Meet Our Graduate Chapters: The Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter of Orangeburg, South Carolina
History of Alpha Omicron Zeta: The First Chartered Chapter in South Carolina
Zetas witnessed, celebrated and made recorded history in the chartering of
twin chapters. Alpha Omicron Zeta, (Graduate), with 5 charter members and
Psi Alpha Chapter, (Undergraduate), at South Carolina State College, with 15
charter members, were chartered on February 8, 1941. The Regional Director was Esther Peyton.
Charter members of Alpha Omicron Zeta are: Agnes Hildebrand, Florella
Fordham, Daisy Taylor, Anna Overstreet, and Madge P. Harper who served as first
chapter Basileus.
Mu Chapter at Claflin College sponsored by Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter, was
chartered on April 16, 1946, with 16 charter members.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated founders envisioned a sorority that would directly affect positive change, chart a course of action for the 1920s and beyond, raise people's consciousness, encourage the highest standards of scholastic achievement, and foster a greater sense of unity among its members. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter of Orangeburg, South Carolina, has launched a campaign to make our founder's vision a reality for the past 82 years by promoting academic success, maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct, fostering diverse philanthropic pursuits and bonding through sisterly love.
Alpha Omicron Zeta Commitment to Service
When Covid-19 shut down the world, Alpha Omicron Zeta went to work. It pivoted immediately to help people in our community who depend on us for monetary funds, resources, up-to-date information, and social connection. Supporting our community, especially those in need, is a longstanding characteristic of Alpha Omicron Zeta. Indeed, we are at our best when things are at their worst. Alpha Omicron Zeta contributed and participated in numerous initiatives in 2022-2023 under the leadership of Basileus Eris Speights. Thankfully, several organizations in our area exist and thrive on helping others. AOZ participated in the Divine 9 Impact Day of Service, donating $800 worth of non-perishable food for school children. To keep the underprivileged abreast of their health status, AOZ distributed educational health literature and medical screenings to 75 visitors that attended the AOZ Community Health Fair. COVID-19 forced AOZ to close their Stork's Nest at the local health center, but we did not allow that to deter us from reaching our most vulnerable population of infants. AOZ, adhering to all COVID safe practices, took to the neighborhood, signed up expecting mothers for the Stork's Nest, and shared baby items with families facing shortages due to Covid-19 during Prematurity Awareness Month. Alpha Omicron Zeta March of Babies funding campaign captured second Place in the Southeastern region.
AOZ donated Easter baskets and male hygiene products valued at $1,000 to the Tiffany Grant Foundation. AOZ donated socks to children in foster care and sanitizer to front-line medical workers at the Regional Medical Center. To ensure loneliness did not rob our Seniors in nursing homes, AOZ sponsored Bingo Games to keep them engaged at Oaks of Orangeburg Retirement Center. AOZ filled three mobile libraries with various reading materials, and the Adopt-a-School Committee told stories virtually to local school children. To assist young ladies back to the work world, AOZ donated professional work clothes to CASA. Finally, AOZ awarded academic scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to three deserving students in Orangeburg County.
To advance social justice causes, AOZ, in conjunction with the NAACP, held the National Voter Registration Forum. Amid a pandemic, to keep people informed, AOZ used social media platforms to keep the community up-to-date on political races, voting requirements, and virtual debates with the candidates. Adorn in our royal blue and white, AOZ actively participated in the MLK March and Honorary Naming ceremony for the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Orangeburg, SC. To make our presence known, AOZ attended the Zeta Day at the Capitol in Columbia to demonstrate that we are active and informed about the political arena.
Chapter Accomplishments
AOZ received the following accolades at the 2022 South Carolina State Leadership:
Basileus Eris Speights Zeta of the Year, Alpha Omicron Chapter 2nd Place March for Babies
Donation Winner, Zeta Pearlette Auxiliary Group of Orangeburg 2nd Place March for Babies
Donation Winner, Zeta Archonette Auxiliary Group of Orangeburg 2nd Place March for Babies
Donation Winner, Zeta Amicette Auxiliary Group of Orangeburg 3rd Place March for Babies
Donation Winner, Alpha Omicron Zeta Amicettes Certificate of Achievement for 3rd Place in
Z-HOPE points, 2022 Outstanding Reclamation Award, Zeta Male Network Of Orangeburg
Attendance Award, Zeta Male Network of Orangeburg 1st Place March for Babies Donation
Winner and awarded The Good Health Women's Immunization Networks (Good Health WINS) Grant.
In addition, the city of Orangeburg, SC issued a proclamation declaring January16 as Zeta
Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated -Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter Founders’ Day and turned the city's fountain water royal blue in our honor.
Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter's current goals are to increase our ability to meet the growing
financial assistance needed in our county, expand our outreach efforts throughout the rural
communities of our service area, construct a resource center to serve our clients better, and
increase our membership by 30% yearly.
Photos of Alpha Omicron Zeta Chapter
Interested in Membership with the Alpha Omicron Zeta chapter?
Contact their chapter president, Eris B. Speights, at alphaomicronzetachapter@gmail.com for more information.
Connect with the Alpha Omicron Zeta chapter
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aozzeta1941
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AOZZETA1941/