In the early 1970’s, the need for structured, community service programs became apparent across the suburban areas outside of Philadelphia, PA. Many African American communities lacked reliable resources for information and programs to address health concerns, gaps in education, and means for economic advancement.
With a focused lookout to promote and uphold the tenets of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Mrs. Dorothy Cuff and Equilla Boyce, residents of Chester County, PA in the early 1970’s, called on other Alpha Kappa Alpha women in Chester and Delaware counties to unite for the purpose of forming a graduate chapter. This group of AKA women met informally for more than a year, working to build a solid foundation of programs and sisterly support. On November 3, 1973, Anne Mitchem Davis, the North Atlantic Regional Director, presented a charter to the interest group, and they became known as the Iota Tau Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Iota Tau Omega was the third graduate chapter to be established in the greater Philadelphia and Wilmington, DE areas. It was the 31st chapter to be chartered in the North Atlantic Region.
At the outset, chapter meetings were held in members’ homes; later, meetings were held on Sunday afternoons at Cheyney University’s Home Economics building.
The following officers were installed for 1973-1975:
- Dorothy Cuff President
- Equilla Boyce Vice-President
- Helen Howard Recording Secretary
- Jeraldine Camper Corresponding Secretary
- Charlena Newell Treasurer
- Delores Benson Parliamentarian
Members of the newly chartered chapter included Vilma Armstead, Kathryn Anderson, Barbara Black, Corolynne Branson, Mary Hunt, Annabelle Jackson, Goldye Johnson, Kathryn Keitt, Penelope Kinsey, Marian Overton, Henrietta Ridley, and Jacqueline Starr.
The first initiation took place in February 1976, and the newly initiated members were Jacqueline Faulcon, Anne Jenkins, Polly Mattison, Aundra Newell, and Mae Rice. The first Ivies Beyond the Wall (deceased chapter members) were Vilma Armstead and Anne Hines in 1976 and Helen Howard in 1982.
During its first seven years, the chapter focused on delivering programs that addressed conditions that often affect the African American community, including education and screening for diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell anemia.
Chapter Presidents
1973-1976
Dorothy Cuff
1977-1979
Equilla Boyce
1980-1981
Charlena Newell
1982-1983
Carolyn Douglas*
1984-1987
Flora Eikerenkoetter
1988-1991
Andristine Robinson
1992-1995
Franzella Buchanan
1996-1999
Flora Eikerenkoetter
2000-2003
Tracy Wise
2004-2007
Karen S. Bell
2008-2011
Wendy Brown
2012-2013
Karen S. Bell
2014-2015
Cerise James, MD
2016-2017
Karen S. Bell
2018-2022
Yolanda George Turman
2022-2024
Donna Maple
2024-present
Michelle Strong
Signature Events
The chapter’s signature fundraising event has been its annual fashion show and luncheon. The proceeds from this event support all chapter programs of service, scholarships and book awards for eligible, college-bound high school seniors. During the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, the chapter experimented with other fundraising projects including a boat ride, Monte Carlo Night, musical concerts, and “old school styled” cabarets.
Growth through the Years
Over the course of its fifty-year history, Iota Tau Omega Chapter has supported local programs that reflect the Sorority’s focus on the greater community. Consistently, the chapter works to contribute in such areas as education, health, the arts, economic empowerment, and the family. In addition to its legacy programs of presenting scholarships and book awards and on-going health initiatives, current chapter programs include:
- Community Support — Financial and in-kind donations to the Chester County Food Bank, Domestic Violence Center, Chester County Children, Youth, and Families Services, NAMI, and other community service organizations that are aligned with the Sorority’s vision of service.
- Civic Service — Support and sponsorship of numerous voter registration drives and distribution of educational materials on voter ID requirements.
- Healthy Lifestyles Workshops — Health events, co-sponsored in partnership with the Chester County Hospital, highlight steps to healthier, everyday living.
- Educational Workshops and Programs — ASCEND© program for high school students, focused on academic achievement; self-awareness; communications, community engagement, networking and leadership development. The chapter’s collaboration with Lincoln University’s Upward Bound program, provides an annual workshop sharing valuable information on preparing for and applying to college, as well as providing insight into the formula for a successful college experience.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service — Chapter members participate in a variety of events on this nation-wide observance of community volunteerism.
It is through programs like these that the members of Iota Tau Omega Chapter continue to honor their commitment to “Service to all Mankind.”