NU Gamma Omega Chapter History
On February 16, 1980, Nu Gamma Omega Incorporated, a Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered as the second alumnae chapter in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area. Dorothy Johnson, Regional Director, presided at the chartering of the 45th graduate chapter in the South Central Region.
The first officers were Gloria London, Basileus; Penny Guine, Anti-Basileus; Mary Toaston, Grammateus; Kathy Mathews, Anti-Grammateus; Elaria Sims, Epistoleus; Jocelyn Ward, Tamiouchos; Jewel Payne, Financial Secretary; Eileen Kennedy, Parliamentarian; Brenda Nero, Philacter; Bridgett Jackson, Grants Coordinator; Linda Cosey, Hodegos; Cleo Joffrion, Ivy Leaf Reporter; Geneva Lee, Membership Chairman and Doris Williams, Chapter Liaison.
In addition to the officers, other chartering members included Carla Alfred, Safronia Amos, Linda Early Brown, Shirley Brown, Augrett Brumfield, Earlene Crumpton, Shirley De’Vard, Pamela Rogers Ginn, Demetris Howard, Sherry Irving, Eloise Jack, Irma Jackson, Stella Jackson, Vanessa Jackson, Pamela McCaster, Lesia Minor, Leola Mitchell, Lenetta Romar, Mary Ann Torrance, Rose Trahan, Gwendolyn Washington, Roena Wilford and Rochelle Williams.
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On January 8, 1990, Nu Gamma Omega Educational and Charitable Foundation, Incorporated received approval as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, the philanthropic arm, to provide resources for the betterment of mankind. To date, many individuals and organizations have benefited from the educational programs, projects sponsored, financial support, scholarships awarded by the Foundation.
One of the major goals of the Chapter was to secure a facility. The purchase of the building was finalized on July 8, 1992.
Nu Gamma Omega initiated a variety of annual projects at its inception. Some of the beginning programs included:
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Implementing a textbook sale to local residents for 25 cents with proceeds to benefit the EBR School Board.
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Award of scholarships to high school graduates.
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Presenting debutantes to the community. Prior to the presentation, the young ladies were involved in civic, social cultural activities, as well as preparatory activities for the Cotillion.
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Hosting a preschool workshop for daycare centers. The topics included social adjustment, motor coordination, nutrition, daycare licensing, working with handicap children, language development, arts and recognizing potential child abuse.
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Delivering Easter Baskets to disadvantaged/adoptable children in low-income areas.
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Working with Teen Parent Centers to provide activities such as a Grandmothers’ Luncheon, Fashion Show and Single Parenting Seminars.
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Contributing extensively to local charities, the NAACP, Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and CAWSC.
For more than four decades, Nu Gamma Omega has continued to address the academic, social, civic, cultural and economic issues of the times. Some of the beginning program thrusts have continued today and have become an identifiable thread in the patchwork of the Chapter. The Chapter continues programming efforts in the areas of Education, Scholarship, the Arts, Economic Security, Mentoring, Health & Wellness, Social Justice, Local and Global Service to stakeholders, partners.
Annually, hundreds of East Baton Rouge Parish students are honored for their academic performance at the Middle School Scholars Program. On a monthly basis Emerging Young Leaders (local girls) are mentored and gather to participate in workshops aimed to educate, entertain, and enlighten awareness programs impacting environmental sustainability, leadership, human trafficking and other social justice issues.
The Chapter supports efforts to provide meals, food to shelters and supports organizations with like mission. The Chapter hosts voter registration drives, supports educational initiatives that work to improve health, wellness of members, families, communities in target areas. The chapter hosts in person programming opportunities, webinars, forums, seminars on economic empowerment and sustainability, wealth management. The chapter supports the arts, art appreciation through education, book clubs, art camps, outreach events. The Chapter support intiatives locally and globaly to bring awarensss to global issues, food insecurity, nutrition, partnerships in sustainbility.
Our financial and physical support uniquely parallel our corporate, regional offices and the needs of our local community. Partnership is our continued goal because we realize we cannot fulfill our mission alone. Nu Gamma Omega Chapter works hand in hand with the American Heart Association, American Kidney Foundation, St. Vincent de Paul, Heifer International, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and Battered Women’s Shelter, to name a few.
Service and sisterhood are the ties that bind and that which has fueled our existence for over 40 years. The women of Nu Gamma Omega Chapter are continuously striving to meet the challenges of the day, through local, corporate programming efforts. Our continued goal, embrace the vision, mission, motto of our Founders; submit to our Corporate guidelines, rules; promote sisterhood, service, and be positive change makers in our community and beyond.
