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 Northwest Community in Louisiana and to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.  The chapter was built on 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.

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 providing service to the community. This great legacy is also comprised of thirteen Life Members, five Golden
Sorors, twenty-nine Silver Sorors, and two Pearls. Sigma Rho Omega has also been recognized as a 4-star Chapter for three consecutive years.

* Ivy Beyond the Wall