Chicago College of Optometry - Focus Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

Page 52 text:

PA, 3 ' Leia Madifon, cgnfernafiona ZETA CHAPTER DOYLE SCONYERS GEORGE BANKS . MORT ENNIS . COSIMO PAONE DONALD BRILL . EDWARD HARKINS 'S E l? CDFFICERS . Chancellor Vice-Chancellor . . Scribe . Exchequer . Guard . Chaplain

Page 51 text:

The Omega Epsilon Phi fraternity was formed in answer to a need for a non-sectarian fraternity at the school of Optometry at Columbia University. It was founded in the Executive Room in Earl l'lall, October 1'2, 1919, by Brothers Alexander Broder, Abra- ham L. Braubart and Daniel D. Weiss. These men realized that an organiza- tion which would transcend the bounds of race, creed or color, could promote the cause of Optometry by encourag- ing the study of its principles and prob- lems and by striving for higher ethical and educational standards within the profession. The lota Chapter was founded on the CCO campus on December 1'2, 1948, and rapidly grew to be the largest in the school. Many prominent spealcers addressed O. E. Phi members during the past year. Much was learned about the profession, its opportunities, its pitfalls and its relationship with other professions. Amidst a turbulent world where friendship, ethics and tolerance are rapidly vanishing, the fraternity, as a stable unit can and must be a force in counteracting the disappearance of these qualities. Omega Epsilon Phi, in its growth from a small group of fifteen to a national organization with seven chapters containing a membership of nearly a thousand, has endeavored to promote better understanding of the problems which face us daily and a spirit of comradeship. ln this our fra- ternity has not failed.

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Phi Theta Upsilon international Optometric Fraternity, founded in 1924, is dedicated to the advancement of optometry as a profession and to the cultivation of a spirit of brotherhood among its members. ln order to advance the profession of op- tometry, Zeta Chapter strives to improve the calibre of men entering the field. Scholarship and leadership are therefore encouraged and awards are presented to the two brothers in the graduat- ing class who have excelled in these endeavors. A membership is maintained in the American Optometric Foundation to help support research education, while within the Chapter there is a Committee on Professional Advancement. Fellowship is essential to a spirit of brother- hood in any organization. Therefore, supple- mentary to its professional aspects, Zeta Chapter is active in both athletic and social functions. The highlight of social activities is the formal dance given at the end of the semester for the graduating brothers. ln addition to the more im- portant social functions, are the informal parties that are given frequently. An invaluable asset to the Chapter is the Zeta Club, composed of the wives of the active members. This club maintains its own calendar of social events and aids in the promotion of the ideals of Phi Theta Upsilon. Alumni and honorary members of Zeta Chapter of P.'f.U. include many outstanding men in the field of optometry, among whom are: Dr. l-larry S. Pine, past president of the American Optometric Association, Dr. Glenn l-l. Moore, past president of the illinois Optometric Associa- tion, Dr. Newton K. Wesley and Dr. George N. jessen, founders of the American Optometric Center, and Morton L. Abram, l..L.B., D.O.S., Executive Vice-President of the Chicago College of Optometry.