The Order of Omega Fraternity and Sorority Life Hall of Fame was created in 2016 to recognize 150 years of contributions fraternity and sorority members have made to the University of Iowa.

2024 Inductees

  • Jeff McDaniel - Lambda Chi Alpha
    • Jeff McDaniel is a proud two-time Hawkeye graduate. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1990, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and went on to receive his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1993, the same year he won an American Jurisprudent Award for Trial Advocacy. During law school he also served as chairman of the trial advocacy board. His wife and three sons are also Hawkeye alumni, truly highlighting him and his family’s deep connection to the university. It was during his time at the University of Iowa that Jeff developed a deep passion for philanthropy and community service—commitments he has carried throughout his career. 
    • As the first Community Service Chairman for his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, Jeff established the chapter’s first-ever food drive, setting a foundation for future service initiatives. His dedication to the fraternity continues as he has been an active member of the housing corporation since 2013, serving as president since 2017. In 2017, he also helped found the Iota Chi Alumni Association, which strengthens connections between alumni and undergraduate chapter members and organizes an annual homecoming event—an initiative that Jeff played a pivotal role in creating.  
    • Jeff’s professional and civic involvement also extends well beyond the fraternity. He has served on numerous boards and organizations, including as chairman and commissioner of the Scott County Civil Service Commission, president of two University of Iowa alumni organizations, and a past member of the Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Foundation, the Bettendorf Community Schools Foundation, and the Bettendorf Business Network board of directors. He has also coached youth athletics and served as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America.  
    • Professionally, Jeff has built a respected legal career. He practiced law for over 30 years with Brooks Law Firm, P.C. where he most recently held the position of shareholder and president of the firm. Earlier this year, he was appointed by Governor Reynolds as a judge for the Iowa District Court in the 7th Judicial District (Davenport). 

2023 Inductees

  • No Submissions

2022 Inductees

  • Valerie Daters - Zeta Tau Alpha
    • Valerie Daters is a 2003 graduate who has served in multiple advising roles for her chapter of initiation, Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Omicron, since 2015. These roles include the Judicial Advisor, Ritual Advisor, and General Advisor. Her commitment to Zeta Tau Alpha also goes beyond the collegiate chapter; she has also been a member of the Iowa Zeta Day Committee, the City of Chicago Federation of Zeta Tau Alpha, and also has served as the president of the Iowa City Alumna Group. Valerie has also been a recipient of the Advisor of the Year award and the Zeta Lady Award, which recognizes an outstanding woman who has made a significant difference in higher education through her scholarship and leadership. Throughout her time with the chapter, she has shown a continued commitment to creating an environment where people can find belonging and a place to grow and learn. Val leads with honesty, with wisdom, with humor, and most importantly, with a genuine love and care for Alpha Omicron and the sisters she has in it.
  • Jeff Emrich – Lambda Chi Alpha
    • Jeff Emrich is a 1982 graduate and initiate of the Iota Chi chapter who has a wealth of leadership experience with the undergraduate chapter and the University at large. Jeff Emrich has been integral in maintaining the undergraduate and alumni relationship. He coordinates Housing Corporation meetings, plays a key role in encouraging the undergraduates to attend Homecoming events, and keeps communication between the Housing Corporation and undergraduates clear. As well, Jeff has been pivotal in the creation and preservation of the Alumni Advisory board. He served on the board for many years, and has worked to update and improve the board throughout his time on it. Jeff has been a staff member at the University of Iowa since 1994. He served for three years as the Director of Development for the College of Education and was a member of the University of Iowa Foundation. He also has previously been employed as the Director of MBA Student Services for the Henry B. Tippie School of Management, Associate Director of the Carver College of Medicine, and Director of Development for the College of Law. Currently, Jeff is the Director of Student Financial Services for the Carver College of Medicine. Jeff maintains a commitment to service, not only donating to Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropies, but also to other FSL chapter’s philanthropies. He strongly encourages Iota Chi to maintain service and has been a critical part of Lambda Chi Alpha’s creation of the Community Service chairman. In the near future, Jeff will be serving for Lambda Chi Alpha’s national organization on the Grand High Zeta.
  • Amanda Oller – Alpha Epsilon Phi
    • Amander Oller is a 2014 graduate whose love and dedication for sorority has inspired her to dedicate not only her volunteer time, but also her career to fraternity and sorority life.  After graduating from the University of Iowa, she became Alpha Epsilon Phi’s chapter advisor and also went on to get her master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration from Iowa State University. While at Iowa State, Amanda served as a Leadership and Education Development Advisor in the Office of Greek Affairs, advising the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Order of Omega, Rho Lambda and Greek Week. She also served as the Graduate Assistant in the Student Activities Center, working with Service programs and Alternative Breaks. After graduation, Amanda worked as the Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of North Florida. Not only has she been a support system for our chapter and the University of Iowa FSL, but for every university she has worked at. She now serves as the Associate Director Fraternity and Sorority Life at Northwestern University, supporting the FSL system there as well.

