Omega Xi Alpha

In early 1927, John "Jack" Allen Smith of Santa Barbara State and Robert Whitesides of the University of Redlands began working together to form a fraternity for the staff of college newspapers.^[1][2][3] Omega Xi Alpha was established as a co-educational honorary journalism fraternity at a convention at the University Club in Los Angeles, California on January 14, 1927.^[4][5][1][6] At the meeting, 25 representatives from six colleges signed a charter, adopted a constitution, and elected officers.^[1][3][6][7] Whitesides became its first president and Smith was its secretary.^[4][8] Faculty from the various institutions served on a board of auditors.^[1]

The purpose of Omega Xi Alpha was:

To recognize individual ability and achievement in journalistic pursuits in colleges and universities; to encourage the production of literary works; to establish cordial intercourse between students and members of the profession; and to foster a spirit of brotherhood among those of kindred interest.^[2][3]

At convention, the Greek letter chapter names were assigned to the chapters.^[8] Its seven charter members were California Institute of Technology, California Polytechnic School, Fresno State Teacher's College, Santa Barbara State Teachers College, Southwestern University, University of Redlands, and Whittier College.^[3][7][8] At the time, it was the only national honorary journalism fraternity to include men and women members.^[2][3][7]

Omega Xi Alpha sponsored a contest for the best college newspaper of the year, with judges from the Los Angeles Times and the Alhambra Post-Advocate.^[9] Chapters held meetings and brought speakers from the journalism profession to campus.^[10][11] The fraternity's second national convention was held at the University of Redlands on January 11 and 12, 1929.^[12][13]

In the spring of 1929, Omega Xi Alpha began merger discussions with Alpha Phi Gamma, a national journalism honor fraternity established in 1919.^[14][4] The two officially merged with the opening fall semester in September 1929, under the Alpha Phi Gamma name.^{[4][14][3][15]} Smith assisted with revising the constitution and rituals for Alpha Phi Gamma as part of the merger.^[4] Omega Xi Alpha's chapter became the western division of Alpha Phi Gamma, with Smith serving as the region's president.^[16][17]

Members of Omega Xi Alpha received a membership key that featured the Greek letters ΩΞΑ.^[18] On the back, the key was engraved with its member's unique number.^[18] Its crest was black and gold.^[19]

Membership in Omega Xi Alpha was open to men and women who had worked on a college publication for one year. In addition, potential members were required to be in the top half of their class and to be active in campus activities.^[2]

Following were the chapters of Omega Xi Alpha at the time of its merger with Alpha Phi Gamma.^{[4][20][3][8]}

• Honor society
• Professional fraternities and sororities