Sigma Rho Omega Chapter History

On January 10, 1990, six enthusiastic Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorors met, and accepted the challenge to
organize a second graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in the city of
Shreveport, Louisiana. The major objective the Sorors had was to increase services to the greater
northwest community in Louisiana and to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

The chapter was built on the high principles of humanity, integrity, love, and sisterhood while
implementing the theme “Service to All Mankind.” Through these principles, the Interest Group “Jewels
for Humanity” emerged. The following officers were elected to serve the Interest Group: 

Dr. Alma B.  Petteway   President  
Eursla  D. Hardy                       Vice-President 
*Janie P. Wagner                      Secretary 
Dr. Dorothy L. Holt                   Corresponding Secretary 
Lois P. Coleman                        Treasurer 
Harriet N. Williams                   Parliamentarian

These six Sorors worked diligently by meeting weekly to write the bylaws and to remain in compliance
with the national rules and regulations of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Their work and
preparation continued under the leadership of the 17th South Central Regional Director, the late Jewel
McFarland Thomas. It was under Regional Director Thomas’ leadership that the group procured 21
additional Sorors who were not members of a chapter to join with them in meeting all national
requirements for chartering a second chapter in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The tireless efforts of these ladies resulted in Regional Director Thomas setting a date for an official
Chapter Chartering Ceremony. On May 19, 1990, Sigma Rho Omega Chapter became the 111th chapter
of the South Central Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. The first chapter officers
serving from 1990-1992 were: *Janie P. Wagner, Basileus; Eursla D. Hardy, Anti-Basileus; *Georgia A.
Hicks, Grammateus; Vada Harris, Anti-Grammateus; Alma B. Petteway, Tamiouchos; *Bettye W.
Wheeler, Epistoleus; Dorothy L. Holt, Ivy Leaf Reporter; Lois P. Coleman, Pecunious Grammateus;
Harriet N. Williams,  Parliamentarian;  Ora  Wesley, Hodegos; Clara J. Andrews, Philacter; *Gloria
Johnson, Membership Chairman.

Today, Sigma Rho Omega Chapter boasts a rich legacy of implementing programs that provide service to
the community. The Chapter’s signature Debutante program is in its 31 st year and we are proud to have
mentored, inspired, empowered, prepared, invested, and poured into more than 600 high school seniors
and guided them through programs that highlight and introduce mentorship, leadership development,
etiquette, charm clinics, college tours, self-confidence, civic and community involvement. As a large-
sized chapter, with over 200 talented Alpha Kappa Alpha women who excel as educators, healthcare
professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, Sigma Rho Omega is proud of its many
achievements. In July of 2015, Sigma Rho Omega expanded its reach with the establishment of its
foundation, the Pearls of Humanity. This great legacy is also comprised of twenty-five Life Members,
two Pearl Members, six Golden Sorors, and twenty-five Silver Sorors. 

* Ivy Beyond the Wall