Back in 2006, Omega Phi Alpha (OPA) was created as a male service organization run by students to put on “knockout events” that were interesting, creative and out of the ordinary. Senior Earl Robinson began the brotherhood as a freshman and is now on his fourth year as president.

“I really wanted to see if I could do this and I did it,” said Robinson. “It’s for a college campus, not just a Christian college. College is supposed to be an experience.”

Robinson feels the organization is unique in that it has the freedom to put on different kinds of events which are not tied down to annual traditions. OPA believes in holding more activities the students of today are interested in.

The first function the brotherhood ever held was a basketball tournament which Robinson remembers as “well-received.” Over the years, OPA has continued to evolve and administrate an increasing number of successful campus activities.

This academic year, the group is requiring each of its seven members to administrate a campus event. So far OPA hosted a pool party for the track team and organized a dance-off in Lowell. Upcoming events for the Spring of 2010 include the Minute Restaurant on February 25th (speed dating for $1.50 and couples dinner for $7.50) and La Pong on March 24th (ping pong tournament). Also, coming up in April there will be the Four-Day Red Olympics featuring Battle Grounds on the 12th (Basketball Tournament), Nine Iron on the 14th (Campus Golf) and Average Joes on the 16th (Dodge Ball Tournament).

OPA operates through the advising of Michael Eatmen, the Director of Intercultural Student Programs and advisor of the Albanie student alliance.

“I am very proud of the effort that OPA are making,” said Eatmen. “We need more male leadership. I would love to see other men in the institution to do things that are positive.”

In the future, the organization will take a new turn as Robinson plans to step down from presidency and two new co-presidents will replace him in the Fall. As always, the brotherhood defines itself by spirituality, where the members call themselves Omega Phi Alpha because of a firm belief that God is the beginning and the end.