| Sigma Omicron Epsilon | |
|---|---|
| ΣΟΕ | |
 | |
| Founded | March 30, 1997; 28 years ago (March 30, 1997) East Carolina University |
| Type | Social |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Emphasis | Native American,Cultural interest |
| Scope | Local |
| Colors | Yellow, White and Blue |
| Symbol | Butterfly |
| Flower | Yellow Rose |
| Publication | The Butterfly Bulletin |
| Philanthropy | Breast cancer awareness and education |
| Chapters | 3 |
| Nickname | SOE |
| Headquarters | PO Box 30458 Greenville,North Carolina 27833 United States |
| Website | sigmaomicronepsilon |
Sigma Omicron Epsilon, Inc. (ΣΟΕ),also known as SOE, is a Native American sorority founded in 1997 atEast Carolina University inGreenville, North Carolina.[1][2][3] It is one of eight fraternities and sororities across the United States that is considered historically Native American.[4][5]
Sigma Omicron Epsilon was founded on March 30, 1997, on the campus ofEast Carolina University by seven Native American women.[6] Its founders envisioned a sisterhood that promoted Native American culture and education, as well as a network for its members.[6][1] Any women with an interest in Native American culture are eligible for membership.[1]
The sorority's founders were Deidre Arlene Jacobs-Blanks, Jolena Bullard, Berna Linette Chavis, Cabrina Lynne Cummings, Candance Holona Hammonds, Patrice Henderson, and Una Gail Locklear.[1]
Sigma Omicron Epsilon's colors are blue, white, and yellow.[6] Its flower is the yellow rose and its symbol is the butterfly.[6]
The sorority's national philanthropy isbreast cancer awareness and education.[7] Its members participate in theSusan G. Komen Race for the Cure and a variety of fundraisers.[7] It also offers a scholarship to a female student attending its chapter institutions.[8] In 2019, theEast Carolina chapter co-sponsored the My Culture is Not a Costume campaign.[9] The chapters also bring Native American speakers to campus.[10]
Following is a list of Sigma Omicron Epsilon chapters. Active chapters are indicated inbold. Inactive chapters are in italics.
| Chapter | Chartered | Institution | Location | Status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha | March 30, 1997 | East Carolina University | Greenville, North Carolina | Active | [11][3] |
| Beta | 2004 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, North Carolina | Active | [12][13] |
| Gamma | January 2007 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, North Carolina | Active | [14] |
| Graduate | 2011 | Active | [15] |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
