Sigma Lambda Omega Chapter is the Supervising Graduate Chapter of Rho Epsilon; the undergraduate chapter located
on the campus of
California State University, Northridge.
on the campus of
California State University, Northridge.
|
|
On January 9, 1994, the first Black Greek-letter sorority, established a chapter on the campus of California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Seventeen courageous, Black women chartered the sixty-seventh undergraduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in the Far Western Region.
Rho Epsilon was constituted by five ambitious young ladies: Cheryl Anderson, Janet Bamberg, Mamie Coleman, Michelle McMillian, and Tammy Warfield. Four of the five were joined by thirteen more dedicated young ladies: Ralinda Clayborn, Tameka Hardy, Traci Haymo, Kimberly Kelly, Kimberlee Kibble, Toya Matthews, Damisi McGlothen, Sharmeka Mitchel, Maronke Sims, Nakia Smith, Lily Twum, and Latina Wright. One of the original five, Cheryl Anderson, graduated prior to the chartering of the chapter; however, she served as a Graduate Advisor from 1995-1996. In addition, Carolyn Chang, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, offered her guidance and support throughout the chartering process and served as Rho Epsilon’s first Graduate Advisor.
Despite the earthquake, which occurred just 8 days after the chapter was chartered, 1994 proved to be advantageous for Rho Epsilon who met with the President of the United States, Bill Clinton, when he visited the campus in June of that year. Later that fall, Rho Epsilon worked with Associated Students to bring a famed member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Maya Angelou to CSUN for an evening of inspiration and restoration. The chapter also has a bit of hip-hop history to add to their record. In 1995, Rho Epsilon met and watched, 'the Notorious B.I.G.', arguably one of the best M.C.'s to ever live, perform on their campus which was his first and only performance on a California college campus.
Rho Epsilon implemented the following campus programs: the very first step show on CSUN's campus, campus-wide Breast-Cancer Awareness Week, and Walk, in which monies were raised for research and treatment. The first AKA Skee-Week. The first Male Auction, in which monies were raised for "Habitat for Humanity". Rho Epsilon founded and organized a chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council as a way to provide a forum to unite all Black Greek organizations on campus. Rho Epsilon implemented academic study sessions during finals week, partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley to offer tutoring and dance classes to youth, adopted families in need during the Holidays, and volunteered at local food banks.
Rho Epsilon was the first-ever Black Greek-letter sorority to be represented as University Ambassadors on the Homecoming court, winning Princess and Queen in 1994 & 1996, and had a chapter member represented on the court every year until Homecoming Week was dissolved in 1999. Moreover, Rho Epsilon was privileged to co-host the Alpha Kappa Alpha Far-Western Regional Conference of 1996.
Rho Epsilon Chapter is proud to continue its rich legacy, honored to carry out the principles of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and persists in being "Supreme in Service to All Mankind."
Rho Epsilon was constituted by five ambitious young ladies: Cheryl Anderson, Janet Bamberg, Mamie Coleman, Michelle McMillian, and Tammy Warfield. Four of the five were joined by thirteen more dedicated young ladies: Ralinda Clayborn, Tameka Hardy, Traci Haymo, Kimberly Kelly, Kimberlee Kibble, Toya Matthews, Damisi McGlothen, Sharmeka Mitchel, Maronke Sims, Nakia Smith, Lily Twum, and Latina Wright. One of the original five, Cheryl Anderson, graduated prior to the chartering of the chapter; however, she served as a Graduate Advisor from 1995-1996. In addition, Carolyn Chang, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, offered her guidance and support throughout the chartering process and served as Rho Epsilon’s first Graduate Advisor.
Despite the earthquake, which occurred just 8 days after the chapter was chartered, 1994 proved to be advantageous for Rho Epsilon who met with the President of the United States, Bill Clinton, when he visited the campus in June of that year. Later that fall, Rho Epsilon worked with Associated Students to bring a famed member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Maya Angelou to CSUN for an evening of inspiration and restoration. The chapter also has a bit of hip-hop history to add to their record. In 1995, Rho Epsilon met and watched, 'the Notorious B.I.G.', arguably one of the best M.C.'s to ever live, perform on their campus which was his first and only performance on a California college campus.
Rho Epsilon implemented the following campus programs: the very first step show on CSUN's campus, campus-wide Breast-Cancer Awareness Week, and Walk, in which monies were raised for research and treatment. The first AKA Skee-Week. The first Male Auction, in which monies were raised for "Habitat for Humanity". Rho Epsilon founded and organized a chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council as a way to provide a forum to unite all Black Greek organizations on campus. Rho Epsilon implemented academic study sessions during finals week, partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley to offer tutoring and dance classes to youth, adopted families in need during the Holidays, and volunteered at local food banks.
Rho Epsilon was the first-ever Black Greek-letter sorority to be represented as University Ambassadors on the Homecoming court, winning Princess and Queen in 1994 & 1996, and had a chapter member represented on the court every year until Homecoming Week was dissolved in 1999. Moreover, Rho Epsilon was privileged to co-host the Alpha Kappa Alpha Far-Western Regional Conference of 1996.
Rho Epsilon Chapter is proud to continue its rich legacy, honored to carry out the principles of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and persists in being "Supreme in Service to All Mankind."
Welcoming members of the Rho Epsilon Chapter into our magnificent Sisterhood!
|
For more information about
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rho Epsilon Chapter at California State University, Northridge Please contact: rhoepsilonaka@gmail.com |
Rho Epsilon Chapter facilitating a "Dress for Success" program event (Fall 2016)
|
Rho Epsilon facilitating a "Dress for Success" program workshop (Fall 2016)
|