Rho Tau Chapter History

On February 3, 1961 in Evanston, IL, through the “shining” Light of Omega and the efforts of eight Omega men, Rho Tau was chartered as a graduate chapter.  In terms of “like minds and ideals,” and through “true Friendship,” the Founding Brothers were Asbury Garry, Calvin Gibson, J. Willard Harris, Ralph Jackson, Leslie V. Warren, Eddie Stevens Jr., Kenneth L. Stewart, and William J. Thomas.

In the late 1960’s Rho Tau continued to grow largely because brothers relocated to areas north of Evanston.  The areas were Waukegan, Gurnee, North Chicago, Zion, and also parts of Southeastern Wisconsin.  From its inception in the Talented Tenth District, Rho Tau has paved the way for strong leadership in the community, with Service as our call of duty.

Bound together by Omega’s four cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift, Rho Tau was renowned for the brothers’ leadership and “service” in the community by honorably participating in the Fraternity’s International Mandated Programs.  Rho Tau's community contributions of mentoring, blood drives, talent hunts, toy/food/clothing drives, and scholarship awards have significantly contributed to the Fraternity’s charge.  Most notably, Rho Tau established college scholarships in honor of Most Honorable Dr. Ernest E. Just and Bro. Kenneth L. Stewart, who both made unselfish contributions to the fraternity, science, education, and the community.  Over the years, Rho Tau has also awarded monetary prizes to talented and gifted college-bound high school students.

Besides the numerous contributions to the community, Rho Tau financially supports organizations such as the Children Endowment Fund (CEF) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  Through the continuous community service, Rho Tau has significantly proven to be a contender in winning awards on both the district and national levels, that include the Small Chapter of the Year Award and the Reclamation and Retention Award.

Currently, Rho Tau is currently led by Bro. Marvin Burruss.  Past leadership include: Bro. Dr. William C. King, Bro. Jerome Cole, Bro. Dr. David Weatherspoon, Bro. Tracey Johnson, Bro. Tommy Anderson, Bro. Robert Brothers, Bro. Marvin Burruss. Bro. Craig Welch, Bro. Anthony Charleston, Bro. Edward Bates, Bro. Roy Merrell, Bro. Scott Nalls, Bro. Andrew Watson, Bro. Vernell Whitaker, Bro. Olen Arrington, Bro. Eddie Stevens Jr., Bro. Maurice Walker, and Bro. Kenneth L. Stewart.  “Thoroughly immersed in the ideals of Omega,” Rho Tau has served the community for over 60 years.  As Rho Tau moves forward in the 21st Century, we look forward to advancing the principles of Omega for the next 60 years.