Order of Omega — a national honor society for fraternity and sorority leaders — has returned to NIU, recognizing a new generation of student leaders who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership and service.

After a hiatus for the past several years, the Zeta Eta Chapter at NIU officially reinstated its presence on campus this spring, culminating in an initiation ceremony on April 27. The organization welcomed 21 students, who join 510 initiates since the chapter was first chartered on campus in 1985.

“This is an exciting time for our students,” said Vicki Gerentes, director of Fraternity and Sorority (FSL) at NIU. “Order of Omega is about recognizing the top 5% of our fraternity and sorority community — students who not only lead their chapters but also give back to the campus and the broader community in meaningful ways.”

Founded in 1959 at the University of Miami, Order of Omega has grown to more than 570 campuses across the United States and Canada. Membership is open to undergraduate members of recognized fraternities and sororities who demonstrate high standards of leadership, scholarship and involvement.

The honor society represents an important way to not only honor student leaders, but also uplift the values of FSL at NIU, said McKenzie Pendry, FSL senior associate director. It also highlights the value FSL can bring to an individual’s experience, she said.

An Order of Omega member herself, Pendry selected the group’s new members and serves as advisor. In the future, the members themselves will select new members based on an application process.

“These are student leaders who go above and beyond and really serve as a model for our fraternity and sorority members,” Pendry said. “They have taken their fraternities and sororities to the next level. They’re a driving force in the community to do better and be better.”

The chapter plans to elect student officers this summer and expand programming in the future to include leadership development and alumni engagement.

Its return to campus comes at a time of Greek Life Revitalization, with plans underway to construct a new Center for Greek Life in the heart of Greek Row near the intersection of West Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk Road.

Among those initiated into Order of Omega was Mary Nelson, a marketing major from Itasca, Illinois, who has been active in FSL throughout her time at NIU and served on the Panhellenic Council. Nelson graduates this May.

“I wanted to be part of Order of Omega because it honors leadership and scholarship across the FSL community. I hold these values close to my heart, and I am so happy to have been selected to join Order of Omega to promote these values across campus,” Nelson said.

“Induction into Order of Omega is an amazing opportunity to continue my commitment to NIU’s Greek community. With my upcoming graduation, I am also excited about the alumni connections that the organization offers.”

Pendry said each of the 21 students selected this year represents the best of what FSL can offer — balancing academic achievement with meaningful leadership and service.

“These are students who have truly invested in themselves and in their communities,” she said. “They are passionate, driven and committed. Recognizing them through Order of Omega is just one way we can celebrate all they’ve contributed—and all they will continue to do.”

Members initiated into the Zeta Eta Chapter at NIU include: