Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
San Diego Alumnae Chapter
Uncompromising Commitment to the Community
Uncompromising
Commitment to the
Community Since 1938
San Diego Alumnae Chapter
Serving San Diego Since 1938
​​Since 1938, the San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has maintained an uncompromising commitment to serving the San Diego community through leadership, empowerment, advocacy, and public service. Through collaborations with community partners and support of the community at large, the chapter continues to impact lives and transform communities.
Founded in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a public service organization dedicated to addressing issues affecting African Americans and communities around the world. The Sorority's work is guided by its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust:​​
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Economic Development
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Educational Development
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International Awareness and Involvement
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Physical and Mental Health
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Political Awareness and Involvement
These principles continue to guide the programs and initiatives of the San Diego Alumnae Chapter today.
Our Service Area
San Diego County
San Diego Alumnae Chapter Service Area
North: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
West: La Jolla
East: Julian
South: San Ysidro
Our Charter Members
Beta Mu June 11, 1938
Charter Members
Ruth Allen
Henrietta Freeman
Thelma Thompson
Minnie Lee Thomas Brown
Lorraine Van Lowe Gholston
Margie DeCosta
Mary Thompson
"All Sorors listed above are members of the Omega Omega Chapter"
Our History
The San Diego Alumnae Chapter was chartered as Beta Mu on June 11, 1938, by National President Vivian O. Marsh. Seven visionary women established the chapter: Thelma Thompson, Mary Thompson, Ruth Allen, Minnie Lee Thomas Brown, Margie DeCosta, Henrietta Freeman, and Lorraine Van Lowe Gholston, who served as the chapter's first president.
From its earliest days, the chapter has been dedicated to scholarship and service. In 1939, its first major fundraiser—a piano recital held at Memorial Junior High School—raised funds for local scholarships. Throughout the decades, San Diego Alumnae has continuously expanded its impact through educational, civic, and community service programs.
The chapter's accomplishments include:
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Hosting Job Opportunity Day at the YWCA in 1951.
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Serving as host chapter for Delta Sigma Theta's Farwest Regional Conference in 1953 and again in 1980.
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Receiving the NAACP's "Fight for Freedom" Award in 1955.
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Establishing the city-wide undergraduate chapter, Nu Upsilon, in 1977.
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Supporting scholarships, voter registration efforts, youth development programs, health awareness initiatives, and international humanitarian projects.
Over the years, chapter members have organized numerous signature programs and events, including scholarship fundraisers, youth mentoring initiatives, health and wellness programs, voter education efforts, and community outreach activities. Through these efforts, thousands of lives have been positively impacted throughout San Diego County.
In 2018, the City of San Diego proclaimed June 11 as San Diego Alumnae Day in recognition of the chapter's 80 years of dedicated service and leadership within the community.
Past Chapter Presidents
Name
Term
Name
Term
Name
Term
Lorraine Gholston
1938-1950
Corrine Willingham
1950-1951
Thelma Thompson
1951-1953
Lorraine Gholston
1953-1954
Eva Crawford
1954-1956
Rose Butler
1956-1957
Hortense Reeves
1957-1958
Anita Taylor Sampson
1958-1959
Ellen Coleman
1959-1960
Beatrice Reid
1960-1963
Daisy Cook
1963-1965
Evelyn Clark
1965-1966
Lola Freeman
1966-1967
Barbara White
1970-1974
Lola Freeman Buie
1974-1976
Mary Dewitt
1976-1977
Dolores E. Stevens
1977-1980
B. Wardell Taylor
1980-1982
Beverly Young
1982-1984
Marion Stewart Lane
1984-1986
Betty Olds
1986-1988
Janice Black Robinson
1988-1990
Cynthia James
1990-1992
Dolores E. Stevens
1992-1993
Dale Strayhorn
1993-1994
Sharon Coleman
1994-1996
Vera Mooring
1996-1998
Janice Black Robinson
1998-2000
Marion Stewart Lane
2000-2001
Keannya Hagan
2001-2003
Karen Hodge
2003-2005
Keannya Hagan
2005-2007
Kenya L. Taylor
2007-2009
Joyce D. Williams
2009-2011
Patricia Watts
2011-2013
Monica Honoré
2013-2017
Rachel A. Thomas
2017-2021
Carla Harris
2021-2025
Continuing the Legacy
Today, San Diego Alumnae is stronger than ever, with its largest membership in chapter history. Members range from newly initiated sorors to those celebrating more than 85 years of Delta membership. The chapter continues to provide impactful programming through initiatives such as scholarships, youth development programs, health and wellness campaigns, voter engagement efforts, community partnerships, and signature events including the annual Breakfast for MiLady, "A Tribute to Mothers".
As the oldest Black Greek-lettered chapter in San Diego, the San Diego Alumnae Chapter remains committed to advancing Delta Sigma Theta's legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action while addressing the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
