Gamma Omicron

College or University

California State University Fullerton

Address

1950 N State College Bl
Fullerton CA 92831

History

Founding & Early History
In the fall of 1960 the first Greek organization at what was then called Orange County State College (now California State University, Fullerton) was formed as the Sigma Phi Omega local fraternity. The "Sigs" grew quickly, as did the the young campus. Sig members became active in all aspects of campus life, occupying numerous Student Government offices, helping organize the first Intercollegiate Elephant Races (1962), participating in varsity and intramural sports, and holding many social functions. The young Fullerton campus would be forever changed with the establishment of Greek organizations, first pioneered by the men of Sigma Phi Omega.
First Fraternity House at CSUF…'Barn Dance' Era
In 1963, the Sigs moved into the first fraternity House on the campus, an old farmhouse on Placentia Avenue just north of Nutwood Avenue. The property was once a working farm, so it had a large barn, a separate lounge and stand-alone library building, in addition to the two story house which housed twelve men. It was just a short walk down a row of eucalyptus trees and through the adjacent orange groves to the campus, where "old" Langsdorf Hall (the Letters and Science building, and now McCarthy Hall) stood as the first campus landmark. The barn was put to good use on the weekends; Sig Barn Dances would draw hundreds of young people from all over southern California. Events like the Mud Bowl (held out behind the barn in the spring), the Roaring 20's party, the Toga Party, the Sweetheart Ball, and Day of the Titan were highlights of the social calendar each year.
National Affiliation - 'GO Chapter'
By 1965, the Sigs had been approached by several national fraternities expressing interest in colonizing at Fullerton. After a thorough review of the top national fraternities, the list was narrowed to a few, and Phi Kappa Tau was unanimously voted by the brothers as their choice. Affiliation with Phi Kappa Tau attracted even more men to the organization, and in the mid-60's the Chapter reached seventy members and continued to produce leaders: Student Body Presidents, Class Presidents and other officers in Student Government, leaders on the Interfraternity Council, along with some outstanding scholars. Even the Dean of Students, Ernest Becker, became a member. In September, 1966, after successfully meeting the criteria as a Colony, the group was chartered as the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau. "GO Phi Tau" became the motto for the new Chapter.
In the summer of 1967 the Phi Taus learned they would have to move…the House, barn, lounge and library were going to be razed to build more apartments. So the brothers looked around Fullerton and Placentia, and found a four-unit apartment building on Topaz Street. Thanks to some loyal alumni who put up the funds, the building was purchased in late 1967. Four brothers moved in to the biggest unit, while the other units continued to be rented to tenants. Hardly the best arrangement for a fraternity house, but at least there was a place to call home, and the Chapter's plan called for permanent housing to be acquired later.
Acquisition of The Barn - 1968
The Topaz apartments proved indeed to be temporary. In the summer of 1968, alumni brothers approached the owners of a house located at the corner of the campus. "The Barn" was being rented to another fraternity. In a whirlwind negotiation, the Barn was purchased by the Phi Kappa Tau House Corporation, refurbished (with the help of loans from the national and a few daring Alumni), and occupied in time for the Fall 1968 Rush. The first refurbishing done was to repaint the Barn from red, to….. beige?? Well, you have to understand, old-timers were not going to be happy if it was Red….reminded them too much of the rival fraternity/prior tenant.

Founding Date

Local Fraternity, Sigma Phi Omega, Founded in Fall 1960
Gamma Omicron Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Chartered in September, 1966

Current Status

Active

Awards and Distinctions

Rated "5 Stars" (Highest Rating) in CSUF's Pursuit of Excellence (2006 and 2007)

Media

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