A Graduate Interest Group was formed in December 1982 for the purpose of chartering a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, in Wichita Falls, Texas.  Cornelia Dolphus, a military wife stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, was instrumental in calling together a group of Alpha Kappa Alpha women in the city to discuss the process for chartering a chapter of the sorority.  All known sorors in the area were contacted and invited to participate. Fourteen names were listed at that time.  

Mamie McKnight, South Central Regional Director (1982-1984), was invited to visit and instruct the group on the requirements for chartering a graduate chapter in the Wichita Falls area.  The group formally organized their purpose, goals, and planned their service activities.  

Under the leadership of Rosie Flanigan, the Graduate Interest Group successfully completed several activities during the summer of 1983. A sampling of these activities included establishing a library at the Eastside Girls Club, a senior-wellness program at the Jalonick Clubhouse, services to the Head Start program, and a voter registration drive.

CHARTERING PROCESS

On March 24, 1984, after many months of hard work, activities for the newly chartered Omicron Epsilon Omega were held. The ceremony was conducted by Mamie McKnight, South Central Regional Director. Rosie Flanigan was installed as President and Eva Neal as Vice President. Other officers included Marjon Christopher, Secretary; Janice Ford, Assistant Secretary; Cheryl Mobley, Treasurer; DeLois Singleton, Assistant Treasurer; Clarissa Summons, Corresponding Secretary; Lois Buchanan, Hostess; Charlye Farris, Keeper of the Door; Mareta Watley, Ivy Leaf Reporter. Other original charter members were Darlene Burnett, Marilyn Davis, Cornelia Dolphus, Mildred Garnett, Deborah Ward, and Elaine Patterson. Executive Director, Ernestine McNealy, sent a congratulatory letter to the newly formed chapter. Wichita Falls was informed that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Omicron Epsilon Omega Chapter, was now ingrained into the community.  

Since the chartering of Omicron Epsilon Omega, there have been many changes to the chapter membership.  Several members have moved and continue to remain active in various chapters internationally.  As a military community, members who were spouses of military members, or perhaps active service members themselves have since relocated to other areas. 

Six members have become “Ivies Beyond the Wall”: Eva Neal, Clarissa Summons, Lois Buchanan, Charlye Farris, Faye Waddleton, and Francis Crawford.  

Personal Reflections by Rosie Flanigan, Charter member and first chapter president

The Chartering Ceremony was the end result of many hours of community service, and yes the beginning of many, many, many hours of community service.  After all, community service is what Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® is all about. The sorors of the Interest Group had served age groups from 6 to 86. It was never too hot or too cold for the 15 sorors to engage in some worthwhile projects. 

We engaged in a Reading program with the East Side Girls Club and the Wichita Falls Public Library.  This program leads to the establishment of a library room, complete with shelves and books, at the East Side Girls Club. In addition to the reading program, we sponsored a health symposium for senior citizens and embraced several seminars with young girls to prepare them for a Fashionetta®. 

Regional Director Mamie McKnight traveled Highway 287 many times to ensure that each step of the process was completely fulfilled and she felt confident in the formation of the new chapter.  

In celebration, two member's spouses, also known as “Honey-Dos”, Ervin Garnett and Roosevelt Flanigan spent the entire night barbequing the best-tasting ribs ever.  Being a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is a lifetime commitment.  Omicron Epsilon Omega was chartered and has never looked back. 

We have maintained our chapter, and supported the national and local initiatives. We have made, and continue to make, a lasting impact within our community, our state, our region, and our nation.