Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

is honored with a Large Paver from the Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: LaShonn Alexander, Trudy Baker, Balena Blaylock, Minnie Zell Brown, Willia Crawford, Patricia A. Gay, Hortense R. Grant, LaWanda Holt-Fields, Dorothy Hunter, Tempie Hurssey, Bernice Hutcherson, Anderson E. Jackson, Ruby E. Jones, Edith Knox, Saundra Lyons, Arneatha Martin, Grace L. McCray, Dolores Porter, Jill Redo, Carol Ross, Amelia W. Scott, Idell Marie Shaver, Denise D. Curry Sherman, Jeanne Smith, Alicia Thompson, LaTwonda Tyree, Betty Wesley, and Yolando Wilcoxson.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was incorporated in 1929 but founded in January 13, 1913 at Howard University by 22 undergraduate women who wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence, sisterly love, and to provide assistance to those in need.

These 22 founders of our great sisterhood shared a goal that was clear, inspiring, compelling, attainable and organized upon Christian principles. Since its establishment, Delta Sigma Theta has clearly demonstrated itself as a public service organization that strives to confront the problems of all people.

In realizing its mission today, Delta Sigma Theta provides an extensive array of public service through its 5-Point Program Thrust of: 1. Economic Development; 2. Educational Development; 3. International Awareness and Involvement; 4. Physical and Mental Health; and 5. Health and Political Awareness and Involvement. The Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is a non-profit, academically prepared, public service organization whose commitment is to provide services and programs to promote human welfare.

The Wichita, Kansas Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was established March 9, 1935. Soror Naomi Cherot, a national officer from Kansas City, Kansas, established the chapter with the assistance of Beatrice Penman, also a national officer. This chapter was given the Greek name - "Alpha Phi" - a mixed chapter composed of graduates and undergraduates (those seeking a degree).

The principal aims of Alpha Phi were cultural and educational: to establish, maintain and encourage high cultural, intellectual and moral standards among its members; to foster high goals; to establish a closer union among college women; and to assist its membership. The first president was Pauline Beatty. Writers of Alpha Phi's Constitution and By-Laws were: Carrie L. Burney, Ch., Edna Sweich, Katherine Ceeder, Dorothy Odell Terrell, and Pauline Beatty.

Charter members of Alpha Phi were: Pauline Beatty, Carrie L. Burney, Katherine Ceeder, Margaret Giles, Bernice Hicks, Myrna Moore, Harriett Harper, Edna Sweich, and Dorothy Terrell. On May 11, 1967, Alpha Phi Chapter became "Wichita Alumnae", a graduate chapter. Also at this time, Soror Lorene McConnell, of Denver, Colorado, established Zeta Beta, our campus-based chapter.

Wichita Alumnae Chapter conducted the initiation for Zeta Beta. Charter members of Zeta Beta were from Wichita State University, Sacred Heart College, and Kansas State University. Charter members of Zeta Beta were Harriett Vesey, Lutrecia Scroggins, Joan Huff, Regina Foust, Karen Banks, Sandra Buckner, and Vivian Moore.

The Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. carries on the legacy of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service!

August 31, 1998