Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by and for African American college-trained women. To trace its history is to tell a story of changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th century.

The small group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination.

As the Sorority grew, it kept in balance two important themes: the importance of the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability and courage. As the world became more complex, there was a need for associations which cut across racial, geographical, political, physical and social barriers.

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation.

The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families, communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century.

Alpha Tau Omega Chapter

75 Years- A Legacy of Service

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Alpha Tau Omega Chapter was the first Greek letter organization in San Antonio, Texas. Bettie S. Browne of Phi Chapter was instrumental in establishing the chapter on November 15, 1930, at the Pine Street Branch of the Y.W.C.A. Her vision became a reality when M. Viola Butler of the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, Houston, Texas, Southern Regional Deputy, presided at the chartering. Bettie S. Browne, Lucille L. Bonnett, Kittie M. Haywood, Violette Elmore Kane, Mattie T. Lewis, Euretta K. Fairchild, Susie M. Curtis, Laura E. Gates, and Vivienne Hood. were the nine charter members of the Alpha Tau Omega Chapter, Other members present at the initiation were: Iris L. Robinson, Stella Jean Eustace, and LeDora Shelton of Alpha Mu Chapter, Margaret Davis, Willie Cowen, Edna Morris and Anna Mae Caine Walker of Alpha Chapter.

In support of the goals and ideals of the sorority founders, Alpha Tau Omega Chapter has worked continuously to cultivate high academic achievements, ethical standards, civic responsibility to study and alleviate problems among girls and women, and volunteer service for the betterment of the community, the nation, and the world.

The women of Alpha Tau Omega have sponsored for thirty-five years the Roseville Apartments, (an 88 unit complex for senior citizens and the physically disabled); and rendered services and activities to the seniors at Roseville and the surrounding community through its Alpha Tau Omega Senior Opportunity Service (ATO-SOS); they have chartered two undergraduate chapters: Delta Rho (a city chapter for college women at St. Mary’s University, The University of Incarnate Word ,Trinity University and Our Lady of The Lake University); Omicron Tau at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Utilizing joint resources, the talents, and commitment of chapter members, Alpha Tau Omega sponsors and funds activities for Mahogany Brain Challenge, The Ivy Reading Academy, The Young Author’s Program, The Black Family, Volunteer Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the Cultural Arts, Alpha Tau Omega Education Fund Inc. (a 501 3C) scholarship fund, and other community educational and health endeavors.

Through its dynamic leadership and the contributions of its many members, the Chapter takes pride in its accomplishments over the past 75 years. We will continue to focus on those programs presented by the National Office for implementation in our community as we “Strive to do things that are worthwhile and with a smile.”