Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

The Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter (also known as the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on March 28, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, becoming the 60th chapter to be formed in the country and the 13th to be formed in the Northeast Region. Charter members were Sorors Helen Nottage Cook, Pearl Howell, Erslia Hawkins, Edith Ormand and Geraldine Burris. Sorors Parthenia Jackson, Viola Edwards Robinson and Constance Harris were also initiated into the Upsilon chapter (later renamed Beta Phi chapter) of Sigma Gamma Rho on this date while matriculating at Cheyney State Teacher's College. They all joined Alpha Eta Sigma after receiving their degrees that semester. Since her inception, the Sorors of Alpha Eta Sigma continuously represent and uphold our sorority's motto, "Greater Service, Greater Progress." In the 1940's, Alpha Eta Sigma enriched Sigma's image with many outstanding and varied activities that were designed to create a better world for our people, our children and our community. On June 27, 1947, Alpha Eta Sigma chartered Beta Delta Chapter at Temple University. Alpha Eta Sigma would chart more collegiate chapters in the 1990’s. The Mu Delta Chapter was chartered in 1991 on the campus of West Chester University, and the Xi Theta Chapter at Lincoln University in 1995. "Training Youth for Community Leadership" was the theme of the 27th Boule hosted by Alpha Eta Sigma in 1961. The chapter would also host the sorority’s Northeast Regional Conference in 1944, 1954, 1976, 1994, 2004 and will host again in 2014 under the leadership of Alpha Eta Sigma’s very own Soror Vanetta Cheeks-Reeder, Northeast Region Syntaktes. In 1979, Alpha Eta Sigma presented its first Annual Scholarship Peanut Luncheon that highlights the research and inventions of scientist Dr. George Washington Carver. The chapter continues this signature program to date, providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors. The Accomplished Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter has earned awards through the sorority, such as the Mary Lou Allison Loving Cup Award, which is presented in honor of Founder Mary Lou Allison Gardner Little at each Boule to the chapter reporting the most successful program and the Corine J. Green Anchor Award. The following sorors have served as Basileus of Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter: Edith Ormand (1941-1943) Ersalia Hawkins (1943-1944) Alice Kearney (1944-1945) Pearl Howell (1945-1952) Laura J. Hawkins (1962-1963) Naomi Satchell Strange (1958-1962) Laura J. Hawkins (1962-1963) Bertha Jackson (1963-1964) Lillian Milan (1964-1969) Sarah Williams (1969-1972) Edith Custalow (1972-1976) Yvonne Jones (1976-1980) Gloria Johnson (1980-1984) Pamela Davis (1984-1988) Clarice Young (1988-1992) Karla D. Smith, Esq. (1992-1996) Vanetta Cheeks Reeder (1996-2000) Deena Weems (2000-2002) Kim Thompson Campbell (2002-2006) Deena Weems (2006-2010) Kharma Lundy (2010-2012) Lynette Moragne (2012-Present)

CURRENT CHAPTER OFFICERS 2014-2016

CHAPTER HISTORY

Basileus – Lynette Moragne First Anti-Basileus – Tamika R. Malcolm Second anti-Basileus – Vacant Third Anti-Basileus – Florence Hunt-Herrington Grammateus – Adrian Turpin Tamiochus – Stacey Emanuel Anti-Grammateus – DeVita R. Jones Epistoleus – Chamor Thomas Parliamentarian – Tiffany Kearse Philo Advisor – Ebony Boney Rhoer Advisor – December Pike Chaplain – Selena Gillespie