History of Alpha Rho Chapter

lpha Rho Chapter was organized during the administration of Soror Mabel Alford Gatewood Cogwell, Southern Regional Director. Soror Cogwell saw the need for expansion and Alpha

Rho chapter was organized. Mabel Jenkins Brownfield, Annabel Dutton, Sarah Jones, Lillian Oliver, Sophia S. Robinson, Theresa Scott, Claudia Phillip Tunnage, Louise P. Saul, Ethel F. Turner, Mamie Watson, and Desiree White were initiated. They were educators, restaurant owners, and costume designers. This was the birth of Alpha Rho.

Local concerned educators and the administrators saw the need for an organization in the community such as Iota Phi Lambda Sorority. So, in February 1944, fifteen graduates of the Y.M.C.A. School of Commerce were called together by Jeanette McPherson Gates to consider applying for a chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority. Eight graduates applied for a charter and membership.

After months of waiting, the first eight graduates were approved for membership in July 1944. They “crossed the burning sands” on March 25, 1945. The members initiated were Jeanette McPhearson Gates, Viola Williams, Hazel Webster, Ruth M. Washington, Lynn Gray, Eleanor Hollingsworth, Anna Mae Bennett, and Muriel Taylor.

The name of Alpha Tau was assigned to this new chapter. Alpha Tau was originally established as an undergraduate chapter. Jeanette McPhearson Gates was elected President. Alpha Rho, Alpha Tau as well as Beta Psi in Baton Rouge became a part of the Southwestern Region.

Alpha Tau organized the first local Future Iota Girls (FIGs) Club at Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans under the counseling of Soror Lynn Gray Norris.

Alpha Tau was merged with Alpha Rho as of March 1, 1950 during the administration of Soror Alice P. Allen, National President. While all Alpha Rho sorors have served on local, regional, and national committees at least two have served as Southwestern Regional Directors. They are Soror Ethel F. Turner (deceased) and Soror Lynn Gray Norris.

Soror Lynn Gray Norris served as Southwestern Regional Director from 1978 through 1983 and in 1995 received a medallion for 50 years membership. She has been an active member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority for 60 years.

Through Soror Norris’ leadership, Alpha Rho has prospered all these years. She has instilled the values of IOTA into each and every Soror.