Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Founded:        January 15, 1908

Where:            Howard University (Washington, D.C.)

Colors:            Salmon Pink & Apple Green

Mascot:           Ivy Leaf

In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority became America's first Greek-letter organization established by Black college women. Her roots date back to Howard University, Washington, D.C., where Ethel Hedgeman Lyle conceived the idea for formation. She viewed the Sorority as an instrument for enriching the social and intellectual aspects of college life by providing mental stimulation through interaction with friends and associates. Through the years, however, Alpha Kappa Alpha's function has become more complex. After her incorporation as a perpetual body in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha gradually branched out and became the channel through which selected college-trained women improved the socioeconomic conditions in their city, state, nation, and the world.

Alpha Kappa Alpha is a sisterhood composed of women who have consciously chosen this affiliation as a means of self-fulfillment through volunteer service. Alpha Kappa Alpha cultivates and encourages high scholastic and ethical standards; promotes unity and friendship among college women; alleviates problems concerning girls and women; maintains a progressive interest in college life; and serves all mankind through a nucleus of more than 170,000 women in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa.

In May of 1972, Dr. Louise Lester, an early childhood professor at Francis Marion University, was instrumental in forming Alpha Kappa Omega.  Alpha Kappa Omega was an organization for women interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha and laid the foundation for the chartering of the Iota Xi Chapter.  Dr. Lester eventually served as Iota Xi’s first graduate advisor.

The Iota Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was chartered on November 11, 1975.  The charter members are Virginia Abrams, Flossie Bartell, Donna Cockfield, Barbara Cooper, Carolyn Eaddy, Debra Gandy, Marverne Gerald, Deborah Ham, Pasty Huggins, Rosena Jackson, Arneatha Moody, Doris Nowlin, Edith Planter, and Amy Weaver.