The Beta Omega chapter of ATO was established on the campus of the Ohio State University in May of 1892 with less than 10 men initiated into the fraternity. From that humble beginning Beta Omega would grow into the one of the largest chapters on campus. As the fraternity grew it changed locations of its chapter house several times, settling at the intersection of Iuka and Waldeck for years to come. The wall in front of the chapter House still stands and bears a Maltese cross in its design. By the 1960 it became apparent that the old house on Waldeck was not meeting the needs of the fraternity. A new house was designed by ATO Alumnus, Charles Nichtski. This house was opened in 1965 and would serve as the home of Beta Omega for the next 27 years.
Dark Day:
Due to lack of commitment by members of the chapter to national guidelines and policies the chapter was closed in 1992. Unfortunately, destruction of chapter property by individuals and the selling of the house by alumni brought a sad closing to the first 100 years of Beta Omega.
A New Beginning:
In the winter of 2002 a new era of Beta Omega would begin. Interest from both ATO Nationals and of legacy and Ohio State student Jim Whistler saw the establishment of a colony at Ohio State. This colony would become the longest ever existing colony in ATO history. Numbers would go up and down over the next two years and many men who were not worthy to be ATO’s would drop out. However in the fall of 2004 a fire was lit under the 15 remaining members of the colony and these strong men shepherd the colony towards chartering. 25 new men came together that fall and winter, bringing new vitality to the colony. Together with the remaining colony members, 40 men were able to re-establish the Beta Omega Chapter officially on May 14, 2005.
Exciting Future:
In a few short years Beta Omega has grown to one of the largest organizations on campus and has solidified itself as a leader in the Greek community. The chapter has also been successful at the national level winning the prestigious True Merit Bowl in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Additionally, we have been the the recipient of the Silver Communication award, placing second, amongst all ATO chapters in the nation.
