Herstory

On March 30, 1966, at the Moorestown home of the late Nellie Wolfe Gaylord, a group of 29 Alpha Kappa Alpha women from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties met to discuss the possibility of establishing an Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter in the South Jersey tri-county area. Mrs. Gaylord, who had initiated the move, was designated to take the lead in this venture and the necessary procedures were carried out to secure the approval of a chapter. 

At the appropriate time, the North Atlantic Regional Director, Esther Pollard, was invited to come for a meeting with the group at the home of the late Gretchen Waples in Camden, New Jersey. Pollard was favorably impressed with the group and the possibility for the success of a chapter. 

At a meeting of the Sorority’s international Board of Directors in July 1967, a charter was approved. On Saturday, November 11, 1967, chartering rites were conducted by Pollard to establish Theta Pi Omega. Sorority Founder Norma Boyd attended the chartering celebration.

 Gaylord served as the first chapter president from 1967-1970. She was elected the North Atlantic Regional Director in 1978, the first from New Jersey.

Through the years, Theta Pi Omega has remained a dedicated arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Presently, Theta Pi Omega’s membership includes distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. Theta Pi Omega’s membership rolls have increased over the years and today it is one of the largest AKA chapters in New Jersey with nearly 300 members.

Editor: Melanie L. Burney, Journalist