| Omega Epsilon Sigma | |
| Letters: | Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΕΣ |
| Coat Of Arms: | File:The_crest_of_Omega_Epsilon_Sigma.png |
| Caption: | The 1928 Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΕΣ crest used by Gamma chapter |
| Birthplace: | University of Central Missouri |
| Affiliation: | Independent |
| Type: | Social |
| Emphasis: | Eastern Star |
| Scope: | Regional |
| Mottos: | --> |
| Colors: | Green and White |
| Flower: | Narcissus |
| Chapters: | 5 |
| Nicknames: | --> |
| Province: | --> |
| Postal Code: | --> |
| Country: | United States |
| Homepage: | --> |
| Status: | Defunct |
| Successor: | Some to Theta Sigma Upsilon |
Omega Epsilon Sigma (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΩΕΣ) was a collegiate sorority operating in the United States from 1925 until, approximately, 1930. It is the second known organization for college women with Order of the Eastern Star affiliation, the first being Achoth.
Omega Epsilon Sigma was founded as Omicron Epsilon Sigma on January 3, 1925, at Central Missouri State Teachers College (now University of Central Missouri). The 1925 edition of the Sunflower Yearbook described the sorority's membership policy as "eligibility to membership in this organization is based upon affiliation with the Order of the Eastern Star."
On April 21, 1925, the sorority was recognized by the Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Kansas. The yearbook also described the Masonic Association. "Through the kindness of the Shriners of Emporia semi-monthly meetings are held in the Shrine room of the Masonic Temple. Although yet in its infancy Omicron has a large membership and is exerting a democratic influence on the campus." According to the yearbook, Omicron's purpose "is to promote friendship among the girls of the school who are members of this fraternal order."
It appears there was a consolidation of several other Eastern Star-affiliated locals shortly after the formation of Omicron Epsilon Sigma. An undated copy of the constitution and bylaws noted the change to Omega Epsilon Sigma.[1]
The purpose was "to inspire each member to grow in strength and beauty of character by emphasizing the living as well as the teaching of moral principles; to strength existing fraternal relations through college fellowship, also to promote high ideals of scholarship and social relations."
While some of its chapters appear to have continued after 1927, that year, the first two chapters withdrew, soon becoming chapters of Theta Sigma Upsilon, which later merged with Alpha Gamma Delta.
The colors of Omicron Epsilon Sigma were yellow and white; its flower was the snapdragon.
When it became Omega Epsilon Sigma, its colors were changed to green and white, and the flower changed to the growing narcissus. Its badge is described as a "regular pentagon bordered with perals, five on a side surrounding a field of black, in the center of which is a gold five-pointed star which points downward with an emerald in its center; above the star, the letter Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Ω in gold and at the bottom on either side of the fifth point, the letters, Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Ε and Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: Σ in gold."
Following is a list of chapters for Omega Epsilon Sigma.
| Chapter | Charter date and range | Institution | Location | Status | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | – | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, Missouri | Withdrew (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΘΣΥ) | [2] | |
| Beta | – | Fort Hays State University | Hays, Kansas | Withdrew (Greek, Ancient (to 1453);: ΘΣΥ) | ||
| Gamma | – | Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg, Kansas | Inactive | ||
| Delta | –19xx ? | Emporia State University | Emporia, Kansas | Inactive | [3] | |
| Epsilon | 1925–19xx ? | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, Colorado | Inactive |