SUNY New Paltz & Marist College Betas

Renee Padilla, was one of the seventeen influential women who took part in the creation of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Inc. an organization committed to "Serving and Educating Through our Diversity." As a woman and as a Latina, Renee Padilla Possessed two labels that are inextricably prejudged in our society. She took action and became heavily involved in campus and community service in order to empower others like herself who face challenges from ignorant mindsets embedded in the community.

Renee Padilla planted a seed by creating an influential national organization whose goal is to change the face of apathy toward underrepresented individuals. Sadly, however, with the birth of every organization, there is the inevitable reality of the death of its founder. It is this unfortunate experience that our organization had to face in the fall of 2000 with the sudden and tragic death of Founder Renee Padilla. Her memory will live in the hearts of those whose lives she has changed forever and her life will continuously be celebrated as a woman who went against the odds in the order to prove unjust prejudices otherwise.

It is because of her Struggle, dedication and strength that we are here today. In Honor of our founder Renee Padilla’s work, Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated at Beta Chapter would like to award a scholarship to an individual who posses and have actively demonstrated the drive and determination to serve their community as Renee Padilla did during her short time on earth.

* May be of any gender or ethnicity

* Must have a cumulative of GPA 2.5

* Should demonstrate a significant level of commitment to strengthening and contributing to the uplifting of our community.