A Brief History of Alpha Psi
Alpha Psi Chapter
came into being on April 3, 1965 with thirty-one founding members. Formerly,
these teachers had been a part of Sigma Chapter in Kinston comprised of
educators from Craven, Jones, Lenoir, and Pamlico counties. The new chapter
was organized under the direction of Miss Edith Gilbert and Mrs. Phoebe Emmons,
Executive Secretary and Secretary of Expansion, respectively, of Eta State.
Only twenty, who were present on the founding day to sign the charter, were
given the distinction of being Charter Members. Miss Harriet Dill was elected
president.
The first meeting of the Chapter was held on September
18, 1965 in the Ambassador Room of the Governor Tryon Hotel in New Bern.
Members responded with a near perfect attendance to a letter of notice sent by
Helen Morton, Corresponding Secretary. The letter stated that annual dues of
$7.00 were payable and the cost of lunch was $2.00. Spirits ran high and
according to custom all wore hats and gloves. Miss Gilbert and Mrs. Emmons
were present to see that all went well.
Alpha Psi had been productive through the years by
providing four Regional II Directors of Eta State. They are Fannie Wilson,
Helen Smith, Sarah Alice Harris and Linda Little.
Members have participated in the Foster Child's Plan
since 1968. A Recruitment Grant was established in 1970. This grant, which has
grown from $100 to $300 a year, is made possible by an annual bazaar. The
first bazaar in 1969 netted $114; the 1989 bazaar netted $665.50. The bazaar
was changed to an auction with the 2006 auction raising $1300.
Sarah Alice Harris established an Alpha Psi Scholarship
Fund in 1976. Several members have benefited from the fund.
Two of our members, Jo Ann Conway and Leela Baggett
accepted the generous invitation of Great Britain to attend their state
convention in Canterbury at University of Kent. Thirty-three members of Eta
State experienced a very rewarding week with three hundred Delta Kappa Gamma
members from seven countries March 27 - April 3, 1989.
The first news letters grew into a bulletin titled
"Alpha Psi News". With changing times, it became "Alpha Bits". It is an
important tool that keeps members informed on vital issues.
Founding Members
Past Presidents
