Our Charter Members

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The charter members are: Alice Cummings, Florence M. Fludd, Blanche Fowler, Sarah Geathers, Elaine Glover, Deloris M. Greene, Christine W. Hampton, Mildred H. Johnson, Michelle R.G. Jones, Ruthmae McFadden, Mary M. McKim, Helen S. Ravenel, Rosemary C. Simmons, Ollie C. Smith, Genell J. Tarte, Rosalee W. Washington, Anita L. Williams, Georgia Yearwood.  Helen S. Ravenel served as the first president of Sigma Upsilon Omega Chapter.

 

Sigma Upsilon Omega Chapter was chartered on June 17, 1990.  The chapter is located within the South Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  The idea of establishing a chapter in Summerville, SC was born when a group of women who resided in the Summerville area recognized the need for establishing a chapter in the area.

 

The first interest meeting was held at the home of  Rosalee Washington on November 25, 1989. After receiving approval from the South Atlantic Regional Director Frederica S. Wilson the second meeting took place on December 14, 1989. The ladies remained in contact with the South Atlantic Regional Director, in order to obtain her guidance and keep her informed on the interest group’s status. The interest group met for 5 more meetings, the last meeting took place on May 19, 1990.

 

During this time span, they worked diligently on meeting the guidelines and criteria for establishing the Summerville Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., while, also providing service to their local community. They successfully completed two community service projects that included a workshop to assist prospective college students with applying for financial aid to help pay their college tuition, and adoption of Terry’s Rest Home where they donated items to the residents.

 

The chapter has embraced and implemented the national program platforms of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Since its inception, the members have supported the platforms presented at the National, Regional, Cluster, and Leadership Conferences of the Sorority and have implemented these program initiatives within the Summerville and surrounding Communities.

In the beginning years, the Chapter held “AKAdemys”. The “Retired Soror Volunteer Program” was developed to tutor students in the Summerville community in order to address the area of Youth Literacy.  The members were active in the development of mentorship programs at nursing homes in the Summerville community.  The chapter actively took part in promoting the importance of voter registration in the community by having annual voter registration drives. “Little Miss Tearose Pageants” were held to support the positive development of young girls. Community programs were held to recognize middle school students who excelled in math and science. The chapter also held health fairs, and many other programs that have had a positive impact on the community.

 

In the recent years the chapter held Debutante Balls where thousands of dollars in college scholarships have been awarded to deserving young ladies entering college, Youth Forums that focused on issues surrounding middle school aged boys and girls, Sunday Suppers in honor of active and retired military personnel, supported and participated in cervical and breast cancer programs, instituted programs in support of MUSC Children’s Hospital and TruCare Adult Day Care Center. The Chapter’s involvement and contributions have grown in the community from 1990-2014. The members continue to develop and implement outstanding programs and service projects that greatly benefit the community at large.

 

Through the bond of sisterhood and the strength of the organization, the chapter continues to uphold the legacy and ideals of the sorority. Since establishment in 1990 Sigma Upsilon Omega has greatly expanded the presence of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the area and it continues to be an integral part of the Summerville, and surrounding communities.