Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter, (located in the North Atlantic Region- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority), was chartered on the campus of Delaware State College (now University), Dover, Delaware on May 6, 1949, by Mabel C. Gregg, wife of Dr. Howard Gregg, who was then President of Delaware State College. Other charter members included Lillian M. Gary, Camille W. Jacobs, Elsie McIntosh, Marilyn Eastering Pinckney, Davidene R. Harris Randolph, Lillian Rochester Sockum, Margaret B. Smith Swain, Laverne Boyer Thomasson, Marguerite Addison White, and Mildred White.
The first President of the Chapter was Mabel C. Gregg, who served from 1949 through 1951. During this time, Epsilon Iota Omega awarded its first scholarship of $100 to a deserving student. The awarding of scholarships has continued to this day. The Chapter served both Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware and supported local, regional and national activities, programs and initiatives.
Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter is currently the supervising Chapter for the Delta Lambda Undergraduate Chapter, at Delaware State University, chartered in 1955. It was the first undergraduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., chartered in the State of Delaware. A total of 10 young ladies were initiated into the sorority, their first year. Soror Mary Scott, mother of Soror Rachal McNeil, was a member of that group. Many years later, Tau Omicron was chartered in 2012, on the campus of Wesley College, a nearby private college, also located in Dover, Delaware. However, Delaware State University acquired Wesley College in June 2021 and this Chapter was dissolved. But, four other Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Chapters have been established in Delaware within the last 10 years in Delaware.
Since 1949, Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter implemented and supported several initiatives and activities. Primarily, the Chapter follows the National programs defined by each International President. Some early programs included: Raising awareness and financial support for Domestic Violence, Breast Cancer, Diabetes, Relay for Life and others. While most of these activities continue, others have been added, such as the Debutante Program, Hat and Glove Tea, collecting coats and sweaters for the needy, observing AKA Day at the Capitol and others.
This lone Chapter and Delta Lambda, had the privilege of serving as host Chapters for the North Atlantic Regional Conference, that was held at Delaware State College (now University). This was one of the rare times that this event was held on a college campus. It was a labor of love and a lot of work.
Our mission statement reads “Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter” will engage in fostering the needs of its community and the surrounding areas by administrating programs as designed to enriched cultural, social character and economic development.” The Chapter maintains a sisterly environment among its members, creates stimulating programs that enrich the lives of those it serves, recruits; retains women of high ethical and morale standards, develops resources that enliven and enhance the linkage between a life of sisterhood, service, and learning what is the vital connection with the community-at-large. Community service and programs continue to be the cornerstones of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
The chapter has the privilege to have the services of a local repository at Delaware State University. There are no financial obligation and this partnership has provided many opportunities, i.e., the chapter was permitted to tell the story of Alpha Kappa Sorority, the Epsilon Iota Omega Chapter, Delta Lambda and Tau Omicron in an exhibit. The exhibit was on display in the Archives Section, Campus Library (first floor), Delaware State University, for the month of October 2017. The exhibit drew many visitors from the university, the near-by communities, as well as the Sorors who attended the North Atlantic Cluster.
Meeting, October 2017, including Soror Meredith L. Henderson, North Atlantic Regional Director. Therefore, the time frame for the exhibit was extended through December 2017.
The following list of Chapter Basilei continue to be active and serve in various ways.
Chapter Presidents:
Ruby Coppadge 1971-1972
Peggy Swygert 1979-1980
J. Diaese Graves 1999-2002
Terry Coleman 2003-2006
Sandria Johnson 2007-2008
Ann Smith 2011-2012
Ruby Coppadge 2013-2014
Rosita Wilson 2015-2017
Shavonne Bailey 2018-2019
Tammi Hawthorne 2020-2022
*Sherwanda Rachal-Speaks - currently serving
4/2/23