Chapter History

Epsilon XI Chapter was founded and organized by Vahnita Loud under the leadership of Southwest Regional Director, Dwala Brown in 1993. This chapter was the result of the devotion, sincere dedication and hard work of two friends, Soror Vahnita Loud, the Intake Dean of Psi Chapter in Dallas, Texas and Dianne Lollies. Epsilon XI Chapter is unique in the region because the membership incorporates two states, Arkansas and Texas. On May 22, 1993 Southwest Regional Director, Soror Dwala Brown presented the chapter its charter and National President Soror Dorethea N. Hornbuckle gave the charge.

Epsilon XI Chapter was the first chapter chartered in the Southwestern Region in fifteen years.

The charter chapter members who were initiated on that historic day were:

Helen Cunningham	Wilma Dunn
Melva Flowers	Debra Ganter
Dianne Lollies	Iwona Rockwell
Charla Sanders	Marguerite Wells

The first Lomepa pledge line in 1994 by the charter chapter consisted of two people. They were Louryne Forrest and Jacqueline Williams. Epsilon XI Chapter has continued to grow. The 1995 pledge line consisted of Vivian Cossey, Jessie M. Keeton, Cynthia Henderson and Areletha Roberson. The 1996 pledge line consisted of four ladies who were Federia Smith, Linda Acklin-Sharp, Elquita Dickens and Josie “Kay” Freeman. The 1997 Pledge line consisted of two ladies and they were Regina Conner and Annette Robinson-Canida. 1999 Pledge line consisted of three ladies, Eddye Dunbar, Martha Johnson and Beverly Cox. 2000 Pledge line consisted of five ladies, Tina Hayes-Boyd, Rose Criner, Joyce White, Diane Radford-Jones and Annie Catherine Lloyd. 2001

Pledge line consisted of two ladies, Marshanna Lewis and Bernadine Trammel. Growth has been continual.

One of our most memorable moments in the chapter’s history is that the chapter won regional recognition for Chapter Growth during our second year as an established chapter. On the National Level the chapter received the award for 1993-95 RUSH Award 2^nd place. On the Regional Level awards were 1996 Chapter Growth Award 1^st place; 1995-96 Outstanding Achievement Award from Psi Chapter; 1996 Most Improved Chapter Award, 1999-2000 Most Improved Chapter Award and 1997 3^rd place Scrapbook Award.

On May 22, 1998, Epsilon XI Chapter celebrated five years as a chapter in the Southwestern Region. Our Honoree was Vahnita Loud, Psi Chapter, Dallas, Texas. Southwestern Regional Director Brenda Johnson attended this affair as well as the Vice President Elect Lillian Parker and members of Alpha Kappa Chapter of Houston, Texas. The Assistant Regional Director, Juanda Wallace as well as members from Psi Chapter, Dallas, Texas attended the affair. The honoree’s mother and father, Bennie and Ida Loud were also among our guest for the evening. This was a most memorable occasion.

Epsilon XI Chapter’s Outstanding Soror of the Year were:

1997- Dianne Lollies

2000- Regina Connors

2002- Eddye Dunbar

2003- Linda Sharp

Epsilon XI Chapter recognizes Outstanding Woman of the Year:

1999- Veloria J. Nanze

2001- LaShon D. Ross

Epsilon XI Chapter has given 15 Scholarships to Young Women majoring in Business in a College or University of their choice. They were:

1994: Melissa Trotter

1995: Tanisha D. Willis

1996: Rosalind Morris & Kristal Gail Ford

1997: Jerica Lee Keeton & Tiffany Marie French

1998: Marcia Rhone & Shaylyn King

1999: Rashinda Hampton & Rodneisa Pree

2000: LaQuita Dedmon & Krystle McFadden

2001: Dana Radford 2002: Kristian Coopwood

Chapter Presidents: Melva Flowers 1993-94

Debra Ganter 1994-97

Dianne Lollies 1997-2000

Vivian Cossey 2000-2002

Dianne Lollies 2002-2004

Business Honorees have been:

Geraldine Bradley, 1994- Golden Lady Restaurant*

Dorothy Brantley, 1997 – Ms. B’s African Place

Alvester & Glenda Gipson, 1997- House of Knowledge Bookstore

Al Davis – 1997 – KTOY Radio Station

Emmie Gamble-1997- KTOY Radio Station

Vincent Gamble –1998- KTOY Radio Station

Bobbie Parks – 1998 – Parks Realtor

Veloria Nanze- 1998- TNF Home Health Company

Ingrid Page –1998- Page Realtor

Marguerite Woodberry –1999- M & M Burgers

Deloris Pree – 2003 Dee’s Hair World

Denisha A. Pitre –2003- Nouveau Salon & Raggz

Epsilon XI Chapter participated in the First Texarkana Komen Race for Cure in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness on October 24, 2000. We continue to be participates in our community. Epsilon XI Chapter lost one chapter member, Soror Madesta Smith, to Omega Chapter on March 7, 2000.

Epsilon XI Chapter participates in all Program and Projects of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.

*Deceased