Who are the Chester Alpha Kappa Alphas?

The foundation of Tau Delta Omega was laid in 1988 with the formation of the Chester Interest Group.  Several members of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), citing the need for their presence in Chester, PA in Delaware County, began the process of contacting unaffiliated sorority members located within the area. Additional AKA members joined this nucleus and the interest group grew to twenty-two members.

The Chester Gems Interest Group was chartered as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Tau Delta Omega Chapter on November 10, 1991.  The chapter was chartered at the Howard Johnson’s Restaurant, Chester, Pennsylvania by then North Atlantic Regional Director, Erma W. Barron.

Since its chartering, the chapter has annually awarded college scholarships to graduating high school students from Chester High School and other Delaware County area high schools.  The Sorority has made financial contributions to the education departments of area churches, provided entrepreneurial opportunities to local vendors, assisted the efforts of the Chester Upland School District, Chester Education Foundation, Crozer Keystone Health Systems, Chester, AIDS Coalition, City Team Ministries and other existing community service oriented organizations.  In addition, Tau Delta Omega has introduced the international programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to the local community and fostered a true feeling of sisterhood among its members.

In recent years, Tau Delta Omega Chapter initiated “The Chester Pearls Foundation’” the Philanthropic Arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tau Delta Omega Chapter, Chester, PA.  In addition to fundraising, this C501 foundation was created to keep in line with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. national objective, which is to improve the life of all mankind through our programs and scholarships. 

Tau Delta Omega Chapter proudly presented their new undergraduate chapter on March 29, 2009 at Widener University, Chester, PA.  The Chartering of Tau Alpha will take its place in history and share in the continued sisterly efforts to provide community service to all mankind.  Soror Evelyn Sample-Oates, North Atlantic Regional Director, took part in the ceremony and graciously welcomed our new members. Soror Jacqueline Irving makes history as Tau Delta Omega’s first Graduate Advisor.

 In past years, Tau Delta Omega has been awarded both first and third place recognition as the North Atlantic Small Chapter of the year and, more recently, the award for “Sisterhood.”   Through sustained leadership and adherence to the goals set forth by our founders, Tau Delta Omega has established itself as an icon for community service, sisterhood, and leadership development - all with a real commitment to the city of Chester.

Celebrating 20 years of community service, the history of Tau Delta Omega continues to unfold in the city of Chester, PA.  It does so as we, its members, diligently strive to enhance and perpetuate the ever-glorious history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.