[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 142 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1398-E1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OMEGA DELTA PHI FRATERNITY, INC., (GAMMA 
                                CHAPTER)

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2015

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize and congratulate the 
Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc., (Gamma Chapter) from the

[[Page E1399]]

University of Arizona on the occasion of their 25th Anniversary.
  After gaining chapter status on September 28th, 1990 at the 
University of Arizona, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc., has set out to 
be an organization that prides itself with hands on community service. 
Its members have set out to become role models at the collegiate level 
for many as members are representative of first generation college 
students. ODPhi has been a prime example of seeking to put an end to 
the stereotypical images of fraternity men. As Men of Vision, members 
have undertaken a responsibility to think outside of the box and become 
committed to the constructive development of themselves and their 
communities.
  As a service and social organization, The Gamma Chapter of Omega 
Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc., has continuously lent a helping hand to the 
Tucson community by hosting and working several community events, 
namely their Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Annual Haunted House. These two 
signature events which have been hosted by the chapter every year since 
the early 1990s, provide a fun and safe environment for local children 
and families and has been replicated at other chapter locations since. 
Members invest an average of 40-50 service hours (per member) back into 
the Tucson community and have done so every semester for the past 25 
years.
  The chapter at the UA was one of the original organizations in recent 
years to begin as a Hispanic-Founded organization and paved the way for 
other Multicultural Greek-Lettered Organizations to begin on campus. 
The chapter has seen a diverse group of men carry on a tradition of 
excellence as members have been of Hispanic, Native American, African 
American, Asian, Indian, and Caucasian descent. As a true multicultural 
fraternity, ODPhi has a priority of graduating members from the 
University of Arizona and has seen hundreds of alumni go on to see 
successful diverse careers in government, public services, medical, 
higher education, and the private sector.
  What began as an idea by four founding individuals: David Gil, Carlos 
Contreras, Jeff Martin, and Kurt Rex Cooper, to create an organization 
that gives back to our local area, has now flourished into a thriving 
brotherhood that has taken on a continued responsibility in social and 
public affairs. With a rich history, ODPhi has been both humbled and 
honored to remain a part of Tucson's community and plans to remain an 
advocate for higher education and service.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize and honor the Omega Delta 
Phi-Gamma Fraternity on the celebration of their 25th anniversary and 
commend the fraternity and its members for its service and achievements 
over the years.

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