Chapter History

The 40th National Convention theme challenged Deltas to "Pass the Delta Torch... Ignite a New Vision." In 1948, nine ambitious young women ignited a new vision by establishing a graduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta in Port Arthur, Texas. As a result of that vision, many professional women have been able to join them in providing public service in the community.

The charter members of Beta Sigma Sigma Chapter graduated from Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas  and desired to make Delta an extension of their college experiences while pursuing their career goals. The chapter was chartered on Friday, June 2, 1948, in the home of Lady Mae Davis. At the time of the chapter's charter, Beta Sigma Sigma was the sole Greek letter organization in Port Arthur, Texas.

Officers for the new chapter were: Rosa McNulty Jean, President; Dorothy Lyons McNeal, Vice President; Virlana Gross Mann, Recording and Financial Secretary; Dorothy Ingram, Corresponding Secretary; Wilma Conner Brew, Treasurer; Helen Nelson Allen, Sergeant-at-Arms; Erma Babis Davis, Parliamentarian; and Lady Mae Davis, Chaplain.

Beta Sigma Sigma's primary objectives were to nurture and maintain finer womanhood through the course of compositely planned activities. Their high ideals and principles were exhibited through programs that promoted: educational development of youth, awareness and involvement in community projects, concern for the elderly confined to nursing homes, Christmas cheer for the indigent, and ongoing religious involvement.

In 1948, Beta Sigma Sigma held its first Jabberwock which consisted of local talents. The theme was "Round-Up Time in Texas." The first Delta Ball was held at the Pleasure Pier Grand Ballroom on the beautiful shores of Lake Sabine. The chapter's first initiation was held in the fall of 1948; initiates were Annie Mae Polk Conner, Beulah Hurd LeBlanc, Vera Whitlow Modiste, Elizabeth Reed, and Sallie Taylor West.

The name, Beta Sigma Sigma Chapter, was changed to Port Arthur Alumnae Chapter in 1959.