2021 Inductees

  • Gabriela Navarro - Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc.
    • Gabriela Navarro was a founding sister and first President of the Alpha Upsilon chapter of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc at the University of Iowa. Upon graduating in 2016, Gabriela started Law school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she was a member of the Multicultural Legal Society/Black Legal Students Association and the Women’s Law Caucus. Now, she lives in Iowa City, where she serves as Alumnae Advisor for her chapter and a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens. She works as an Associate Attorney at Bribriesco Law Firm and provides legal counsel Latinx communities to address food insecurity, Iowa Workers’ Compensation, Car Collisions, and Iowa Civil Rights. 
  • Dale Baker - Lambda Chi Alpha
    • Dale Baker served as treasurer for the University of Iowa Lambda Chi Alpha before graduating in 1968 and moving on to become Founder and President of Baker Healthcare Consulting, Inc., which provides for over 300 hospitals. He has served as chairman of Tippie College of Business’s Alumni Association Board, and dedicated time to the Foundation Board and College of Public Health. Since retiring, Dale and his wife have sponsored the Dr. Ken Magid Child Advocacy Service Scholarship Fund, which helps students volunteer in Romania, Ecuador, and Cuba. Dale has been a key figure supporting the University’s business, public health, and liberal arts and sciences initiatives, including donations to Hancher and the library.
  • Jessica Padilla - Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
    • Jessica "Ardiana" Padilla was initiated into the Alpha Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. in 2011, and served as diversity outreach assistant in the Admissions Visitors Center, student office assistant in the Center for Diversity and Enrichment, and more. After graduating from Iowa State University with her M.Ed. in Higher Education in 2016, Jessica returned to Iowa City to serve as program coordinator for the Iowa N.E.W. Leadership Institute. In 2017, she founded and became program coordinator of the UIowa Womxn of Colour Network, which is hosted through the Women’s Resource and Action Center. She also serves as the sorority’s Intake Advisor and a fellow under the Vice President for Student Life Fellowship, where she implements the Division of Student Life’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan. Jessica is a selfless leader and strives to create an inclusive space for women of color in the Iowa City community.

2020 Inductees

  • Kevin Krause- Delta Tau Delta Fraternity
    • Kevin Krause attended the University of Iowa where he graduated with honors with a BS in Finance in 1982 and was an active member of the Omicron Chapter of Delta Tau Delta. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Iowa College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1985. Kevin has had a variety of roles since graduating from the University of Iowa. He has trained executives, been a prosecuting attorney, bank president, the Senior Marketing executive for two multi-billion dollar companies and ran three minor league sports franchises. Kevin currently manages a $100 million real estate company as well as contributes to the academic culture on campus as an instructor for Iowa JPEC.
  • Nolan Petersen- Delta Lambda Phi Social Fraternity
    • Nolan Petersen is the founder of the University of Iowa Delta Lambda Phi chapter. Petersen serves as the At-Large Alumnus and Vice-Chair of Delta Lambda Phi’s Alumni Affairs Committee and Board of the Delta Lambda Phi Alumni Association. He is an advocate for the arts are serves as the Development Associate for the Englert Theatre in Iowa City. Petersen is also the Board Chair for the Eastern Iowa Quire, an intersectional choir that allows individuals from many different backgrounds and identities to have the opportunity to express themselves through the medium of music. He has worked with Iowa City Pride and many other queer organizations since graduating from the University of Iowa and continues to make an immense impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Amanda Sloan- Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
    • Amanda Sloan has changed Alpha Delta Pi as an international organization for the better since her graduation in 1999. Following her time at the University of Iowa, Sloan became an Alpha Delta Pi leadership consultant, counseling chapters around the country to help them strengthen their leadership, sisterhood, and overall chapter success. She then served on staff as the Growth and Development Manager. When she relocated back to the Chicagoland area she served Alpha Delta Pi as a volunteer for twelve years as an Expansion Director, Collegiate Province Director, and District Team Director – all areas of support for the chapter member experience. Before joining staff again as Executive Director in 2019, she served as a member of Alpha Delta Pi’s Grand Council supporting the strategic vision of the organization. Sloan has also served on local Alpha Delta Pi alumnae association boards, as an alumnae panhellenic delegate, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Association of Fraternity & Sorority Advisors Foundation.

