TCU Daily Skiff Student Salute 2004
Frog Fountain
Order of Omega president recognized for service

By Stacey Grant
Staff Reporter*


While studying abroad in Seville, Spain, last spring, Katie Goggans returned to her room one day and found an e-mail from 5,000 miles away.

The e-mail was from the president of Order of Omega, informing Goggans she had been nominated for president for the upcoming school year.

Goggans, a senior accounting and Spanish major, said that even though she was far from home when she got the news, she knew right away that she wanted to be president of Order of Omega.

Order of Omega, the national Greek honor society, recognizes individuals in the Greek community for service to their fraternity or sorority. Members consist of juniors and seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

All nominees are required to write an essay on why they want to be an officer and what they can bring to their chapter. Goggans wrote her essay from Spain and had it read in front of the chapter back at TCU.

Goggans said she wanted to be president of Order of Omega because of what the organization stood for on TCU’s campus.

“I think that sometimes the Greek community is stereotyped as a group that is more centered on going out and having a good time,” Goggans said. “I think it's definitely important to recognize those students that are working really hard and accomplishing a lot for their chapter and school.”

Even though she ran unopposed, Goggans was delighted to hear she had been elected president for the 2003-2004 school year. Order of Omega has had a Kappa Alpha Theta president the past three years, and Goggans is happy to continue the tradition.

Since taking office last August, Goggans has kept busy.

After students apply, they are anonymously selected based on academic record, participation in their chapter and service to the community and TCU.

“That’s something we’ve changed this year because in the past I think they stressed the grades more,” Goggans said.

She said most members of Order of Omega are from the 10 Panhellenic and 10 Interfraternity organizations. They are trying to get more students from other Greek organizations to create a well-rounded chapter, Goggans said.

Order of Omega’s most important event happens April 22 with the annual awards banquet, which honors chapters for accomplishments throughout the year, Goggans said. Awards are also given for outstanding adviser and outstanding involvement.

Wayne Huddleston, Order of Omega adviser, said Goggans has done a great job as president thus far.

“It’s a tough organization to deal with because everyone that enters is a junior or senior so there’s really no transition period,” Huddleston said. “Every year, new members join, which means there are more new faces to learn, but Katie has been wonderful with that.”

Leah Clary, Order of Omega secretary and senior social work major, said Goggans makes a great president because of her positive and caring personality.

“It takes a positive person to lead an organization with only juniors and seniors,” Clary said. “As people reach the end of their college career, they tend to slowly stop caring about things. Katie does a great job of keeping people happy and keeping them motivated.”

Goggans said the best thing about Order of Omega is her chapter’s opportunity to recognize people who wouldn’t be recognized otherwise.

“The officers in a chapter are constantly recognized for what they do,” Goggans said. “The individuals that put in hours and hours of work, they’re the ones that are overlooked and need to be encouraged. They make just as much of a difference as the officers do.”

Huddleston said the main reason Goggans has been a great president is her constant effort to listen to everyone.

“Some people come in with preconceived ideas of how they want things to go, but not Katie,” Huddleston said. “She listens to everyone and makes sure to get input from the group.”

After Goggans graduates in May, she plans on taking a month off before she works for an investment firm in Fort Worth. After a few years here, she plans on going to graduate school and then traveling.

Goggans said she has learned a great deal while being president of Order of Omega.

“I’ve learned that even though you can hold an office and have responsibilities, it’s a new feeling to know that you can make changes and make a difference on campus,” Goggans said.

* This story appeared in the April 14 edition of the Skiff.
Katie Goggans
Nicole Martinez/Staff Photographer
Order of Omega President Katie Goggans stands on the steps of Sadler Hall where the Greek honor society hosts its annual Holiday Tree Lighting.
 
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