The Iota Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated: A History
In 1974, African-American students had only been enrolled at Duke University as undergraduates for 11 years, and the campus had only one organization that catered to African-American women. One co-ed, Maureen D. Cullins, saw the need in both the Durham and Duke communities for service and leadership. She caught the inspiration of Alpha Kappa Alpha women that she knew and began to make preparations to bring a chapter of the Sorority to Duke University.
That same year, Cullins and several other Duke women formed an Alpha Kappa Alpha interest group called Those Interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha (TIAKA). Members of TIAKA planned programs and service projects to solidify their intentions in being true Alpha Kappa Alpha women.
On April 21, 1975 the dream became a reality as the Iota Mu Chapter was chartered at Duke University becoming the 209th undergraduate chapter. The twelve charter members were Maureen D. Cullins, Stephanie Balantine, Angela Bowser, Donna Chatman, Germaine Fauntleroy, Gloria Green, Elaine Hawkins, Yolette Jones, Loretta King, Angeline Reid, Vanessa Roberts, and Wanda Settles.
Iota Mu has been responsible for several signature programs throughout our chapter's history. Some of these programs include: Black Women's Gathering, a discussion surrounding the unification of black women on Duke's campus to promote healthy and positive black female images; Black Love, a forum devoted to having a sincere conversation about black relationships on Duke's campus; and Bookbags to Briefcases, an interactive financial workshop that discusses financial matters upon graduating from college.
Iota Mu has also participated in various community service projects. Projects and sites include: AKA Bingo, Durham Rescue Mission, Food Pantry, Ronald McDonald House, AmericaReads, Coin Drives, Coat Drives, and Minority Teens Day.
In 2000, at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, Iota Mu was awarded the Doris R. Ashbury Award for most members present at a Regional Conference for the 12-20 participant categories.
In 2005, the members of the Iota Mu Chapter continually strive to exemplify the goals set forth by the visionaries who saw a chapter where none existed
