by Claudia Brunson

news editor

Sunday, Oct. 25, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority of the Rho Lambda Omega Alumni Chapter hosted their second workshop and interest meeting for students at Millsaps College interested in becoming a member.This workshop followed a first in which interested students learned about the anti-hazing policy that has been strictly enforced and implemented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. All in attendance also had the opportunity to ask questions about hazing and the overall organization as well.

Senior Courtney Warner was in attendance and really enjoyed what the panelist had to say about the organization. She is excited about the return of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. to campus. She hopes that with this organization she can build a long lasting sisterhood with other members and be apart of something that is so profound and great.

“. . It [the workshop] just gave me more reasons on my list to be apart of something like that because not only was it the first black sorority that was incorporated, it was also the first one on Millsaps’ campus. And it is also coming back from a long hiatus and I just want to be part of something so great like that,” Warner said.

The workshop gave potential members the opportunity to network with the members of the sorority. Although the actual date for the next pledge class on campus is unclear, students and faculty can expect to see a line in the spring with new initiates into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Millsaps College has not seen a new pledge class of initiates in nearly four years. The line was suspended due to hazing allegations that the organization has a zero tolerance policy for.

Director of Health Promotion, Lori Genous, who herself is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. spoke on the return of AKAs to campus. She explains that the mission of this organization is to be “Service to all Mankind” that specifically puts emphasis in high scholastic and ethical standards, elevating the status of girls and women, and promoting unity and friendship among college-age women.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., was founded on the campus of Howard University in 1908 by a group of young women. By bringing AKAs back it will diversify the campus and will allow for more opportunities for students to get involved and learn more about what AKAs have to offer.

“I think that it [Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.] will add some diversity to the Greek letter organizations that are already on campus and it will provide an outlet for those who are interested in Black Greek Letter Organizations,” Genous said.

*In the spirit of full disclosure, the writer attended the workshop as an interested recruit in addition to authoring this article.