The Unveiling of the Monument

August 27, 2016

“This monument represents the past, present and future of our glorious chapter and all its members. Not only did we want to represent our current members, but those who have died and gone on to Omega Chapter,” Duerson said. According to Duerson, the monument also gives other men on the campus who may be interested in the fraternity a way to see its impact on campus, prompting them to learn more about the Omegas.

The monument would not have been possible without the help of President Gary Ransdell, according to D.C. Clement, alumni of the Omegas as well as the Graduate Adviser for the WKU undergraduate chapter.

“We are extremely honored and humbled to be the first black Greek organization to be able to put a monument like this on the WKU campus,” Clement said. “We are very thankful to Dr. Gary Ransdell for supporting this project from the very start. Without him this would have never been possible. It is great being the first but hopefully not the last; hopefully this will inspire others to leave their mark at WKU.”

The monument was kept a secret from all other organizations until recently, allowing the Omegas to surprise the rest of campus with the monument that is the first of its kind on this campus. “Other Greek organizations are somewhat confused and slightly angry that we were able to accomplish this monument,” Duerson said.

“Our goal was to be the first black Greek organization on Western’s campus to have such a monument, and in a couple weeks we can officially claim that title. Most of the reaction from other organizations has been the ‘how?’”

The organization hopes this monument can inspire others to make their mark on this campus as well, hoping to be first, but not the last, on WKU’s campus.

“We hope that in the near future all of the black Greek organizations can build some representation of their organization on campus and join us in proudly representing our fraternity or sorority,” Duerson said.

The unveiling of the monument will take place Aug. 27, between Garrett Conference Center and the Kissing Bridge at 1 p.m.

“The ceremony is open to the public and the entire WKU community. Speakers include Dr. Gary Ransdell, national and regional leadership from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the founders of Gamma Theta Chapter,” Clement said. “We are incredibly excited about the Founder’s Monument coming to WKU and look forward to welcoming many alumni back to campus this coming weekend.”

By: Kalee Chism