Although the newly incorporated sorority of Alpha Kappa Alpha was making great strides in service and increasing its membership of women of excellence, their presence was still absent on the grounds of Miner Teacher College. Soror Maxine E. Wedbee, graduate sponsor of Alpha chapter decided that the formation of the Miners chapter on this campus was absolutely essential. Through the advancement of her idea and the proposal and determination of 31 ladies, Beta Lambda chapter was soon to make its presence on Miner Teacher College grounds.
As customary with any Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, education, service, and leadership are eminent in their lifestyle. The charter members of Beta Lambda brought honor to that tradition. Marjorie Holloman led the fight for the establishment of the chapter. She was the vice president, a consistent honor student, and a leader in extracurricular activities. Catherine Campbell was the vice president of her junior class and with Marian Whitlock led the class scholastically. Virginia Fowler was president of her sophomore class, vice president elect of the student council and had been sent with Odessa Underwood by Miners to New York City as a delegate to the Eastern States Conference of Professional Schools for Teachers. Dorothy Bogan, Harriet Campbell, Bernice Finney, Carolyn Holloman and Jessie Holloman, were honor graduates. Harriet Short and Hollie Carter continued their education at Howard University, where each received her Master’s degree.
On March 16, 1936, the chapter was established by Soror Edna O. Gray, North Atlantic Regional Director; Soror Alice P. Moore and Soror Irma A. Craig of Xi Omega. The initiation ceremonies were completed on April 9, 1936 and Beta Lambda Chapter was officially born. At the chartering ceremony, Dr. Dorothy Boulding-Ferbee of Xi Omega gave an inspirational address. Guests included Sorors Beulah and Lillian Burke, two of the Sorority’s Founders; Soror Edna O. Gray, North Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Bobbie Scott, Past Supreme Basileus, Soror Ruth Sample, Past Supreme Grammateus, Soror Jessie Roy, Past Editor in Chief of the Ivy Leaf, and members of Epsilon Omega, Xi Omega, and Alpha Chapters.
Beta Lambda has always played an active role in the community with activities that focus on the sorority’s current national program while implementing programs specific to the Beta Lambda campus population. The sorors in Beta Lambda have and continue to hold leadership positions on campus, in the sorority and in the community. Beta Lambda sorors have high regards for their history and strives to offer programs pertinent to the sorority and relevant to the community and the period.