2019 Inductees

  • Casey Mahon - Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity 
    • Mahon has served as a the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for McLeoadUSA, Inc. the Associate Vice President for Finance and University Services, and an Adjunct Law Professor at the University of Iowa over their 35+ year career. In addition to the impressive legal career, Mahon has been recognized for a variety awards and honors by the University of Iowa. Some accomplishments include the Hancher-Finkbine Medallion and the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers’ Law Student Award (both received during Mahon’s undergraduate career), The Distinguished Alumni Award, and was a 2016 Honoree for the Iowa Women’s Foundation. Mahon is a dedicated sorority women and served as Panhellenic President during their undergraduate career.
  • Michael New - Delta Chi Fraternity 
    • Raising more than $1 billion, New spent 30 years for the University of Iowa Foundation. During New’s time as president of the University of Iowa Foundation, he led the team through, at the time, the largest capital campaign in the history of UI. In 2007, New was posthumously awarded the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Award for Service. New was a proud fraternity member, serving has president of Delta Chi and one the Interfraternity council while in undergrad and the president of the Iowa Chapter of Delta Chi Alumni Board.
  • Melita Mitchell-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 
    • A distinguished scholar and activist, Mitchell continues to make a lasting impact on the UI community. Mitchell was recently named one of the 21 Influential African American Leaders in Union County, North Carolina and additional accomplishments include receiving the Sara J. Stewart Distinguished Service Award from Johnson C. Smith University and publishing several articles in HBCU Times and The Journal for Research on African American Women. Mitchell holds a doctorate in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University and currently serves at the Assistant Dean of the Metropolitan College of Professional Students and the Director of Adult Degree Programs at Johnson C. Smith University

2018 Inductees

  • Gregory Lamb, Delta Upsilon Fraternity
    • Lamb was named Executive Director of Development for the Tippie College of Business in 2012 and has been with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement since 2008, previously serving as Assistant Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations. He chaired the Delta Upsilon Alumni Involvement Committee and served on the Board of Director’s Nomination Committee. He’s been a member of the local Delta Upsilon Iowa Chapter alumni board for 16+ years, serving two separate terms as alumni president, and was instrumental in the chapter’s return to the University of Iowa in 2012.
  • Curtis Lane-Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity
    • Co-founder of two different institutional performance portfolio firms, Lane has worked in financial services for over 35 years including 8 years on Wall Street. Lane earned his B.B.A. in Finance & Insurance from the University of Iowa in 1973 and has since been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award (2012) and Hawkeye Distinguished Veteran Memorial Award (2016). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the University of Iowa Center for Advancement and is heavily involved with the Tippie College of Business.
  • Nellie Nevarez-Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
    • As the Administrative Director for the Office of the President and the Meeting Manager for the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Nevarez manages a budget of $3 million, oversees all operations based at the Grand Hyatt New York during the US Open, and directs activities of the Office of UST President and staff. Before working for USTA, Nevarez served at the Associate Executive Director of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. In 2015, Nevarez was inducted in the Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Hall of Distinction, which is the national sorority’s highest honor given to an alumna member
  • Tyna Price-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
    • When thinking of the Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., it’s impossible to not think of Price. She has been active with the chapter and within the sorority for over 40 years, and her dedication has led to being named a Dynamic 22 honoree for the Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As an alumnae, she co-founded the Iowa City - Cedar Rapids Alumni chapter and has served as president and treasurer for the chapter. Currently, Price serves as the Delta Chapter advisor and continues to influence the chapter.
  •  Virginia Rosenberg Stafford-Alpha Delta Pi Sorority 
    • Stafford has served Alpha Delta Pi Sorority as the State Membership Chairman of Iowa, Chairman of Membership Selection, Chairman of Pledge Education, Grand Secretary, Grand Vice President of Collegiate Chapters, Grand President, Expansion Chairman, and NPC Alternate Delegate. Outside of her incredible dedication to Alpha Delta Pi, Stafford continues to support the University of Iowa debate team, which she was involved with as an undergraduate member, and spend time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

