Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter History
Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter was chartered March 4, 1939, thereby bringing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to Jackson, Tennessee. The chartering was unique in that at the same time of its chartering, the undergraduate chapter, Beta Chi at Lane College was also chartered. These charterings were due to the interest of four Alpha Kappa Alpha women: Evelyn Caruthers, Annie Mai Miller, Carrie Pembroke, all from the state of Kansas and Nelda Williams from Humboldt, Tennessee. These four sorors were joined by five other women: Alice Brown, Georgia Hightower, Georgia Valarie Johnson, Anna L. Rogers and Corrye Nichols Stephens, who becam the charter members of Gamma Alpha Omega. Portia Trenholm (Regional Director) and Maude Brown (Supreme President) conducted the charterings the same night (March 4, 1939) with nine charter members each for Gamma Alpha Omega and Beta Chi.
The first officers for Gamma Alpha Omega were Carrie Pembroke (President), Anni Mai Miller (Vice President), Georgia Hightower (Secretary), Nelda Williams (Correspondence Secretary), Corrye Stephens (Financial Secretary), and Evelyn Caruthers (Graduate Advisor to Beta Chi).
Gamma Alpha Omega Chapter is proud to have within its membership members who are Silver Stars (25-49 Years of Service) and Golden Stars (50+ Years Of Service). Our current Golden Star members are: Mabel Andrews, Farrar Apple, Lurline Bowles, Mabel Davis, Rosa Earl, Betty Finley, Betty Halbert, Laura Rice, Maxine Stewart, Hattie Utley, Sallie Werthing, and Edna White.
Throughout its history, Gamma Alpha Omega has generously given of its resources to the community from providing milk to elementary school children to towels, washcloths, and other personal hygiene items at a local convalescent home. As we approach the Centennial Celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 2008, the chapter continues to address our national programs and to render service to all mankind.
