by Leah Jackson
Members and alumni of Northwestern State University’s Theta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will celebrate their chapter’s 50th anniversary this year, dedicating the celebration to the Rev. Brother G. Stanley Lewis, founder, and advisor.
In the Fall of 1971, the District Representative of the Ninth District visited Natchitoches and impressed upon college administrators the need to establish an undergraduate Omega Chapter on the NSU campus. Brother G. Stanley Lewis was appointed advisor and 22 young men started out. On May 20, 2072, 18 brothers were inducted into the Theta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. They called themselves “The Funky 18.”
The presence of a Lampados Club of a Black fraternity on the campus of a predominantly white university was a new phenomenon, not only at Northwestern, but in the Natchitoches community as well. A Black fraternity on NSU’s campus was new to its white students as well as it was to its Black students. The presence of a Black fraternity on NSU’s campus was new not only to White Americans, but to Black Americans as well.
Brother Lewis brought a fair and sensible leadership to young Black men on campus. While matriculating at NSU, Omega men participated in organizations such as the NAACP, Student Government Association, Blue Key, sports, band, and many other campus organizations. On several occasions, the brothers of Theta Delta received the President’s Cup for having attained the highest GPA among Greek-letter organizations on campus. Omega men of Theta Delta were honored in Who’s Who in Among American Universities and Colleges and several were selected as Mr. NSU.
While at NSU, Theta Delta Brothers participated in community service activities in the Natchitoches area supporting a Sickle Cell Anemia Drive, adopting a childcare center, and providing upkeep and donating to worthwhile causes.
After graduating, several Theta Delta Brothers went on to become educators, doctors, nurses, engineers, members of the U.S. armed forces, CPAs, business leaders, attorneys, city, and government officials, first responders, and professional athletes and coaches. Since 1972, Theta Delta Brothers along with their Delta Sigma Theta Sisters in Iota Mu Chapter, have returned to the campus for Homecomings, reunions, and various campus events.
In addition to Brother Lewis, the brothers of Theta Delta are indebted to other Omega Men who served as chapter advisors over the past 50 years. They recognize the contributions of current and recent Theta Delta Brothers who are carrying on the fraternity’s four cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.
Viewers can watch videos chronicling Theta Delta’s 50-year history and a tribute to the Rev. Brother G. Stanley at the following links:
- _Theta Delta’s 50-Years Anniversary Video: https://youtu.be/JCSGX7_qHDI
- _Tribute to Reverend G. Stanley Lewis Video: https://youtu.be/dYXggfwHJzI
Picture 3 Group:
The Rev. G. Stanley Lewis, center, cut the ribbon when Omega Psi Phi – Delta Mu Chapter installed a fraternity bench on the Kyser Hall brick way. Established at NSU in 1972, the fraternity is celebrating 50 years in 2022.
Other group photos depict the fraternity through the years and with NSU’s Iota Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, also celebrating a golden anniversary this year.
