Spring Hill College welcomed Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. on its campus for the first time in over 30 years. 

On Jan. 18, the Mary Lou and John Barter Student Center held a ceremony that revealed the identity of the newest member of Omega Psi Phi. Students around the city, faculty, staff and parents came to the event, which featured a single student entering the Student Center to thunderous applause and cheering from a crowd of more than 100 people. 

The masked young man positioned himself in the center of the stage in the student center and peeked through the holes in a ski mask to the frantic and anxious spectators. 

The faces in the audience lit up with curiosity of the individual behind the mask. This curiosity derived from the fact that the members of the Omega Psi Phi usually come from Spring Hill’s neighboring university, the University of South Alabama. 

 The understanding that there must have been a Spring Hill student taking the stage buzzed around campus. The performance, which was originally scheduled a week prior, drew the attention of more and more people as the extra week did nothing more than add to the excitement and anticipation.          

 Students raved about their confirmed assumptions about the grand reveal. Spring Hill student DeAndre Lacey mentioned in a post-performance interview, “I was shocked to see the face that was uncovered during the show, I had no idea that he would join a fraternity, let alone one that is not even on our school’s campus.” 

Senior Jewel Hill was also in attendance and said excitedly, “I’m proud to see a fraternity of color joining the Spring Hill community. Before him, there was only one Greek organization that is dominantly black on campus, limiting the options for the guys who want to participate in Greek life.” 

 Director of Student Involvement Mike Freyaldenhoven worked closely with Omega Psi Phi members in the Mobile area to organize and host the presentation on Spring Hill’s campus. Freyaldenhoven sent out a mass email to students, faculty and staff, inviting and encouraging them to attend the unique and special event. Students united in support of their fellow Spring Hill Badger. Freyaldenhoven 

Omega Psi Phi ’s Mobile chapter student advisor Alfred Ransom said, “I am very proud of this young man. His process was long, and he was able to see in through.”

The Spring Hill student body looks forward to learning more about this new Greek organization and anticipates several more of these events to be hosted on campus.