History at UW-Stout

Phi Upsilon Omicron was founded by the Alpha Chapter, University of Minnesota on February 10, 1909, as a professional fraternity but now known as an honor society for profession of family and consumer sciences. It continues to be the oldest national family and consumer sciences honor society.

In 1933, the Tau Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Stout was installed. Members from the Alpha Chapter assisted with writing the Constitution and By-Laws.

In 1953, Phi Upsilon Omicron alumni teaching and living near the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin chartered the Phi Upsilon Omicron-Tau Alumni Chapter. The current President is Sharon Nelsen. This Chapter is supportive of the Tau Collegiate Chapter. Alumni Members provide the Charge Service at the bi-annual collegiate initiations. They continue to pass on the traditions of the Honor Society. They are also responsible for the initiation ceremony into the alumni association.

Phi Upsilon Omicron is divided into ten districts. Tau Chapter is a member of District Five. The roster of chapters includes over 100 chapters nation-wide.

Historically, Phi Upsilon has had the following objectives:

* To recognize and encourage academic excellence
* To develop qualities of personal and professional leadership
* To provide opportunities for service to the profession
* To encourage personal and professional integrity

Each year the Chapter provides leadership opportunities for the members through a professional program including a professional project which benefits the local community. Tau chapter has been honored by the National Program Committee numerous times with top awards.

The National Office is:
Phi Upsilon Omicron, Inc.
PO Box 329
Fairmont, WV 26555-0329
Email rickards@access.mountain.net
Website http://ianrwww.unl.edu/phiu/