Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
South Dakota State University. Phi Upsilon Omicron
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
In 1933, students at South Dakota State College began laying the groundwork to apply for a charter with Phi Upsilon Omicron, the Home Economics Honor Society. Encouraged by Dean Edith Pierson and Laura McArthur—who taught Home Economics Education and was an alumna of Alpha Chapter—the students received guidance and access to valuable contacts to support their efforts.
After much preparation, Phi Chapter was officially chartered on May 19, 1934, just one week before the senior students graduated. Members of Alpha and Beta Chapters organized the installation ceremony, which was conducted by Priscilla Rowland, National President of Phi U. The event took place in the Foods Laboratory, then located in the Administration Building.
The first president of Phi Chapter was Merle (La Mont) Gunsalus, a junior at the time of installation. Several students were initiated during the May 1934 ceremony, marking the beginning of the chapter’s long-standing presence on campus.
As of 2008, Phi Upsilon Omicron is recognized as a Family and Consumer Sciences Honor Society, dedicated to promoting professional development and community service. Membership in Phi U is both an honor and a commitment to active engagement in the organization’s initiatives.
One of the society’s core goals is to help members grow as professionals—not only through academic achievement, but also through involvement in meaningful activities and experiences. Each year, Phi U carries out a professional project that encourages student involvement on campus and within the local community. In addition, the chapter maintains connections with its alumni through joint activities and events.
Students who have completed at least 40 credit hours and maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher are eligible for invitation to join. In evaluating prospective members, the chapter seeks individuals who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.