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Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô’s Outstanding Student Organization of the Year is Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. During a “Toast to Leadership” award ceremony on April 7, the organization’s president, Britton Larkin, accepted the award.

The award for Student Organization of the Year is given in recognition of outstanding and significant

contributions to the students of Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô and the Southeast Texas community.

Omega Psi Phi aspires to build community among all Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô students, representing LU in multicultural and cultural events, raising awareness of social issues and promoting diversity at Â鶹ӳ»­Ó°Òô. Each semester, the group completes more than 200 documented hours of community service.

“This year’s winner, Omega Psi Phi, excelled through programming, education and leadership,” said Todd Shaver, executive director Setzer Student Center and Recreational Sports. “By working with other schools, and actively recruiting and retaining members, the organization truly is outstanding.”

Despite a year of challenges including hurricanes, power outages, social issues and the pandemic, the organization’s accomplishment list is remarkable.

After Hurricane Laura, the organization collaborated with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church to help storm victims in Lake Charles. Students loaded an 18-wheeler and two U-Haul’s with more than 31 pallets of water and care packages, helping more than 2,500 people.

The members of Omega Psi Phi helped with a Christmas Toy Drive, giving out free haircuts, cotton candy and toys to local children. Member Oris Granger even dressed as Santa to take pictures with the kids.

In response to the pandemic, the organization held an open forum on mental health and social anxiety, giving students a safe space to share experiences, stories and truths.

More than 200 LU students participated in Omega Psi Phi’s one-day health initiative featuring aerobics with “Shark Tank” star, Ladonte Lotts.

Then on election day, Omega Psi Phi, along with other National Pan-Hellenic Council groups, escorted LU students to the polls. In less than six hours, they helped more than150 people exercise their right to vote.

Members of Omega Psi Phi also volunteered regularly in Reach Out and Read, helping second graders at local elementary schools improve their reading skills.

The organization is most proud of their implementation of the Lamp Lighters Mentoring program at Memorial High School, working one-on-one with young men to instill their four Cardinal principles: maturity, academics, leadership and perseverance.

“We’re appreciative of this organization and the young people committed to service on the LU campus and in the community,” said Shaver.