The Student Nurse Organization (SNO) provided the impetus to establish an honor society at Northern Illinois University (NIU). The Steering committee formed September 9, 1974 and included Joan Marie Kaps, Chairman (also President of the NIU-SNO) and Sally Zeeman, Faculty Advisor. Other members were Beverly LaBelle (faculty), Kathy Magilvy (faculty), Polly Fehler (Vice President of SNO), Cheryl Voights (Treasurer), Sue Clark (Secretary), Bev Tschannen, Susan Halpern, Dan Pesut, and Joan Klockzim.
By October 8, 1974 the constitution was accepted and University approval obtained from the Chair of the School of Nursing, Annette Lefkowitz; Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Barbara Seelye; and NIU President, Richard Nelson. The completed application for a charter was sent to Sigma Theta Tau International on October 28, 1974.
The first induction ceremony was held on November 17, 1974 in the Capitol Room of the Holmes Student Center with 62 students, 14 faculty and 7 alumni inducted. The local induction fee was $25, national fee was $20 and the key was $25. The SNO had hoped to entice Margaret Kuhn to speak as she would be attending the First Annual Gray Panthers Convention in Chicago on October 9 through 13 th . However, Ms. Kuhn was unable to attend.
Charter faculty members included Annette Lefkowitz, Ann Hart, Rose Frank, Dorothy Watson, Gail Hood, Veronica Larson and Constance Nisson. In addition, faculty transferring membership included Beverly LaBelle, Marian Frerichs, Margaret Murrin, Kathy Magilvy, Nola Pender, Sherry Soderberg and Sally Zeeman.
Preliminary approval from STT was given in January 1975. The second induction ceremony was held on April 13, 1975 with the address delivered by Beverly LaBelle, NIU faculty member. ON April 15 th Dr. Rebecca Markel conducted the visitation. Sister Rosemary Donley was President and Nell Watts was Executive Secretary of Sigma Theta Tau at that time. The third induction was conducted on October 12, 1975 in the Sky Room at the Holmes Student Center.
Beta Omega was officially established as a chapter of STT on October 24 th & 25 th , 1975 at the 23 rd Biennial Convention in Houston, Texas. Susan Halpern, President of the nursing honor society was in attendance. The Fyfe N Drum Installation Ceremony was conducted by Jean McKinley, 1 st Vice President of National Sigma Theta Tau on April 10, 1976.
* The above was summarized by Carol Jo Wilson, PhD, RN, FNP-C and past president of Beta Omega from the minutes of the SNO 1974-75, minutes of Beta Omega 1986, various correspondence, chapter newsletters and official documents housed in the Archives of the Regional History Center, NIU.