The Omicron Chapter, established in 1855 by Richard Mcllwaine

"One of the most pleasant recollections of my college life is in connection with my membership in Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, an order of high social and moral worth at that day. Its existence at Hampden-Sydney was not known or suspected except by its members. The existence of the order was kept secret until Baccalaureate Sunday (June 12, 1853), when its members attended service adorned with the beautiful ebony, gold rimmed, diamond studded badges of the fraternity, which created a sensation and awakened much inquiry. Within a year I had the honor to introduce this society at the University of Virginia." 
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- Richard McIlwaine, Hampden-Sydney 1853, Virginia 1855, Founder of the Omicron Chapter of Beta Theta Pi

​James Roger McConnell, brother of the Omicron Chapter and member of The Seven Society, was shot down by German pilots above the battlefields of Somme on March 19, 1917.  Located between Alderman and Clemons libraries at the University, "The Aviator" statue was sculpted to commemorate McConnell. "The Aviator" was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum (pictured above), who also designed and sculpted Mount Rushmore.