Historical Dates
In the Spring semester of 1981, the dedication of the Elite members to their vision resulted in the formation of ten new brothers known as the Aqua Ten. These ten gentlemen significantly contributed to the establishment of the foundational elements of the current Rhomeo intake process. This marked the first Rhomeo pledge line in our history that was initiated independently, without the oversight of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Their contributions, characterized by immense effort and dedication for the love of the Blue & Gold, included Brian Williams, Larry Henderson, Allen Pettis, John Fulbright III, Darryl Blackman, Darryl Prudhomme, Ray Wells, Donnie Willis, Kevin Dennis, and Donnie Wilson.
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Kevin “Kay Dee” Dennis, a 16-year-old sophomore and the youngest member in the history of the fraternity, was instrumental in the designing of the first Fraternal Coat of Arms, along with several chants, songs, and pertinent information. Brother Dennis also developed the Call to Arms known as “Skeet Skeet.” Furthermore, he established the foundational structure of the Rhomeo Membership Intake Process, which includes the categories of Serf, Noble, and Knight. Brother Darryl Blackmon contributed by formulating the Fraternity Motto and the initial greeting handshake (RHO-ME-O). These key events during the early development of our organization have meaningfully influenced the brand, bond, brotherhood, course, culture, and history of our cherished fraternity to this day.​
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In 1983, the organization underwent a name change to Sigma Gamma Rhomeo.
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In 1987, the name was altered once more to Sigma Rhomeo due to similar concerns as those encountered in 1983.
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In 1990, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) prohibited all auxiliary groups associated with the Divine Nine, commonly referred to as "D9." Consequently, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and the other D9 fraternities and sororities ceased to recognize auxiliary organizations.
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In response to this development, Brother Tony Stewart, the President of the Delta Alpha Chapter, along with Brother John Rogers, revised the Chapter Constitution to establish the organization as an independent entity. The name was subsequently changed to the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen, allowing the organization to continue serving as a social and cultural platform at universities.
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In 1991, a new coat of arms (shield) was designed to reorganize the Fraternity, leading to the adoption of the name The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Incorporated.​
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In the Fall semester of 1992, the first chapter of The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Incorporated was initiated at Prairie View A&M University. This marked the beginning of the organization's expansion throughout the Southern, Midwestern, and Eastern regions of the United States, as it extended its reach to various universities and colleges. By the mid-1990s, the brotherhood had successfully incorporated and continued to pursue its goals of achievement.
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In 1999, Brother James L. Cook became the first Nationally elected President of the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Incorporated.
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On January 27, 2001, Brother James L. Cook was re-elected for a second term as National President, playing a critical role in the incorporation of the organization on May 23, 2002. Brother Cook was subsequently re-elected until the National Conclave held in December 2007.
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As 2008 commenced, Brother Terrance Woodard assumed the role of National President on January 1, 2008. With the support of his fellow board members and the mentorship of James Cook, Brother Woodard made great progress in advancing the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Incorporated to its fullest potential.
On November 4, 2011, the fraternity voted its third National President, Minister Jason O. Alexander. President Alexander began his term with an aggressive approach towards rebuilding the fraternity’s organizational framework, public image, community engagement, awareness of brotherhood, graduation rates, member relations, and the retention and expansion of chapters.
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In early 2013, Interim President James Cook delivered an unwelcome announcement: The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Incorporated would be suspending operations indefinitely. Consequently, the organization entered a dormant phase that lasted for seven years.
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In 2020, a group of dedicated brothers from the Dallas/Fort Worth Alumni Chapter, embodying a resilient spirit, initiated the process of revitalizing the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Incorporated. Although the beginning was challenging, a strategic action plan was eventually developed, allowing the rebuilding process to commence gradually.
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On November 30, 2020, the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Incorporated was officially reinstated with the Texas Secretary of State, thanks to the generous contributions from Rhomeo brothers.
Following extensive research, the Elite Founders were identified and persuaded to engage actively in realizing their vision from 1980. The Elite members met with former presidents in a structured Zoom meeting to reflect on past occurrences and discuss future initiatives. This meeting resulted in the proposal to establish an Interim Executive Board. The participants included Algie Armstead, Charles Burleson, Frederick Wells, Lowell Washington, Jimmy JD Williams, James Cook, Terrance Woodard, Jason Alexander, and Allen Turner.
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On June 25, 2021, the Interim Executive Board was officially constituted, comprising Algie Armstead, Charles Burleson, Frederick Wells, Lowell Washington, Jimmy JD Williams, and James Cook. It was mutually decided that once a new Grand Council was established, the Interim Executive Board would transition into the role of the Board of Advisers.
Throughout the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Interim Executive Board successfully oversaw operations, leading to the accomplishment of numerous significant objectives.​
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On June 3, 2023, the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Incorporated convened its first National Conclave in twelve years in Houston, Texas. The theme for the event was: “Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, and Shaping the Future.” A new standard was established, and Rhomeo's fourth National President was elected. ​
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On June 3, 2023, Brother Marcus D. Taylor assumed leadership of the Rhomeo revitalization initiative. The organization had been dormant for a decade, and President Taylor faced the formidable challenge of rebuilding from nearly ground zero. ​
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Currently, the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen: Sigma Rhomeo Inc. boasts over 2,000 members across the nation. The fraternity has cultivated numerous engineers, business professionals, military personnel, and entrepreneurs.

