Upsilon Rho Omega                           

 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Overland Park, Kansas

 UPSILON RHO OMEGA CHAPTER HISTORY

             Beginning in November 1995 and again in March 1996, Soror Thelma Johnson Simmons contacted the Mid-Western Regional Director, Soror Alberta Jones, inquiring about the possibility of petitioning for the establishment of a graduate chapter in Johnson County, Kansas.  This had been a dream of Soror Simmons since the mid 1980’s.  Upon receiving the go-ahead from the Regional Director, Soror Simmons began gathering names, talking to inactive sorors and general members.  There were already three graduate chapters in the Kansas City area. 

            The first planning meeting was held at the home of Soror Gloria Mayfield in the Fall of 1996.  Those present at the meeting were Sorors Versie Black, Sena Brewer, Mary C. Francis, Gloria Mayfield, Theresa Newell, Thelma Simmons, and Diann West.  A list of 18 eligible sorors was presented to the group.  They were all contacted by Soror Brewer regarding establishing a Johnson County chapter.  After the initial contacts were made, there were 13 sorors ready to establish an interest group.  The quest then became to find two more sorors to join the group.  These sorors came forth and regular meetings began.  The sorors who joined as charter members were Sorors Clim Clayburn, Lucinda Herman, Ruby Ivy, Delores Lewis, Kim McCauley, Theresa McLoyd, Gayle Newson, and Katie Washington.  The interest group was named “The Sisterly Connection.”  Sorors Nadine Blackwell and Jo Ann Weddle later joined during the process, but were not charter members.

            As the mounds of paperwork, deadlines, and discussions with the Regional Director began to evolve, a natural leader emerged, Soror Sena Brewer, who was elected president of the interest group.  Sorors Brewer, Simmons, and Mayfield worked diligently with the Regional Director to make the dream a reality.  The activities conducted were threefold.  The group participated in the following activities:  Parenting Fair at Stanley Elementary School in Stilwell, Kansas; sponsored a weekly pilot Reading/Tutorial Program in the Shawnee Mission School District; began doing volunteer work at a Battered Women’s Shelter in Johnson County.  The activities were documented in a scrapbook.

            Sorors Brewer, Simmons, and Mayfield continued collaboration with the Regional Director, while still trying to recruit additional sorors.  On June 7, 1997, “The Sisterly Connection” became Upsilon Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Since that time, Upsilon Rho Omega has continued dedicated service to all mankind by participation in the following:  Safe Home Project (Battered Women’s Shelter), Mother-to-Mother Program (mentoring low-income mothers), Tutorial Reading Program, annual Scholarship fundraiser, Christmas luncheon, Shoeboxes for Africa, numerous sisterhood activities, were the first programs by this young chapter.  Upsilon Rho Omega will celebrate its ten year annversary in 2007 with a celebration to remember.