Posted on Friday, May 31, 2024
A sorority first brought to campus more than four decades ago is welcoming a new sisterhood building on the legacy of those who came before them. The rechartered chapter was launched last semester.
“The bonds formed and lessons learned within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. can serve as a lifelong source of support and inspiration,” said Sigma Eta Chapter President and Head Cheerleading Coach Nicole Joseph M’20.
The history of the international sorority goes back to 1920 when five coeds from Howard University founded it in Washington, D.C. With over 875 chapters across the country, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. has initiated over 125,000 women since its founding.
Theta Xi Zeta graduate chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. began in LaGrange in 1976 with 10 members.
“The inception of this group stands as a profound testament to the visionary leadership and unwavering dedication exemplified by its organizer, Marjorie Woods,” said Taryl Anderson ’80, M’81, past chapter president. “Guided by an unyielding commitment to the organization’s core ideals, Mrs. Woods orchestrated the establishment of this chapter that initiated 10 members whose names resonate with distinction and dedication: Mrs. Lois Baker, Miss Lille Bonner, Mrs. Phreddye Broome, Mrs. Ethel Kight, Mrs. Voncile Jackson, Mrs. Willie Mae Jackson, Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, Miss Aleasa Williams and Mrs. Wanda Williams. This chapter’s enduring legacy is characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence, sisterhood and the noble pursuit of uplifting the community.”
Within the same year, plans were made to develop a chapter at LaGrange College.
“Under the leadership and guidance of Marjorie Woods, the Sigma Eta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. was chartered at the college on October 27, 1976, with seven members: Clarinda Bell, LaVerne Hill, Carolyn Knight, Flora Lindsey, Angela Presley, Nancy Rosser and Chantris Woods,” Anderson said. “Other distinguished members were Esther Dunson, Marie Hurston. Debra Hutchinson, Kathleen Benford, Brigitte Garrett, Angela Hutchinson, Yvonne Pittman, Cheryl Hines, Berlenthia Lynn Jones, Rosa Thomas, Rosalyn Boyd, Betty Rosser, Margaret Crawl and Taryl Woods.”
Service plays a pivotal role in the organization.
“Our local graduate chapter, Theta Xi Zeta has organized the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade for more than 35 years and has participated in numerous service projects,” Anderson said. The sorority takes pride in its continued participation in transforming our communities through volunteer services.”
Joseph, president of Theta Xi Zeta, worked to recharter the Sigma Eta chapter at the college on March 25, 2024. The five sorority members include Carmen Hamilton ’24, Tatianna Rome ’26, Kaidyn Thomas ’27, Christianna Walker ’27 and Breanna Wright ’25. They were introduced during a ceremonial event in April.
“This is an amazing opportunity not only for the sorority, but for the future of the college,” said Hamilton, a recent alum.
Thomas, a freshman who serves as social media manager and treasurer for the chapter, said she wants to use the sorority to provide academic support for students.
“I would like to provide study groups to help others realize the importance of education,” she said.
Joseph looks forward to what lies ahead for the sisterhood.
“I envision a sorority where bonds are formed, where support is unwavering and where the journey is shared,” she said. “Lifelong friendships are treasures that can weather any storm, and it’s heartwarming to think of sisters standing by each other’s side during both joyous and difficult moments. May this vision inspire the sorority members to create a warm and nurturing environment, where kindness and empathy flourish.”
2-Felecia Moore, Lewis Library
5-William Yin, Mathematics
9-James Blackwood, Information Technology
11-Wes Dodson, Athletics (Football)
16-Justin Thurman, English
20-Yson DeBlois, Film and Media Arts
21-Jennifer Booker, Advancement (Alumni & Community Relations)
25-Nicole Joseph, Athletics (Cheerleading)
28-Laine Scott, English
Bramlett, Edmunds and Lipham all win conference awards for LC Golf, LaGrange Daily News, May 29
Coming to Price Theater this fall
The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
Follow the adventures of Dorothy Gale from Kansas and those famous friends she meets along the yellow brick road on her way to the land of Oz. Coach Kendal Wallace will make his Price debut as the great and powerful Wizard! Don't miss it!
Category: College, Students
Keywords: Greek Life, Sisterhood
