ETA CHI OMEGA A Brief History During America’s struggle for social justice in the defining year of the Civil Rights Movement, 1963, the Eta Chi Omega Chapter was chartered in the southern region of Louisiana known as Acadiana. Fueled by the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and the marginalization of African Americans in South Louisiana during this era, a daring group of women bound to transformation and personal sacrifices for the uplift of their community, sought to begin a graduate chapter in Lafayette, Louisiana. Gwendolyn Aaron, Bobbie August, Louise Bellamy, Melba Braud, Rosemary Daniels, Delores Fenelon, Melrose Haley, Joyce Hudson, Clotile Mims, Barbara Penn, Stella Pete, Earline Pipkin, and Nettie Richards, expressed an interest in becoming one in service and sisterhood with the established chapters of the South Central Region. Under the leadership of 16 International President, Dr. Julia B. Purnell and th
Regional Director, Odalie S. McDonald, the Eta Chi Omega chapter was chartered on March 30, 1963. Earline Pipkin was the first chapter president.
Through the years, Eta Chi Omega has continued to serve as a pioneer in the Lafayette community. The chapter has enthusiastically carried out the international programs of service of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, in addition to implementing initiatives tailored to the needs of South Louisiana residents. One of its most notable and long-standing programs is its Annual Winter Debutante Cotillion. Focused on college preparation, financial literacy, etiquette, cultural enrichment, and community engagement through service, the Debutante Program participants receive nearly six months of mentoring, culminating in a distinguished formal debut. Since its inception in 1992, this program has helped to foster the development of over 500 young women. Committed to supporting the educational pursuits of young women, Eta Chi Omega has provided generous scholarships to those who have excelled academically
and shown leadership characteristics. Since 2015, the chapter has funded these scholarships and other programs benefiting the community through its signature fundraising event, Pink Pizzazz Zydeco and Jazz Brunch. Pink Pizzazz, a celebration of South Louisiana culture, has become one of Acadiana’s most anticipated events annually. The women of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® – Eta Chi Omega Chapter continuously make their mark on Greater Lafayette as esteemed educational leaders, revered medical practitioners, savvy businesswomen, and authoritative legal minds. One exceptionally noteworthy member, Stephanie A. Finley, was selected by President Barack Obama in 2010 to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. Stephanie Finley is the first woman in the State of Louisiana appointed to serve as a U.S. Attorney.
During the Exemplifying Excellence through Sustainable Service International Program, the Eta Chi Omega Chapter creatively executed program targets that enhanced the social, economic, and educational well-being of the local, national and international communities. Recognized by the South Central Region for its implementation of HBCU for Life: A Call to Action, Eta Chi Omega hosted events to promote and raise funds for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. One of the chapter’s most innovative HBCU activities was AKAdemic Signing Day. This celebration of high school seniors paid homage to the students’ commitment to pursue higher education at a Historically Black College or University in the company of family, community members, and HBCU alumni. The #CAP Program also served high school SM
scholars. Since its kickoff, Eta Chi Omega has educated future collegians on applying for college, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, scholarships and offered campus experiences through workshops and tours of Louisiana’s colleges. Eta Chi Omega also exemplified excellence by making women’s health care and wellness a priority. Free mammograms, community health exhibitions, awareness campaigns, partnerships will local health care
providers and organizations and showering caregivers with appreciation were a few ways the chapter impacted the Lafayette community. Dedicated to the plight of the homeless, Eta Chi Omega carried out the mission of Operation AKA Assist by providing nearly 200 care packages and hot meals to citizens in need each holiday season in downtown Lafayette. Recognizing the importance of the arts and cultural enrichment in education, the chapter sponsored the 2019 performance of Alvin Ailey II for 100 middle and high school students. Eta Chi Omega also hosted poetry slams and delivered Black History Month lessons on the Harlem Renaissance at local schools.
The service of Eta Chi Omega extended beyond local limits. Through Soles4Souls, members and community partners donated 1,642 pairs of shoes to create sustainable jobs and provide relief through shoe distribution around the world. As an ally of Lions Club International, Eta Chi Omega contributed 146 pairs of eyeglasses to prevent blindness and improve eye health and eye care for global citizens. With love and creativity, the chapter carefully crafted 309 dresses and 114 shirts for Haiti to provide clothing for children in need.