2017 Inductees

  • Virgil M Hancher-Sigma Nu Fraternity
    • Hancher was President of the University of Iowa from September 10, 1940 until June 30, 1964. During his time as President, he shepherded the University through World War II and the need for rapid expansion of the facilities to accommodate the huge growth of the University after the war ended. He served as Chairman of the American Council on Education.
  • John Pappajohn-Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity
    • Pappajohn and his wife, Mary, have gifted more than $100 million to various philanthropic causes including the John Pappajohn Business Building at the Tippie College of Business, the Pappajohn Pavilion at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, the John and Mary Pappajohn Clinical Cancer Center and the Pappajohn Biomedical Institute Building at the University of Iowa.
  • Jerre Stead-Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity
    • A native of Maquoketa, Iowa, he started out in the business world with the Honeywell Corporation and In 1992, Jerre was named CEO of AT&T Global Business Communications Systems. One year later, he was promoted to executive vice president of AT&T and chairman and CEO of AT&T Global Information Solutions (NCR Corporation). Today he is chairman and CEO of IHS Inc.
  • Thomas H. Macbride-Acacia Fraternity
    • In November 1911 Professor Macbride was the 75th member initiated into Acacia Fraternity at the University of Iowa. The first building he authorized was built on the west side of the river. Curriculum and departments were better systematized and changed to correspond with growing needs. Macbride resigned in August 1916 feeling that he had accomplished what he had set out to do as university president.
  • Craig H. Haesemeter-Sigma Nu Fraternity
    • Craig is one of only nine members, of 235,000 lifetime in the Fraternity, to be inducted into the Fletcher Honor Society, the Foundation's highest honor. The award recognizes those who have given selflessly of their time, talent and treasure in support of the Foundation.
  • Philip G. Hubbard-Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
    • Hubbard was the first African American to achieve tenure at Iowa, and also the first to rise to full professor rank. He became the first African American Dean not only at the University of Iowa, but at any school in the Big Ten. Dean (later Vice President) Hubbard served in the University’s central administration from 1965 until his retirement in 1991.
  • Oral Wright-Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
    • Oral worked 10 years in Social Services in Iowa working with troubled juveniles and youth who had no support systems at home. Currently he works at the Iowa Medical Classification Center working as a Correctional officer.
  • Nick Tasler-Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
    • Nick is the current CEO Decision Pulse which is an organization that speeds up the progress of teams in medium to large corporations by helping them think strategically and act decisively.
  • Mary Louise Peterson-Delta Gamma Fraternity
    • Iowa native, Mary Louise Petersen, is nationally recognized for her service to higher education and the University of Iowa. In 1969, Iowa Gov. Robert D. Ray appointed Petersen to the Board of Regents, where she served as president from 1973 to 1981.From 1991 to 2006, Mary Louise served as a member of the UI Foundation Board of Directors and is now a lifetime honorary member.
  • Grace R. Hebard-Pi Beta Phi Fraternity
    • A prominent lawyer, suffragist, pioneering scholar, prolific writer, political economist and noted University of Wyoming educator, was the first women to receive a B.S. degree from the University of Iowa in 1882, where she majored in civil engineering.
  • Janice Ellig-Chi Omega Fraternity
    • Named by Business Week as one of "The World's Most Influential Headhunters," Janice is Co-CEO of Chadick Ellig. With over 20 years of experience as a senior-level corporate executive, Janice focuses her search practice on the recruitment of senior level executives and board directors, with a focus on diversity.
  • Seri Salata-Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
    • later as co-president of Harpo Studios and the Oprah Winfrey Network. In 2016 she cofounded a new company, STORY, a female-led media and branding company that develops content for print, TV, film, and other media.
  • Lupita T. McMillan-Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
    • Lupita is one of the founders of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1993. Lupita has been in the higher education field since graduation from Iowa.
  • Ric Zamudio-Sigma Lamba Beta International Fraternity Inc.
    • He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1989 and is a founder of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. He is the only founder that has stayed involved with the Fraternity still today. He is past President of the fraternity as well as starting the Foundation.
  • Travor Leeper-Delta Lamba Phi Social Fraternity
    • Leeper graduated from the University of Iowa in 2016 and was a member of the Alpha Class and was around for the entirety of the Chapter starting. Trevor is still engaged with our chapter and continues giving to us be an agent for change, and improve the lives of so many people. 
  • Mary Peterson-Alpha Phi Fraternity
    • Mary was the long time FSA at Iowa and is most notably known for helping to start Dance Marathon, Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity (1986) and Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority (1990) at Iowa.. Mary has a huge commitment to diversity and was very impactful on the entire Iowa community, including the start of the Dance Marathon program. She is a member of Alpha Phi and served as a long time Housing Corp board member.