Sigma Omicron Epsilon

Sigma Omicron Epsilon, Inc. (ΣΟΕ), also known as SOE, is a Native American sorority founded in 1997 at East Carolina University in Greenville, 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
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.org

History

Sigma Omicron Epsilon was founded on March 30, 1997, on the campus of East 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]

Symbols

Sigma Omicron Epsilon's colors are blue, white, and yellow.^[6] Its flower is the yellow rose and its symbol is the butterfly.^[6]

Activities

The sorority's national philanthropy is breast cancer awareness and education.^[7] Its members participate in the Susan 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, the East Carolina chapter co-sponsored the My Culture is Not a Costume campaign.^[9] The chapters also bring Native American speakers to campus.^[10]

Chapters

Following is a list of Sigma Omicron Epsilon chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold. 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]

See also

• List of social sororities and women's fraternities
• Cultural interest fraternities and sororities