alpha omicron charter
Charter History
In January of 2016, Annie Nguyen and Mercy Chang met together to establish an interest group called SBTAO -- Sisters Bonded Together as One -- at Indiana University Indianapolis (formerly known as Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)). They sought not only to create sisterhood, but also to promote leadership, scholarship, community service, and cultural awareness in hopes to establish the first multicultural sorority on campus with Asian roots. Following their belief that the sorority would provide women with a support system not otherwise found on campus, the ladies of SBTAO worked persistently to become a group that would acquire the respect and interest not only the IUPUI campus but also the surrounding community of Indianapolis, and the existing chapters of Sigma Psi Zeta.
By Fall 2017, they solidified a new group of nine strong individuals - Mercy Kong Chang, Melody Hsieh, Sydney Huynh, Sachika Iwamoto, Abby Mendoza, Annie Nguyen, Michelle Quan, Kurumi Sawaki, and Isabella Tuimuk - to continue pursuing their shared vision of eternal sisterhood.
To create a campus presence, they collaborated with other multicultural organizations to bring awareness to Asian and Multicultural representation. Through their active participation in the community, they also inspired others to learn more about Asian culture in America. Most importantly, the ladies built strong bonds that would last a lifetime.
On April 8, 2018, the nine leaders officially crossed into the SYZterhood and formed the Alpha Omicron Charter of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Charter Members
from left to right: Sachika Iwamoto, Michelle Quan, Mercy Kong Chang, Isabella Tuimuk, Abby Mendoza, Sydney Huynh, Melody Hsieh
not pictured: Annie Nguyen and Kurumi Sawaki
Awards and Achievements
2023-2024
Outstanding Multicultural Student Organization, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Outstanding FSL Chapter President, Maria Aquino
Asian Heritage Celebration Dinner, IUPUI Faculty/Staff Leader Award, Ash Errichiello
2022-2023
Outstanding Multicultural Student Organization, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Outstanding Registered Student Organization, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Jaguar Pride Award, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Outstanding FSL Chapter President, Genesis Barlow
2021-2022
Inclusivity Award, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
MCGC Member of the Year, Rexella Abaigar
FSL Neophyte of the Year, Ginny Edwards
Values in Action Award, Kaneise Mitchell-Casey
Outstanding FSL MCGC Chapter President, Katherine Shr
2020-2021
Outstanding Multicultural Student Organization of the Year, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Outstanding Philanthropic Program of the Year, "Until Today: Reclaiming Our Voices"
Jaguar Pride Award, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Best Online Presence Award, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Multicultural Greek Council President of the Year, Rexella Abaigar
Multicultural Student Leader Award, Katherine Shr
MCGC Woman of the Year, Sachika Iwamoto
Distinguished Graduate Student Leader Award, Natalie Mendez
Rising Star Award, Serena Srun
Values in Action Award, Katherine Shr
Unsung Hero Award, Sydney Vandersteeg
2019-2020
Outstanding Registered Student Organization of the Year, Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Unsung Hero Award, Serena Srun
Values in Action Award, Abigail Mendoza
Visionary Leadership, Natalie Mendez
2018-2019
Asian Heritage Celebration Dinner, Leader of the Year, Mercy Chang
Fraternity and Sorority Life Leaders of Distinction, Isabella Tuimuk
Multicultural Fraternity and Sorority Member of the Year, Mercy Chang
2017-2018
Asian Heritage Celebration Dinner, Leader of the Year, Annie Nguyen
Asian Heritage Celebration Dinner, Community Leader, SBTAO Interest Group