Chapter History
As early as 1940, graduate chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority began to realize the importance of the prestige, goodwill, and cooperation of women who, for various reasons, were not members of any Greek-letter organization. Under the administration of Lullelia Harrison, the first Amicae chapter was organized in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1947, making Zeta the first sorority in the National Pan-Hellenic Council to organize an affiliate group. Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter here in Orangeburg has a very active Amicae Chapter. Other affiliates include the Archonettes, high school students; Amicettes, girls ages 9 – 13; and Pearlettes, girls ages 8 and under. Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter also has an active Zeta Male Network affiliates group.
Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter and Psi Alpha Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. were chartered at the same time on the campus of South Carolina State College, Orangeburg, South Carolina, February 8-15, 1941. Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter was chartered with Florella Fordham, Agnes Hilderbrand, Anna B. Overstreet, Madge Perry Harper, and Daisy Taylor. Madge P. Harper, with the assistance of the Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter, organized Mu Chapter at Claflin University in 1946. Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter is the second oldest chapter in South Carolina.
The following Sorors have served as President of the chapter: Madge Harper, A’La Perle Ashley, Juanita Reddish Roland, Verona Middleton, Philippine Ferguson, Necye Blassengale, Elease Saxon Green, Mamie McCollom, Clara Robinson, Edna Shuler, Elizabeth Rose, Margaret Robinson, Francena Williams, Marian Anderson, Ethel Manning, Joyce Jones, Theresa Davis, Rosa Kennerly-Dance, Barbara Bowman, Carolyn Young, Victoria Darby, Vanetta McDonald, and Ellen Heatley, and Eris Speights. Connie Portee serves as the current President.
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During the past eighty-two years, Alpha Omicron Zeta has sponsored programs that emphasized Service, Scholarship, Finer Womanhood, and Sisterly Love. A few of our Local Signature Programs include; Z-Hope (Helping Other People Excel) provides the community with workshops on Diabetes and cancer, assists local schools, etc., Stork's Nest has healthy babies, the National Education Foundation provides scholarships to
students, Relay for Life, March for Babies, Annual Christmas Scholarship Gala, and our
annual Tots in Blue Pageant.
