Alpha Kappa Alpha - Theta Iota Chapter

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Theta Iota Chapter

Alpha Kappa Alpha

History:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization established in America by Black college women. The record of its origin,growth and development, activities, evolving goals and accomplishments is more than an interesting chronicle of a colorful bit of college-based Americana. It is, rather, a significant and inspiring reflection of the development of a minority group in a changing culture.

In 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. became America's first Greek-letter organization established by and for Black women. Her roots date back to Howard University, Washington, DC, where the idea for formation was conceived by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle of St. Louis,Missouri. 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 functioning has become more complex. After her incorporation as a perpetual body in 1913, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. gradually branched out and became the channel through which selected college-trained women improved the social and economic conditions in their city, state, nation and the world.

Today, that tradition has continued--internationally, nationally and locally. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 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 140,000 women in over 860 chapters.

Chapter History:

Alice T. Hunt along with 11 other interested women formed TIAKA - Those Interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha on West Chester's campus in 1972, in hopes of eventually establishing a Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. By September of 1973, through various membership changes, community projects, and numerous fund-raisers, the TIAKA Club was ready for its next phase of pledging. All this time, Alice T. Hunt, who had planted the seed for the Chapter had become a graduate student, consequently she pledged Zeta Omega Graduate Chapter on December 7, 1973, and the Charter Founders took their vows and became Charter Members on December 8, 1973, and the name Theta Iota was officially bestowed upon the 13 Charter Founders, making Alpha Kappa Alpha the first Black Greek letter sorority on West Chester University's campus.

Links:

National Home Page

Theta Iota Home Page

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