[5] After Nott's speech outlining the conditions and benefits of such organizations, students John Dales, Hiram Gibbons, and Robert Hume discussed the new opportunity, wondering if their friendship could lead to a small society for "mutual good".

[5] This led to the formation of Omicron Kappa Epsilon, an abbreviation of the Greek motto Oligoi Kai Eklektoi, meaning "Few and Chosen.

[10] In early 1859, sixteen members of the society and a tutor signed a petition to establish a chapter of Alpha Delta Phi at Union.

[11] Richard Salter Storrs, president of Alpha Delta Phi, issued a charter for Union chapter on June 14, 1859.

[12][11] The new chapter of Alpha Delta Phi held its first meeting on July 15, 1859, and decided not to admit the many alumni of Omicron Kappa Epsilon, only accepting five men: George Adlington Brandreth 1847, William Root Adams 1851, Lewis Collins 1853, John A.

[18] Omicron Kappa Epsilon's activities include social events, charitable and service projects, sports, and scholarly lectures.