Chapter History

Kappa Chapter will soon be celebrating our 90th year Anniversary! One of the oldest chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, we have a deep rooted history in the Indianapolis Community. We look forward to joining past members of Kappa chapter and current to celebrate such a momentous occasion!

Kappa Chapter was chartered February 16, 1920 on the campus of Butler College.

The founders of Kappa Chapter were Hazel Alexander, Murray Atkins, Selma Beck, Eugenia Dent, Ada Hoskins Wheeler, Henrietta Herod, Fannie Hyde, Joyce Thompson Stewart, Phyllis Wheatley Waters, Goldie Thompson, Mercy Woolfork, and Marie Stokes.

Kappa Chapter Charter includes: Butler University, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Franklin College, Marian College, and University of Indianapolis.

Kappa Chapter is the 10th chapter, and the 7th Undergraduate Chapter.  The chapter also hosted the 4th Boule which was in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Phyllis Wheatley Waters, a founder of Kappa Chapter, developed what is now the sorority's Coat of Arms.

Clarrean S. Anthony   Clarrean S. Anthony was initiated into the Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. in 1934 making her a Diamond Diva this year.  She attended and graduated from the historic Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis.  She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in German from Butler University in 1938.  She later received a Masters degree in 1960 in Social Work from Indiana University.   She spent most of her career working as a Social Worker for the Indianapolis Public School system, retiring in 1980.  She was also employed early in her career as a Psychiatric Social Worker at Central State Hospital.   She has been very active during her 75 years as an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman.  She has served on many committees and has held many positions.  Offices held include:  First Anti-Basileus, Epistoleus, Executive Board Member, and Member at Large.  She was the chairperson for senior activities for the 1994 Boule held in Indianapolis.  During this Boule, She established a hospitality room/suite for senior/golden Sorors.  This has become a standard practice for regional conferences/boules.  She chaired the 50th and 60th Founders Day observations and she was one of the featured speakers at the 2001 Founders Day celebration.  She has been a long standing member of AKA Scholarship, Inc/Ivy Endowment.  She received the Soror of the Year award in 1978 and the Soror through the Years award in 1987.   She has been very active in various civic/community organizations.  They include:  Indiana United Senior Action Foundation, Indiana Division of White House Conference on Aging, and the Indiana Senior Goals 2000 conference, NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, National Association of Retired Teachers, Girl Scouts, Minority Advisory Council of TV channel 6.  She has won numerous awards for her community involvement.    Awards received:   2002 – Katherine Merrill Graydon Alumni Service Award, Butler University 2001 – Sam Masarachia Leadership Award, United Senior Action 1997 – Lifetime Achievement Award – United Senior Action 1994 – United Way Indiana Black Expo Minority Volunteer