An Encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 511. ISBN 978-0-313-04196-9.
  3. Shotton, Heather J.; Lowe, Shelly C.; Waterman, Stephanie J. (2013-10-01). Beyond the Asterisk: Understanding Native Students in Higher Education. Stylus Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-57922-626-8.
  4. Still, Corey M., and Breanna R. Faris. 2019. “Understanding and Supporting Historically Native American Fraternities and Sororities.” New Directions for Student Services 2019 (165): 52. via EBSCO, accessed January 6, 2023. doi:10.1002/ss.20293
  5. Peters, Brian. 2018. “Fighting Isolation: How Four Native Women Created Change at UNC-Chapel Hill.” American Indian Quarterly 42 (3): 344–74. via EBSCO, accessed January 6, 2023. doi:10.5250/amerindiquar.42.3.0344.
  6. "About Us". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  7. "National Philanthropy". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  8. "Scholarships". Metrolina Native American Association. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  9. "'My Culture is Not a Costume' campaign addresses cultural appropriation for Halloween". WNCT. 2019-10-23. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  10. Daniel, Mark (March 29, 2006). "Sigma Omicron Epsilon honors founding with speaker". Technician. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  11. "Alpha Chapter: East Carolina University". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  12. "Beta Chapter: North Carolina State University". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 29 December 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  13. Cote, Matthew (2011-03-15). North Carolina State University 2012. College Prowler. ISBN 978-1-4274-9813-7.
  14. "Gamma Chapters: University of North Carolina at Pembroke". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  15. "Graduate Chapter". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
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