Gamma Omicron Chapter

Fraternity Earns National Awards for Fundraising, Service

August 24, 2010

By Debra Cano Ramos

Andrew Lopez, Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter member, center, received the Jack L. Anson Undergraduate Award from members of the national fraternity organization during this summer’s convention.

Cal State Fullerton’s Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter, brought home eight awards from the fraternity’s national summer convention in Denver, including two individual awards presented to a former chapter president and the chapter’s adviser.

Sixteen current and alumni members attended the 59th annual event, where the chapter was recognized for its 2009-10 philanthropic efforts and outstanding service to the campus and community.

Kandy Mink Salas, dean of students, lauded the Phi Kappa Tau chapter members for their many accomplishments and awards at this year’s national conference. “The fraternity’s commitment to philanthropic and service work is exemplified by their dedication to the national organization’s Hole in the Wall philanthropy and their annual Casino Night fundraiser.”

Mink Salas also praised communications major Andrew Lopez, the fraternity’s former chapter president, and alumnus Matt Della Mora (B.A. business administration-management ‘07), who serves as chapter adviser. Both received individual awards for their guidance and contributions to the chapter.

“The leadership exhibited by these two Phi Kappa Tau members is an outstanding example of the great work that the fraternities are doing on campus here at Cal State Fullerton,” Mink Salas said.

Lopez, president of Cal State Fullerton’s Interfraternity Council, the umbrella organization for six national fraternities on campus, was presented with the Jack L. Anson Undergraduate Award for his outstanding contributions to the Interfraternity Council.

“It’s an honor to receive this national recognition. Being part of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity is a lifelong commitment and it has afforded me many amazing opportunities to lead and serve the community,” he said.

Della Mora, a former chapter president, was presented with the Outstanding Advisor to a Chapter Award for his countless hours to advise members of the Fullerton chapter. He joined the chapter’s Board of Governors in 2007 as finance adviser and transitioned to adviser in 2008. In 2009, the university’s Greek Life community recognized him with its Greek Alumnus of the Year award.

“I appreciate receiving this award from the national organization because it shows that the hard work and dedication that I have put into the chapter is being acknowledged,” said Della Mora, who works in the insurance industry.

The Gamma Omicron Chapter, which had 73 members on its roster during the spring semester, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and is the oldest fraternity on campus and in Orange County.

The chapter garnered the following awards during presentation ceremonies held in July:

Outstanding Chapter Award for exemplary fundraising and volunteer support service to Hole in the Wall camps, the national organizations philanthropy for children with serious illnesses and life-threatening medical conditions;
Philanthropy/Hole in the Wall Certificate in appreciation for raising $16,300 in philanthropic donations during 2009-10.
Paul Newman Award for most money raised at a single philanthropy event. The chapter raised $6,500 for the chapter’s national philanthropy during the October 2009 Monte Carlo Night.
Outstanding Board of Governors for Gamma Omicron’s Board of Governors outstanding contributions to the chapter and its members.
Jack Jareo Award for outstanding alumni newsletter and alumni programming; and
Order of the Star Chapters for meeting Order of the Star expectations throughout the year.

“Receiving these awards is a huge honor for the Gamma Omicron Chapter. Our members and our alumni have worked very hard to achieve specific goals throughout the year, leading up to the winnings of these prestigious awards,” Lopez said. “Without the chapter working together, these awards would not have been possible.”

Media Contacts:

Kandy Mink Salas, Dean of Students, 657-278-3211 or kmink@fullerton.edu
Maricela Alvarado, Greek Life, 657-278-3211 or malvarado@fullerton.edu
Debra Cano Ramos, Public Affairs, 657-278-4027; 657-278-2414 or dcanoramos@fullerton.edu