Chapter History
Lambda Rho Omega Chapter was chartered in 1977 after the visionary conception of birth sisters Deborah LaTanya Smith (Northeastern University – Iota Gamma Chapter – Boston Mass.) and Myrielle Delores Smith (North Carolina Central University – Alpha Chi [charter member] – Durham, NC). Their mother, the late Frances Reeves Smith was an Ivy at Johnson C. Smith University (Gamma Delta Chapter). She placed in their hearts the desire to become Alpha Kappa Alpha women. It was their aspiration upon returning to Gaffney to charter a chapter to serve the greater Cherokee County community.
Five of our charter members, Mildred Foster, Claressa Lee, Gwen Hemphill, Leota Littlejohn and Laurichard Rainey lived in Gaffney and were members of the Spartanburg Chapter. They joined with other Alpha Kappa Alpha women of Cherokee County to organize Lambda Rho Omega. On Saturday, October 8th in 1977 twelve members of the sorority from Cherokee County traveled to Greenwood, SC to attend the Cluster Conference. It was during this conference that the vision of Deborah and Myrielle materialized with the chartering of Lambda Rho Omega chapter.
In the early years, the signature fund raiser was the “Miss Ivy” contest which later became the “Miss Ivy Calendar Girl” contest. For over 30 years, this fund raiser provided an opportunity for upper elementary aged girls to participate in training workshops and fun activities such as: etiquette workshops, public speaking trainings, bingo cookouts, bowling pizza parties, skating outings and college tours. The fund raiser culminated with a pageant and the crowing of “Miss Ivy.”
Annually, since the chapter was established, scholarships have been presented to a senior at Blacksburg and/or Gaffney High Schools. The scholarships have ranged from $500.00 - $1,500.00 depending on the annual fund raiser.
From 2019 -2023, Lambda Rho Omega Chapter was fortunate to partner with Denny’s Corporation to announce scholarships for students who attend HBCU colleges. Through this collaboration three - $1,000.00 scholarships was available for students.
During the annual Founders’ Day worship service, a “Service to Mankind” award has been presented to a person in Cherokee County who demonstrates extraordinary service in the community. A plaque is presented to the recipient and a special luncheon follows the services. Over 35 recipients have been recognized for their service to the community. A donation is presented to the church during the service.
Through its 42 years of service, the chapter has supported and participated in various community projects such as: 4-H Public Speaking Contests, Pre-School Summer Reading Workshops, Pan-Hellenic Cook-out and Game Day, Angelic and Bethel Senior Day Care Christmas parties, Community Shred Days, Brookview and Peachtree Nursing Home visits, Stocking Cherokee and Indian Hill Soup Kitchens, Computers for Cherokee Children’s Home, Meals on Wheels Turkey Drive, Upgrade of Clouggeon Black and Born Learning Trail Parks, Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast and Parade, Gaffney High School College Application Day, Dedication of Ola Copeland Learning Center, Red Heart Month, HBCU Day at Gaffney High, Pillowcase Dresses for Haiti, Book Bags and School Supplies, Eye Glasses and Shoe Drives, along with Baby Clothes, Coat and Blanket Drive for Miracle Hills Ministry.
From its small beginning of 18, currently the chapter has increased to 45 members. Lambda Rho Omega has utilized its talents and resources to make a difference in the greater communities of Gaffney and Blacksburg, in Cherokee County.