In a momentous celebration, the Omicron Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. marked its 40th anniversary at Stanford University, bringing together more than 130 past members for a weekend of reflection, recognition, and renewal.
The weekend-long event featured various activities, with a highlight being the Black Women’s Brunch that drew around 130 attendees, including dozens of undergraduates. Distinguished speakers, including Dr. Stacey Dixon, former Louisiana State Senator Cheryl Gray Evans, and actress-producer Ryan Michelle Bathé, inspired the audience. The celebration also included social events and a service project, creating over 500 care packages for donation to St. Anthony’s, a San Francisco-based safety net service center.
Current chapter members and alumnae were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Sadé Ried, a senior majoring in mathematical and computational science, stands as the national second vice president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – the sole collegiate member on the national board. Additionally, chapter members Faith Ajanaku and Iyanu Dare were selected for the Leadership Delta cohort, a prestigious year-long leadership development program sponsored by the national organization.
Faith Ajanaku, the chapter’s treasurer, expressed her gratitude for the supportive community, stating, “I realized how amazing it would be to have a community of women who are dedicated to the same things I am: service, scholarship, sisterhood.”
The Omicron Chi Chapter is lauded for its commitment to the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust provided by the national Delta Sigma Theta organization, focusing on economic development, educational development, international awareness, physical and mental health, and political awareness.
Chloë Rollock, the chapter’s president, emphasized the chapter’s dedication to uplifting both its members and the broader community. Recent programs include “Love a Black Woman from Infinity to Infinity,” facilitating campus talks by Black female faculty members to engage with students outside the traditional classroom setting.
This year, the chapter is emphasizing mental health, having received a $1,000 grant from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for mental health programming. The chapter’s commitment to community service extends beyond Stanford, with ongoing projects such as beach cleanups and fundraising for disaster-stricken areas.
Currently, the Omicron Chi Chapter is working on establishing a mentorship program for Black youth in Palo Alto and East Palo Alto, exemplifying its dedication to community outreach.
Founded in 1983, the Omicron Chi Chapter has a rich history, initially including members from both Stanford and surrounding communities. Today, the focus is on the Stanford campus, boasting nine active members. As one of the pioneering Black Greek letter organizations on campus, the chapter’s longevity is a testament to its resilience and commitment to serving Black women on campus and in the local community.
Christopher Carter, associate director of fraternity and sorority life, commended the sustained dedication of both alumnae and undergraduates, stating, “The longevity and sustainability of these organizations are a testament to the resilience and the commitment of both the alumnae and the undergraduates.”
As Delta Sigma Theta’s Omicron Chi Chapter enters its fifth decade, the celebration echoes the sorority’s enduring commitment to service, scholarship, and sisterhood at Stanford University.
