Alpha Kappa Alpha Charters Upsilon Tau Chapter at Elmhurst University

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) presented the chartering of their Upsilon Tau chapter on March 31 of this year. Twelve women were presented to the campus, including President Amaria Hunt, as well as Ace and Vice President Chaanna Kassim.

Alpha Kappa Alpha marks the seventh currently active sorority at EU and the 12th active organization in campus’ Greek Life.

AKA as a national organization is a “Divine Nine” sorority, meaning it is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Greek organizations. It is the first Black Greek-letter sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University. They are often paired with their Pham, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the first Black fraternity, which also has a chapter at EU.

Though the Upsilon Tau chapter is brand-new, there exist many Elmhurst College alumni who joined Alpha Kappa Alpha at nearby colleges and universities. Carole Jakes and Pamela Sherley, Elmhurst College alumni and members of AKA, serve as the chapter’s Graduate Advisors.

The chapter and chartering presentation was attended by numerous Elmhurst alumni, as well as alumni from AKA chapters across the country. Over 150 individuals attended the event, including representation from all EU Greek chapters on campus.

Micaiah Brown, the chapter’s chaplain, is excited to be a part of the new organization.

“I’m definitely excited about bringing more of a D9 presence on campus and having more of a Black presence on campus.”

Brown is involved in many facets on campus, serving in leadership positions or general member positions in ECHO, Theta Alpha Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Kappa Delta Pi.

“I want to see more bridging of gaps between areas on campus.”

Noting Jada Willey, Upsilon Tau’s Anchor and Parliamentarian, Brown mentions how important it is that members have crossover between a variety of areas on campus.

“Jada was in ‘POTUS’ and is also in ‘One Acts,’” Brown said, “She also does volleyball, so people will come to see plays, or hear about Alpha Kappa Alpha.”

Brown also notes her own involvement with the honors program and ECHO.

“Because I’m in honors and doing honors stuff, if you pay attention to AKA you might pay more attention to Honors.”

“I’m excited to be in something new that can help elevate other areas on campus. Because I’m involved in so many organizations on campus, collaborating with different organizations can provide new audiences for different organizations.”

After chartering, Alpha Kappa Alpha has been involved on campus, representing themselves during EU Sorority and Fraternity Life’s “Greek Week” festivities and Skee Week, a weeklong series of events hosted by AKA chapters across the country.