Iota Phi Omega Elyria, Ohio

They had attended well-known, prestigious colleges and universities such as Howard, Florida A&M, Kentucky State, Wilberforce, North Carolina Central, Alabama A&M and Morgan State where, as undergraduates, they joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sisterhood

November 17, 1973

Then, in 1973, their love for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority brought them together; eighteen women from Elyria, Lorain, Oberlin and Sandusky, Ohio, as they began the process to establish a graduate chapter There were many meetings and telephone calls as the group worked diligently to see their dream through to fruition Exie Ashburn of Sandusky and Barbara Orr and Dorothy Anderson of Lorain became the liaisons of their respective communities and kept the group on task Finally, on November 17, 1973, Iota Phi Omega Chapter was chartered by Eva L Evans at the home of Dorothy Anderson

Exie Ashburn was chosen as the first Basileus Immediately, the sorors of Iota Phi Omega began to impact their respective communities through programs and service projects The Champagne Breakfast became an annual event Over the years the theme of the breakfast evolved, but the focus remained the same; promoting black culture and pride as well as homage to the black family and outstanding individual leadership and accomplishments The breakfast featured entertainment provided by jazz musicians, theatrical performances, modern and interpretive dance groups It became the signature event of the chapter Another well received event was The Bruncheon on the Bay Onboard the beautiful Emerald Empress of Neuman Boat Line, the sorors and their guests cruised around Sandusky Bay while enjoying a delicious luncheon

Early in 1990, the sorors of Iota Phi Omega were approached by a group of coeds at Oberlin College who wanted to establish an undergraduate chapter Pamela Williams, a student at Oberlin, worked closely with then Basileus Barbara Orr and Lynette Ledbetter in obtaining permission to start a citywide undergraduate chapter, which would become Pi Omicron In addition to Oberlin, Pi Omicron’s charter would also include Ashland University. Over the years many talented women have served Alpha Kappa Alpha through Pi Omicron. Their service programs included working with young girls on character development, support of the arts, celebrating the black family, and awareness of health concerns in the black community. Iota Phi Omega has remained dedicated to keeping Pi Omicron active.

We cherish our memories over the years and look forward to many more years of service, dedication and progress for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Iota Phi Omega Chapter. We will always be there for each other because we know there’s no other, like our sisterhood- ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA