Alumni Profile: Xi Delta Alumni Association

The journey began in October 1970, when nine determined men from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) drove to Austin to attend a meeting of the Eta Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi at the University of Texas.
There, they were introduced to the principles, commitment, and brotherhood of Omega. Over the course of the following seven months, three men persevered and were inducted into the UT chapter.

Following their initiation, the men were determined to establish the first Black Greek-letter organization at Southwest Texas State University. This was no easy task in the early 1970s—especially on a predominantly white campus.

Their perseverance paid off when Dr. William Poole, a history professor at SWTSU, stepped in as a faculty advisor, helping them meet the university's requirements. With his guidance, the group petitioned Omega Psi Phi’s International Office—and on September 18, 1972, the Xi Delta Chapter was officially chartered. Ed Downing, William Watson, and Marcellus Alexander became founders of Xi Delta and were inspired to build a lasting Omega legacy at SWTSU.

Since its founding, 126 men have proudly been initiated into Omega Psi Phi through the Xi Delta Chapter at Texas State University. Their presence on campus and in the community has been a consistent force for good.

For nearly 50 years, service has remained a defining trait of the chapter’s legacy.

Over the years, the chapter has led philanthropic efforts at food banks, through Red Cross blood drives, Adopt-a-Highway cleanups, voter registration drives, and contributions to the UNCF, local churches, and Texas State Athletics.

Today, the Xi Delta Chapter is expanding its legacy by launching the Xi Delta Alumni Foundation Scholarship Fund in partnership with the Stelos Alliance. This initiative aims to support a student with financial need who has demonstrated resilience in the face of personal and academic challenges.

This marks an exciting new chapter—one focused on empowering student leaders who reflect the same vision, drive, and heart that built the fraternity decades ago. This scholarship honors the legacy of those first founders, empowering the next generation of leaders to rise above adversity and build something lasting.