History of the Zeta Omicron Chapter of TBΣ
The Zeta Omicron Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma began as the little sisters of the Eta Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. In the spring of 1977, the brothers felt that it was time a similar organization was established for the women of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI & SU) bands. They had two suggestions: the bands women could colonize their own chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, or the brothers could have a group of little sisters who might someday wish to form a Tau Beta Sigma colony. With the small number of women interested at the time, the second choice was more feasible. In the spring of 1977, they initiated the Alpha pledge class of Little Sisters. The Beta pledge class was initiated in the fall of 1977, followed by the Gamma pledge class of spring 1978.
The Little Sisters established a close working with the brothers, and helped with most of their service projects. However, they did not have voting privileges in fraternity decision making. With this in mind, three of the sisters took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about Tau Beta Sigma, and joined their brothers at the District IX Convention in March, 1978.
In May of 1978, the National Office of Tau Beta Sigma granted colony status to the group of little sisters. The chapter constitution was written that summer, approved by the colony in September, and approved by VPI & SU in December. January 1979 brought notification of the approval of the petitioning document, and installation plans were made for the Zeta Omicron chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, located at VPI & SU. The chapter was installed on April 7, 1979, by the Beta Eta chapter from the University of Maryland. The Alpha pledge class was initiated on April 28, 1979.
Rush Class History
GAMMA IOTA RUSH CLASS
Elizabeth Gaskill, “AC”: Graduated May 2023 in National Security & Foreign Affairs
Sara Larson, “Hawkins”: Graduated May 2023 in Computational & Systems Neuroscience
Julia Inman-Ryan, “Kaida”: Senior in Packaging Design
Lisa Small, “Soil”: Graduated May 2024 in Biological Systems Engineering
Kat Zinn, “Rapunzel”: Graduated December 2023 in English Literature
GAMMA MU RUSH CLASS
Amy Baloy, “B-Fly”: Graduated Spring 2026 in Mechanical Engineering
Jason Bradshaw, “CHILI”: Senior in Aerospace Engineering
Bebe Mycka, “Jack”: Graduated Spring 2025 in Political Science - Legal Studies
Amelia Kurowska, “Fun Dip”: Graduated Spring 2026 in Senior in Chemistry, Mathematics
Reilly VanDyke, “Kaizen”: Graduated Spring 2026 in in Marketing Management
GAMMA XI RUSH CLASS
Chloe Byrd, “Charizard“: Graduated Spring 2026 in National Security and Foreign Affairs
Sharon Hudson, “Scooby“: Senior in Biological Systems Engineering
Maria Poley, “Nerodia”: Senior in Civil Engineering
GAMMA PI RUSH CLASS
Deija Hawkins : Senior in Medicinal Chemistry
Brandon Wong, “SPK“: Graduated Spring 2025 in Mathematics
GAMMA LAMBDA RUSH CLASS
Morgan Hendrickson, “Lil Captain”: Graduated Spring 2025 in National Security & Foreign Affairs
Caity Simmons, “Peitho”: Graduated December 2023 in National Security & Foreign Affairs
Gracie Maslyn, “Skittles”: Graduate Student in Human Development
Sarah-Faith Mukuna, “J-Puff”: Senior in Biological Systems Engineering, French
Cathleen Papas, “Lil Snek”: Graduated Spring 2025 in Cybersecurity Management and Analytics
GAMMA NU RUSH CLASS
Carter Bohart, “Godiva”": Graduated with Masters Spring 2026 in Student in Political Science - National Security and Foreign Affairs
Sean Christian, “Squirtle”: Graduated May 2024 in Chemical Engineering
Olivia Purvis, “Yogi”: Graduated Spring 2026 in Biological Sciences
GAMMA OMICRON RUSH CLASS
Rem Nader, “Ferrero“: Senior in Cybersecurity Management and Analytics
Beatrice Shippee, “King Cobra“: Junior in Geosciences
Kay Wooden, “Reese’s”: Graduated in Spring 2026 in Animal and Poultry Science
GAMMA RHO RUSH CLASS
Miranda Griffith, "Dove" : Sophomore in Music Education/Performance
Mya Riner, "Rosy" : Junior in Public Relations
Syd Street, "Emerald Tree" : Sophomore in Clinical Neuroscience
