The Franklin College Omicron Xi chapter of the Order of Omega, a national honor society for upperclassmen members of Greek life, initiated 18 new members in a ceremony held on campus on April 19, 2025.

Greek life has a strong tradition at the college. The Indiana Delta chapter of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity became the first social fraternity chartered at Franklin College in 1860, just twenty-six years after the college was founded. The Greek community at the college is celebrating its 165th year. Nearly a third of all Franklin College students are members of a fraternity or sorority.

Membership in the Order of Omega is extended to the top three percent of Greek leaders. Members are chosen based on their leadership skills, campus involvement, volunteer hours and academic achievement. The Omicron Xi chapter has initiated more than 200 leaders since its chartering in 1995.

Jill Peffley, director of student engagement and Greek life said, “Order of Omega at Franklin College recognizes the top Greek leaders who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership and service to their chapters and communities. This prestigious honor society celebrates their achievements while providing valuable opportunities for continued growth in leadership and scholarship.” Peffley currently serves as the staff adviser for the Omicron Xi chapter of the Order of Omega.

The students initiated into the honor society include:

Finnegan Adams, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and a resident of Newburgh.

Madelyn Belcher, a member of Delta Delta Delta and a resident of Bloomingdale.

Nathan Cambridge, a member of Kappa Delta Rho and a resident of Franklin.

Nathan Colley, a member of Kappa Delta Rho and a resident of Franklin.

Rorie Dilbone, a member of Pi Beta Phi and a resident of Gosport.

Zack Fichter, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and a resident of Crawfordsville.

Madisyn Garris, a member of Delta Delta Delta and a resident of North Vernon.

Celeste Hollis, a member of Delta Delta Delta and a resident of Granger.

Conner Jewell, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and a resident of Edinburgh.

Brionna Linkel, a member of Pi Beta Phi and a resident of Cross Plains.

Ella Magner, a member of Pi Beta Phi and a resident of Paoli.

Olivia Mahoney, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and a resident of Springfield, Va.

Tristin Maloney, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and a resident of Shelbyville.

McKenzie Musser, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and a resident of Avon.

Ava Ruschhaupt, a member of Pi Beta Phi and a resident of Shelbyville.

Claire Sampson, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and a resident of Indianapolis.

Zachary Schreiner, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and a resident of Indianapolis.

Gabriella Sherry, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and a resident of Franklin.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

By: Clayton Shull ’26

Franklin College Pulliam Fellow