Apple for the Teacher 2009

 

The History of Alpha Chi Chapter
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Compiled by Soror Mary Frances Smith

ORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP

 It was on February 22, 1946, under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Nona B. Diggs that Alpha Chi Chapter was born by calling together six other energetic ladies who, like herself, were interested in embracing the aims and ideals of this prestigious business and professional organization, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.  The ladies enjoying “charter member” status of Alpha Chi Chapter, Norfolk, Virginia, were:

Mrs. Nona B. Diggs  
Mrs. Rebecca Jones
Miss Ophelia Spence
Mrs. Dorothy Bell Saddler
Mrs. Esther Nottingham Benton 
Mrs. Edna Riddick Roundtree
Miss Geneva Fitchett

These pioneering women were determined to have a chapter that was visible in the community and that would encourage others to want to join Alpha Chi Chapter.  They worked conscientiously: always participating in the prescribed activities mandated by Regional and National Programs and Projects of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority:  Further, the  newly organized chapter  propelled Alpha Chi “into the spot light” by  providing services, programs and activities that encouraged participation throughout the  community.

Sorors Who Have Successfully Led Alpha Chi Since 1946

1946-1950       Mrs. Nona B. Diggs    1950-1953       Mrs. Frances Johnson
1953-1955       Mrs. Alyce Christopher  1955-1958       Mrs. Evelyn Sears Peevy
1958-1961       Mrs. Lois T. Williams  1961-1964       Mrs. Ruth N.Swann
1964-1967       Mrs. Ethel B. Ward 1967-1970       Miss Selena Robinson 
1970-1973       Mrs. Ernestine Pruden  1973-1975       Mrs. Eunice W. Terry
1975-1978       Mrs. Patricia G. White 1978-1982       Mrs. June M. Robinson
1982-1986       Mrs. Charlotte M. Maull  1986-1990       Mrs. Lula Sears Rogers
1990-1994       Mrs. M. Frances Smith 1994-1998       Mrs. Marjorie Langley Lee
1998-2002       Mrs. Beaulah C. Moore 2002-2005       Mrs. Sharon H. Scott
2005-2009       Ms. Carolyn Williams 2009-Present    Mrs. Carolyn Rogers


PAST LEADERS OF THE MEN OF IOTA (LAMBDS AUXILIARY)
Goldman Peevy  William Maull, Sr.
William Rogers  Carl Logan 

                                                                      
                                                                                         
THE PELATIS AUXILIARY

           .......Soror Evelyn Sears Peevy and Mrs. M. Trovene Artis were instrumental in organizing a very successful Pelatis Auxiliary during the eighties.  Mrs. Artis was elected to be the Auxiliary’s first  president. Under dynamic leadership the Pelatis became an extremely efficient, well-organized and effective group of young women. Their every endeavor evidenced the pride they exercised in carrying out their responsibilities; they performed outstanding work at all times.  This was a group of dedicated women who fully embraced and supported the Program of Work undertaken by the sorority. The Pelatis were following career paths that spanned the entire work force, nevertheless, they bonded well and were supportive of each other and of the sorors as well.           

....... The Pelatis were very competitive and usually won top honors at conventions.  Pelati M. Trovene Artis became Regional Pelatis  President.  In 1994, Pelati M. Trovene Artis became SOROR M. TROVENE  ARTIS!   Her line was installed by National President Doreatha N. Hornbuckle.  Oh, Happy Day!!!

PAST REGIONAL CONFERENCES

 Alpha Chi Chapter has hosted the following Eastern Regional Conferences:

March 25-26, 1950 Jacox Jr. High School Norfolk, Virginia
May 1-3, 1964  Golden Triangle Hotel   Norfolk, Virginia
April 23-25, 1976 Holiday Inn-Scope Hotel  Norfolk, Virginia
April 21-23, 1989 Airport Hilton Hotel  Norfolk, Virginia
April 27-29, 2007 Airport Hilton Hotel   Norfolk, Virginia

 

HONORARY MEMBERS

Dr. Buena Kelly Berry, Grand Daughter Secretary, Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World was made an honorary member during the 1970’s.  She worked with Alpha Chi until her travels and workload became too massive to continue.

Mrs. Leola Dyson was a pioneer Black female radio personality who was involved in many public service projects with the sorority.  Many of Alpha Chi’s activities were communicated to the public through her interviews with the chapter’s officers on her radio programs.