Sigma Omicron Epsilon, Inc. (ΣΟΕ), also known as SOE, is a Native American sorority founded in 1997 at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.[1][2][3] It is one of eight fraternities and sororities across the United States that is considered historically Native American.[4][5]
History
Sigma Omicron Epsilon was founded on March 30, 1997, on the campus of East Carolina University by seven Native American women.[6] Its founders envisioned a sisterhood that promoted Native American culture and education, as well as a network for its members.[6][1] Any women with an interest in Native American culture are eligible for membership.[1]
The sorority's founders were Deidre Arlene Jacobs-Blanks, Jolena Bullard, Berna Linette Chavis, Cabrina Lynne Cummings, Candance Holona Hammonds, Patrice Henderson, and Una Gail Locklear.[1]
Symbols
Sigma Omicron Epsilon's colors are blue, white, and yellow.[6] Its flower is the yellow rose and its symbol is the butterfly.[6]
Activities
The sorority's national philanthropy is breast cancer awareness and education.[7] Its members participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and a variety of fundraisers.[7] It also offers a scholarship to a female student attending its chapter institutions.[8] In 2019, the East Carolina chapter co-sponsored the My Culture is Not a Costume campaign.[9] The chapters also bring Native American speakers to campus.[10]
Chapters
| Chapter | Chartered | Institution | Location | Status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | March 30, 1997 | East Carolina University | Greenville, North Carolina | Active | [11][3] |
| Beta | 2004 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, North Carolina | Active | [12][13] |
| Gamma | January 2007 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, North Carolina | Active | [14] |
| Graduate | 2011 | Active | [15] |
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Torbenson, Craig LaRon; Parks, Gregory (2009). Brothers and Sisters: Diversity in College Fraternities and Sororities. Associated University Presse. pp. 142–144. ISBN 978-0-8386-4194-1.
- ^ Delamont, Sara; Marshall, Catherine (2007). Gender and Education: An Encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 511. ISBN 978-0-313-04196-9.
- ^ a b Shotton, Heather J.; Lowe, Shelly C.; Waterman, Stephanie J. (2013-10-01). Beyond the Asterisk: Understanding Native Students in Higher Education. Stylus Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-57922-626-8.
- ^ Still, Corey M., and Breanna R. Faris. 2019. “Understanding and Supporting Historically Native American Fraternities and Sororities.” New Directions for Student Services 2019 (165): 52. via EBSCO, accessed January 6, 2023. doi:10.1002/ss.20293
- ^ Peters, Brian. 2018. “Fighting Isolation: How Four Native Women Created Change at UNC-Chapel Hill.” American Indian Quarterly 42 (3): 344–74. via EBSCO, accessed January 6, 2023. doi:10.5250/amerindiquar.42.3.0344.
- ^ a b c d "About Us". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ a b "National Philanthropy". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ "Scholarships". Metrolina Native American Association. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ "'My Culture is Not a Costume' campaign addresses cultural appropriation for Halloween". WNCT. 2019-10-23. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ Daniel, Mark (March 29, 2006). "Sigma Omicron Epsilon honors founding with speaker". Technician. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ "Alpha Chapter: East Carolina University". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ "Beta Chapter: North Carolina State University". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 29 December 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ Cote, Matthew (2011-03-15). North Carolina State University 2012. College Prowler. ISBN 978-1-4274-9813-7.
- ^ "Gamma Chapters: University of North Carolina at Pembroke". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ^ "Graduate Chapter". Sigma Omicron Epsilon. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
