Chapter History – Alpha Delta Zeta

Birth of Ghost

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Greensboro experienced a period of significant growth, which also impacted UNCG with an increase in African American student enrollment. This growth extended to the Athletics program, successfully transitioning from D-III to D-II and eventually to D-I, garnering increased attention and recognition for the university. UNCG became an appealing choice for African American students.

During this era, many students actively participated in Greek Life on campus, including traditional fraternities and sororities commonly found in PWI institutions. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) was also present, representing six of the eight organizations on campus. At that time, the NPHC was referred to as the Elite 8. However, there was a noticeable absence – the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was not part of this group.

This absence did not go unnoticed, drawing attention from members of other schools and young men who saw the missed opportunity at UNCG. In fact, Bro. Terry Just, a grandson of Dr. Ernest E. Just, one of the fraternity’s four founders attended graduate school at UNCG in the mid-1980s and expressed interest in starting a chapter there. However, he was informed that the fraternity’s perception was not favorable amongst the schools leadership.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was introduced to UNC Greensboro on May 9, 1992, by UNCG Alum Bro. Keith Grandberry (Tau Omega 91). Eight UNCG students were inducted into the fraternity through Tau Omega, the graduate chapter in Greensboro. Despite the efforts of Grandberry and other brothers (“Original Ghost”) from the area, establishing a chartered chapter proved challenging.

The brothers faced much adversity in their quest for a chartered chapter, both on and off-campus. To paraphrase the words of Founder Bro Edgar A Love, Official non-acceptance of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity on the campus of UNCG was the single obstacle to the creation of a chartered chapter. Undeterred, the brothers persevered, earning them the nickname “Ghost Chapter” as they operated without a formal charter on campus starting in 1992.

Over the next 12 years, the Ghost Chapter continued to initiate new members into the fraternity through Tau Omega. Lines were inducted in 1994, 1999, 2000, and 2003, each facing similar challenges and sharing stories of their struggles to establish a chartered chapter. Additionally, Bro. Steve Cureton (Chi Alpha Alpha ‘91) joined UNCG as a professor during this period. Dr. Cureton became an influential advocate for Omega Psi Phi on campus, serving as the Undergraduate Advisor and contributing to the ongoing fight for the fraternity’s recognition at UNCG.

Birth of ADZ

As the fall semester of 2003 unfolded, a strategic vision emerged to bring Omega Psi Phi officially to our institution, facing the substantial hurdle of needing 8 members on campus to apply for a charter. Amidst a buzz of interest, a series of engaging meetings took place in the Graham building, attracting initial prospects. Through deliberations, Jeremy Weeden, Derek Riley, Keith Hamm, and Na’im Rahmaan emerged as the core candidates. However, unexpected delays temporarily deferred their dream of becoming Fall 2003 initiates.

After the holiday break, a refreshed vigor infused the Spring 2004 semester as Byron Lawrence and Armond “Jersey” Towns joined the prospective line. Unbeknownst to the group, various efforts were converging, representing diverse journeys into Omega, some just beginning while others spanning years. This fusion, though challenging, embodied the fraternity’s spirit of perseverance amidst obstacles. As they embarked on this journey, the brothers on the campus and Dr. Cureton fought within the institution for the existence of Omega. At the time, UNCG’s NPHC bylaws required unanimous consent to charter new chapters of sororities and fraternities. Prior to Spring 2004, the previous vote to charter Omega Psi Phi was tallied 6 in favor… 1 opposed.

The ensuing months saw persistent efforts as the core group navigated challenges within the Greek life landscape, culminating in a pivotal unanimous vote in favor of chartering Omega Psi Phi. With the 8 necessary members secured, including the six pledges and two brothers from the 2000 line (Justin Bowe and Jamie “Chico” Harvey), the charter paperwork was swiftly submitted, leading to the official chartering of the Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter on July 22, 2004 at the 73rd Grand Conclave in St. Louis Missouri. After over 20 years of toil, struggle, blood, sweat, tears, and perseverance the chapter was finally issued a charter.

The Spring 2004 Line, dubbed “Spirit Of Ghost: Back For The First Time,” symbolized collective resilience and unwavering commitment. Today, the ADZ Ghost Chapter remains a stronghold of fraternity ideals, dedicated to service, excellence, and the perpetuation of Omega’s legacy. From its inception to the infinite future, the Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter, affectionately known as the Gruesome Ghost Chapter, shines as a beacon of brotherhood and honor in our modern fraternity landscape.