Epsilon Omega Chapter History

The Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® was chartered on December 2, 1921. This date marks the beginning of an organization whose programs have provided an on-going and ever-rewarding experience to the lives of the women who fostered it. This date also marks a significant epoch in the life of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the date on which the first graduate chapter of the North Atlantic Region was organized. The Chapter was initially organized as Sigma Chapter, but was later renamed. A small body of 10 women (charter members) started the work of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Baltimore. They were led by Vivian Carter Mason who had been elected the first president of the chapter. Sorority members Nellie M. Quander and Evelyn Lightner, President of Alpha Chapter, performed the initiation ceremonies.

Even from her earliest years, Epsilon Omega believed in service to her community. Throughout its long and illustrious history, Epsilon Omega has been at the forefront for establishing and maintaining outstanding cultural programs for the community which promote and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards for youth and adults alike. The chapter also raises scholarship funds in support of students seeking higher education and supports various local and national charities. Epsilon Omega believes in strong community involvement and partnerships. The chapter has a deep commitment to addressing social issues impacting the local community.

On Founders' Day, we pay homage to the Founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and reignite our commitment to the betterment of our community. Thank you for celebrating with us today.

Epsilon Omega Charter Members

Vivian Johnson Cook

Miriam Curtiss

Erma Bruce Davis

Lillian Hughes

Sadye C. Martin

May Miller

Brenda Estelle Ray Moryck

Martha Louise Reynolds

Georgine Lewis Wilkins

S. Annice Creditt Woodford

DR. TONJA L. RINGGOLD

Dr. Tonja L. Ringgold is an experienced senior higher education administrator that brings a wealth of expertise and accomplishments which span over 29 years in higher education. During her tenure in higher education, she served as Assistant Secretary for Higher Education at the Maryland Higher Education Commission, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs, Campus Dean, Dean of Student Development, Department Chair, Honors Program Director, and Professor of Psychology at various Community Colleges. Dr. Ringgold also served as part-time faculty in Morgan State University’s Community College Leadership Doctoral Program.

Currently she serves as the President/CEO of En-Sight Educational and Management Consultants, a company she founded in 2006.

Dr. Ringgold holds five (5) academic degrees which include a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Applied Psychology; a Master of Science in Management, an MBA; and a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Social Policy Analysis and Education Administration. She has been recognized numerous times in the community for her volunteerism and mentorship. Most recently, she has been a recipient of the Daily Record’s Maryland’s Top 100 Women three times which now places her in the prestigious “Circle of Excellence Hall of Fame.” The Daily Record also recognized Soror Tonja as an “Innovator of the Year” in the education category. The Coalition of 100 Black Women has also recognized Dr. Ringgold for “Excellence in Educational Leadership” as well as the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club (Baltimore Chapter). During the 2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference, Dr. Ringgold was awarded the coveted, President of the Year Award for Large Chapters and obtained a perfect score! In addition to all these accomplishments, Dr. Tonja L. Ringgold serves the community as the president of the Morgan State University Alumni Association-Alpha Delta Alumni Chapter, a member and past Board President for the National Council on Black American Affairs, member of the Coalition of 100 Black Women, National Parliamentarian for the Pierians Incorporated and local chapter Parliamentarian, State of Maryland Notary Public and Registered Parliamentarian.

Dr. Ringgold is a Life Member, Silver Star, and 41-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.® She is the immediate past chapter president of the award-winning centennial Epsilon Omega Chapter and immediate past president of Ivy & Pearls for Excellence, Inc.

Program

Opening Remarks........................................................... Tonja L. Ringgold

Mistress of Ceremonies

Welcome.......................................................................... Jan Wood Carter

Epsilon Omega Chapter President

Elan Jones

Alpha Delta Chapter President

Morgan State University

Musical Selection................................................Lift Every Voice and Sing

Arranged by Roland M. Carter

The Occasion............................................................................ Kyra Welch

Epsilon Kappa Chapter President

Coppin State University

Musical Selection.........................................Epsilon Omega Chapter Choir

Remarks.......................................The Honorable Mayor Brandon M. Scott

Rho Xi Omega

Iota Lambda Omega

Upsilon Epsilon Omega

Omega Eta Omega

Alpha Beta Gamma Omega

Epsilon Omega