Rho's History

In early 1993, Christie DeLozier from Epsilon Chapter contacted Leanne Kinyon concerning starting a chapter at Western Kentucky University.  With help from other nearby alumna including former National President, Ginger McGarity, an information meeting was held on February 25, 1993.  A colony was formed at Western Kentucky University with 14 hard-working charter members.  Leanne Kinyon was the founding president.

The charter members of Rho chapter include:  Leanne Kinyon, Beth Bushway, Kate Shelton, Cindy Morgan, Ann Johnson, Darby Price, Becky See, Beth Vaugh, Patti Logsdon, Nancy Green, Lisa Ishee, Carrie Martin, Jennifer Abramis, and Catrice Johnson.

After almost a complete year of struggle as a colony, the 14 colonists were inducted as Rho Chapter of Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority on December 4, 1993.

Rho took the first pledge class, Alpha, in the Spring term of 1994, just following their activation as a chapter.  The Alpha pledge class members were inducted as actives on April 7, 1994.  There were seven new members.

Since then, many pledge classes have been taken at Rho Chapter.  The following is a list of each pledge class, the number of pledges activated, and the date of activation of each.
 
 

As of January 1, 2005, Rho Chapter membership stands at 85 members.

All members of Rho Chapter have put forth the extra mile to see this chapter blossom and grow, but perhaps none so much as the Presidents of the chapter.

-The founding President of Rho chapter, Leanne Kinyon, served until May of 1994, when Beth Bushway, a charter member, was elected the new president.

-Beth Bushway took over the office in May of 1994 and served until May of 1996.

-In May of 1996, Angela Clem, a Beta pledge, was voted in as the new president.  Unfortunately, Angela Clem left her position as President in September of 1996.  The vice president at the time, Laura Tyree, a Delta pledge, took over the position.

-In May of 1997, Laura was elected to serve another term as President of Rho chapter.  Laura Tyree served until May of 1998.

-In May of 1998, Amanda Humphrey, an Eta pledge, was elected president and served until May of 1999.

-Past chapter president, Laura Tyree, was re-elected as president in May of 1999 and served until May of 2000.

-In May of 2000, Amy Whitacre, a Kappa pledge, was elected president and served until May of 2001.

-In May of 2001, Megan Zerhusan, a Mu pledge, was elected president and served until May of 2002.

-In May of 2002, Laura Ressler, a Mu pledge, was elected and served until May of 2003.

-In May of 2003, Nicole Hurst was elected president and served until May of 2004.

-In May of 2004, Katie Seuberling was elected president and served until May 2005.

-In May of 2005, Erin Fowler was elected president  and served until May 2006.

-In May of 2006, Marybeth Woodall, a Tau pledge,was elected president and is currently serving as our President.

Although Rho Chapter has seen many ups and downs, Rho has become a strong chapter of Omega Phi Alpha service sorority.

Rho has been recognized nationally with many awards.  Click here to view them.

**This history of Rho Chapter was compiled in January 2000 by Beth Bushway Kitchens and Laura Tyree.  It is our wish that this will serve as the local history of Rho Chapter of Omega Phi Alpha.  We ask that it be maintained with yearly updates.**