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The History of Omicron Tau Omega

On March 31, 1985, the Omicron Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered in Spring, Texas. Omicron Tau Omega became the 98th chapter in the South Central Region under the leadership of then International President Faye Beverly Bryant. The twenty-eight charter members immediately embraced the programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha by serving youth, the elderly, those in poverty, and promoting the local and national programs of our organization.

 

1985 – 1986

Our first president, Carolyn W. Gaines propelled the infant chapter to full operational status and responsibility. The chapter awarded its first scholarship to pre-med student Shawn Love, and contributed to her education until her graduation. In 1990, the chapter named its scholarship initiative in honor of Carolyn W. Gaines.

1986 – 1989
Ida Reid received the baton from Gaines. It was under Reid's presidency the first initiates of Omicron Tau Omega joined the ranks of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

1990 – 1993

Carolyn Hassell became the third president of Omicron Tau Omega. Under her leadership, she encouraged sorors to not only “talk the talk” but “walk the walk” in carrying out the motto “Service to all Mankind.” Under her leadership, volunteerism and a servant attitude moved to the forefront of the chapter.

 

1994 – 1995
Rhonda Newhouse became the next president. She encouraged leadership training by hosting the first cluster educational conference. Newhouse instituted strong membership bonds and outreach through the Precious Pearls, Omicron Tau Omega's mentoring program that was to become the chapter's signature in service.

1996 – 2000
Under Portia Talbot's leadership the chapter received its first national recognition at the 59th Boule for outstanding chapter program: the presentation of handmade pink and green blankets to the residents of Hermann Park Manor nursing facility. Talbot formulated firm reporting and accounting procedures and established the ON TRACK program at Gray Elementary in Aldine Independent School District.

2001 – 2004
Shirley Benn's leadership resulted in chapter membership doubling and growing the scholarship awards to $10,000 in annual giving. Omicron Tau Omega was recognized as Chapter of the Year during the 71st Regional Conference. The Ivy reading AKAdemy was established at Gray Elementary in Aldine I.S.D. Chapter members went to the campus weekly to tutor students. The Ivy Reading AKAdemy won regional and national awards and we are excited to have contributed to the academic growth of the students.

2005 – 2008
Under Carolyn Hassell's leadership once again, the chapter continued to support the local, regional, and national directives of the sorority with excellence. During her tenure, the chapter enjoyed sustained growth in membership, program development, and leadership. In March, 2007, the chapter awarded $14,000 in scholarships and celebrated the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Texas at an “Emerald Evening Gala.

2009 – 2010

Portia Talbot has returned the helm as president and continues the mandates set forth by our corporate office. Talbot encourages and motivates each member to answer the charge of "Service to all Mankind." It is under her leadership that our chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary. As a charter member Talbot not only holds fast to the spirit of the past, she embraces the vision of the future. She encourages new members to "get involved."

 

2011 – 2012

Kelly P. Hodges served as President of Omicron Tau Omega from 2011-2012 under the International Administration’s theme “Global Leadership through Timeless Service.” Kelly utilized her background in marketing to introduce the chapter strategy "Sound, Solid, Servitude" and created a branded logo. Under her leadership, Kelly redesigned the chapter website and increased utilization of the site.  As President, Kelly established partnerships with a multitude of organizations to increase the chapter’s visibility in the North Houston Community. She often quotes Shirley Chisholm, "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth,”while serving the community and exemplifying service to all man-kind.

 

2013 – 2014

Angela M. Powell served as President of Omicron Tau Omega from 2013-2014. Under her leadership we continued the International Programs of "Global Leadership through Timeless Service." She exemplifies sisterhood and fosters a vision fair through commitment, service, and leadership. She implemented the New Members' Orientation to assist new members to the chapter and encourages all members to reclaim inactive members.

 

2015 – 2018

Bonita Green Gambrell began her term in 2015 under the 2014 – 2018 Program theme of “Launching New Dimensions of Service”, which featured five target areas, one Signature Program, and Community Service Days. Green Gambrell has built upon Omicron Tau Omega’s excellent reporting and accounting procedures; instituting her corporate project, organizational, and mentoring skills to give the chapter an even stronger foundation for future growth and sustainability. Under her leadership: 1) the chapter grew to large chapter status, 2) the chapter celebrated its 30th anniversary, 3) she co-chaired the Steering Committee for the HMAC Founders’ Day 2016, 4) she served as 2018 Boule Liaison for the Vendor, Exhibits and Author’s Row Committees, 5) she co-chaired the Steering Committee for the Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat 2018, and 6) she has been appointed to the 2019 International Investigative Committee, South Central Region. Green Gambrell was awarded 2015 Outstanding Basileus, Medium Chapter at the 2016 South Central Regional Conference and has served as a Board Member for the Alzheimer’s Association, a 2014 – 2018 strategic partner of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., since 2015.


Since its inception, Omicron Tau Omega has and will continue to be an asset to the community.  The chapter is firmly committed to its mission of providing community resources to people in the North Harris County area.  These resources will provide unity and support the Black family, increase academic knowledge and motivation in children and youth, enhance understanding of current health issues, the environment and global impact.

 

                             
                         








Charter Members



Shirley Benn Carolyn Gaines Patricia Williams*
Peggy Evans Sandra Napper  Barbara Dawson
Shirley Ledet* Portia Talbot Linda Johnson
Charlene Smith Carolyn Hassell  Rhoda Richards
Tonnya Brown Marian Cluff  Vega Woodgett
Dorcas Foy Charlotte Thomas Juanita Douglas
Lillie Lloyd T. Cromwell Leona Lane*
Agnes Stockton* Shirley James Kari Rigsby
Eva Bull Ida Reid Linda Woodson
Rhonda Newhouse    

 

 

* Deceased