Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (ΔΣΘ) is a historically African American sorority. On January 13, 1913, twenty-two educated women attending Howard University founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in Washington, D.C. They were dedicated to public service with an emphasis on programs assisting the African American community. A few years later, the Alpha Chapter chartered the Beta Chapter on the campus of Wilberforce University.

These Sorors made valuable contributions to the growth of Delta Sigma Theta in the Midwest. 

            *In 1919, Geraldine Jackson served as        the National 1st Vice President.

            *Isabel Askew served on the National

             Judiciary Committee and also composed.

“Delta Sigma Theta, How We Love Thy Name”, known as the “Beta Hymn”.

As Deltas completed their undergraduate education, it became necessary to establish graduate chapters so they could continue serving the community-at-large.  

History of Wilberforce Alumnae Chapter

In 1922, Delta Sigma Chapter was chartered at Wilberforce, Ohio as the fourth graduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The Charter Members were from the Wilberforce area: Isabel Askew, Helen Ferguson, Anna Dickinson Foster, Margaret Watkins Hardoen, Geraldine Jackson, Marie Bolden Madison, Maude Nickens, Marie Turner, and Geneva Walton. The identified service area included Greene, Clark, and Montgomery Counties. Saddie Mossell (Mozzell) of Washington, D.C. provided direction for the group.

Over the years, WAC’s charter date has been listed as 1934 and is still used.

During the Delta Sigma Chapter’s infancy, the chartering sorors along with others in Wilberforce, Xenia and surrounding areas developed a chapter program under the leadership of Marie Madison.  In addition to providing scholarships for deserving undergraduate students, the chapter presented an annual Jabberwork, a traditional Delta activity.  Several recitals were sponsored.  One featured Helen Ferguson, a pianist and soloist, and renowned gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.

In 1944, the chapter hosted the 16th National Convention in Shorter Hall on the campus of Wilberforce University.  Before regions were established, the Wilberforce sorors routinely invited nearby chapters to Wilberforce for a conference. 

At the 25th National Convention, Statler-Hilton Hotel, Washington, D.C. on August 20, 1958, the Constitution and By-Laws were amended to state that “Alumnae Chapters shall be identified by name of the city and state in which they are located”. The new name, Wilberforce Alumnae Chapter, readily identified the location and type of chapter.  In 1990 the chapter became a member of the newly established Pan Hellenic Council for the Wilberforce area.

PAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Isabel Askew

Marie Madison

Anna Foster

Maude Nickens

Faye Green 

Theodosia Sellers

Margaret Hardoen

Frances Thomas

Thelma Harper

Amanda Transue

Geraldine Jackson

Mary Valentine

Elinor Joell

Tamye C. Williams

Mary C. Gibbs  1966-1968

Gwendolyn D. Hawkins*  1968-1969

Ruth I. Bayless*   1969-1971

Luella White*  1971-1973

Lillian H. Walker*  1973-1975

Lucille Ginn*  1975-1977

Harriette J. Smith*  1977-1979

Cynthia R. Holt*  1979-1981

Gwendolyn D. Hawkins*  1981-1983

Margaret B. Dinsmore*  1983-1985

Cynthia R. Holt*  1985-1987

Shelley H. White  1987-1989

Margaret A. Jackson  1989-1991

Mae Tea Stone*  1991-1992

Venita N. Vivians  1992-1995

Oris C. Amos*  1995-1997

Debra Crouch  1997-1999

Rosie Turner  1999-2001

Geneva Bacon*  2001-2003

Margaret A. Jackson   2003-2005

Anne D. Stiener  2005-2006

Dorothy C. Vivians  2006-2010

Deidra K. Kennedy  2010-2014

Carolyn D. Junius  2014-2016

Peggy J. Jones  2016-2018

Karen Johnson-Jordan  2018-2022

Terms of office are not available for the years 1934 to 1966

* In Loving Memory

CURRENT EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board is composed of all elected and appointed officers and the chairperson of all Standing Committees

President 

Karen Johnson Jordan

1st Vice President/Membership

Khabira Salter

2nd Vice President/Programs & Projects 

Kristin Cole

Recording Secretary

Deidre Kennedy

Corresponding Secretary

Gwendolyn Means

Financial Secretary

Venita Vivians

Treasurer 

Taneka Smith

Audit Committee Chair 

Debra Crouch

Nominating Committee Chair 

Adrienna Kelly

Chaplain 

Debra Crouch

Sergeant-at-Arms 

Carolyn Junius

Parliamentarian

Gwendolyn Means

Custodian